NSW backs more housing in Woollahra with new station plan and rezonings
The NSW Government has confirmed it will complete the long-planned Woollahra heavy rail station and rezone land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations to deliver up to 10,000 new homes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The announcement was made on 24 August 2025, with a state media release outlining the intention to enable higher density housing around the two stations as part of a broader strategy to rebalance housing growth nearer to existing transport.
Public broadcasters and other outlets reported that the plan includes finishing the partly built station and shifting nearby residential controls to allow higher density housing within walkable catchments, with commentary noting potential changes from R3 to R4 in key areas and an estimated eight-minute train trip to the CBD once the station opens.
What this means on the ground
Where the homes would go – Growth is expected to concentrate within walking distance of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, aligning with state transport-oriented development principles. Precinct boundaries and detailed controls will be set through the rezoning process led by NSW Planning.
How many homes – Government materials reference a capacity of up to 10,000 new dwellings across the station precincts. Actual yields will depend on final heights, floor space ratios, site amalgamations, heritage interfaces, and feasibility.
Timing – The state has signalled an intention to move quickly, with rezoning to follow the station completion decision. Exact dates for exhibition, finalisation, and construction will be confirmed through the planning process.
Local context and Council position
Woollahra Council has raised concerns about the state’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy and the cumulative impacts of additional density on infrastructure, character, overshadowing, tree canopy, flooding, and heritage. Council materials from 2025 summarise those concerns and outline advocacy to the Minister for Planning.
Community commentary has also highlighted capacity constraints around Edgecliff and nearby centres, including water and sewer upgrades and school places, issues the state is expected to address through the rezoning package and infrastructure planning.
What residents and applicants should do next
1. Track the rezoning
Watch for the NSW exhibition of the Woollahra and Edgecliff station precinct rezonings. Submissions during exhibition are the best time to influence building heights, set-backs, heritage transitions, and public domain outcomes.
2. Check current controls before lodging – Until any new controls commence, applications are assessed under Woollahra LEP 2014 and relevant DCPs. Always confirm the in-force LEP version at design freeze and at lodgement.
3. Stress test sites near stations – Owners and developers within walking catchments should run yield and feasibility tests for potential uplifts. Typical levers include height, FSR, minimum lot frontage for amalgamation, overshadowing to neighbours, and view impact management.
4. Coordinate early on infrastructure – Expect stronger focus on stormwater, water and sewer servicing, traffic, and walking and cycling links. Early inputs from civil, traffic, and ESD consultants reduce requests for information later.
