Waterloo Renewal Project

Planning

The image shows a lively public plaza at sunset, surrounded by modern mid-rise apartment buildings with green walls and balconies. The plaza is paved with light tiles and includes wooden benches, raised planters with greenery and small trees. People of all ages—families, couples, and individuals—are walking, sitting, and socialising. There are outdoor seating areas with umbrellas near the building entrances, suggesting cafes or restaurants. Tall trees frame the scene, and the sunlight creates a welcoming community space.
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Stage 1

Stage 1 of the Waterloo South renewal is located in the south‑western corner of the precinct. It covers the area bounded by McEvoy, Cope, John and Mead Streets.

Stage 1 is a major part of the project and represents around a third of the overall renewal. It will deliver:

  • A new public park and community facility building
  • Seven residential buildings — including four social housing buildings and one affordable housing building
  • Retail spaces and facilities for community use along key streets
  • Upgrades to local roads, including new footpaths, planting, seating and safety improvements.

Several planning processes are required to deliver Stage 1. Each is outlined below.

Key components of Stage 1

A view from above of a modern urban precinct featuring multiple high-rise residential and commercial buildings between landscaped green spaces. The area is densely built, with a mix of tall towers and mid-rise structures. In the background, a city skyline with additional skyscrapers is visible, suggesting it is close to a central business district. The overall scene conveys a vibrant, newly developed urban environment with significant integration of greenery among the buildings.
Demolition of existing buildings

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is a planning assessment that evaluates the potential environment impact of proposed works and outlines how these impacts will be managed or mitigated. Homes NSW has submitted and received approval for an REF to demolish buildings and undertake associated site works, including tree removal, within Stage 1 of Waterloo South.

To read more, visit the Homes NSW project page.

Early works

A planning application will be prepared to allow early works for Stage 1. These early works include site establishment, excavation, piling and other preparatory activities.

A scoping report has been lodged for early works in Stage 1. This starts the planning process and tells the Department we plan to lodge an application for approval of Stage 1 early works. The Department will issue a ‘Secretary’s Environmental Assessment’ SEARs, which tells us what studies are required and who we should consult with before we lodge the application.

Next steps

  • Mid 2026: Pre-lodgement engagement so the community can understand the early works, give feedback, and help identify impacts early. This feedback will help inform the Construction Management Plan.
  • Around Q3 2026: Lodgement of the early works application with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (the Department).
  • After lodgement: The Department will place the application on public exhibition. Community members can make formal submissions, which the Department will share and we will review and may respond to with updates to the application. The Department will then assess the proposal and decide whether to approve it.
Detailed design

Throughout 2026, we will work with the community, key stakeholders and our design team to prepare a detailed application for new buildings on Stage 1. These plans will refine the layout, design, uses and management of the buildings and public spaces, in line with the controls set out in the Concept Application and Rezoning.

A scoping report has now been lodged for the detailed application for buildings in Stage 1. This is the first step in the planning process to tell the Department we intend to lodge a detailed application for Stage 1 (Blocks 8 and 9). The Department will then issue a ‘Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements’ which tells us what studies are required and who we should consult with before we lodge the application. 

Next steps

  • Mid 2026: Pre‑lodgement engagement to gather community insights to help shape the design, and share how the designs are evolving.
  • Around Q4 2026: Lodgement of the detailed application with the Department.
  • After lodgement: The Department will place the application on public exhibition. Community members can make formal submissions, which the Department will share and we will review and may respond to with updates to the application. The Department will then assess the proposal and decide whether to approve it.
Community building and park

Delivering new social infrastructure early as part of the renewal is a key priority. This will mean the community has dedicated places for programs, events and cultural activities from the first stage of the redevelopment.

Stage 1 will include a new park and a new community facility building, creating an inviting place for people to gather, connect, and participate in everyday activities.

The City of Sydney will lead the planning for these spaces, including decisions about their features and uses. Council will work closely with the community throughout this process. Once complete, both the park and the community facility will be owned and operated by the City of Sydney, ensuring they remain important public assets.

Next steps

  • The City of Sydney will prepare a brief detailing what should be delivered in the park and community facility.
  • Community engagement will help shape this brief and identify priorities for these spaces.
  • The brief will then be provided to us to finalise detailed plans, lodge planning applications and, once approved, deliver the new community spaces and hand them to Council to manage.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Custodians and knowledge holders of the lands on which Waterloo is located. We recognise their deep and enduring connection to the land, waters and skies across this region, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We also recognise the strength and determination of the Redfern-Waterloo community who have long fought for the social and political advancement of First Nations people across this Country.