Thousands of homes are set to be delivered across four Sydney neighbourhoods, as part of the NSW government’s push for higher density near transport hubs.
The NSW government has announced rezonings across four transit precincts in Sydney’s west, together unlocking 31,000 new homes across the state.
The four precincts form part of the state’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program, which aims to increase housing density around public transport hubs, jobs and amenities.
Under the new masterplans, thousands of homes will be delivered in St Marys, Belmore, Lakemba and Croydon, by allowing taller, mixed-use buildings in existing centres, alongside new infrastructure, community facilities and open space.
As part of the TOD program, the state announced four rezonings across St Marys, Belmore, Lakemba and Croydon. Picture: Getty
NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said the new controls would “ultimately put more keys in more doors”.
“Penrith City Council, Burwood Council and City of Canterbury Bankstown have all stepped up to the plate delivering quality local planning which will enable more homes close to transport, jobs and services,” Mr Scully said.
“It’s particularly great to see councils like Penrith using this as an opportunity to also revitalise local business to create vibrant local neighbourhoods where people want to live.”
First announced in 2024, the TOD program identified 37 areas across Sydney and the state’s other smaller cities, where the government said it would introduce new zoning to increase density within 400 metres of train stations.
At the outset, the initiative was expected to lead to the construction of 138,000 new homes across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter regions.
Local councils were given the opportunity to create their own plans for these neighbourhoods, provided the housing targets were met or exceeded. If councils missed the deadline, the TOD controls would be implemented automatically.
The NSW government says it has now finalised controls in 35 of the 37 precincts to date, with around 18,000 homes currently in the planning system and about 10% approved.
What the plans outline
The state government said it worked closely with Penrith City, Canterbury-Bankstown and Burwood councils to finalise each masterplan.
St Marys is expected to unlock up to 11,500 homes under plans developed with Penrith City Council, allowing buildings of up to 18 storeys near the metro station.
The precinct will also include a new “Central Park”, a future library and community hub, as well as new cycle and walking paths and public open spaces.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s new scheme will unlock more than 18,000 homes across Belmore and Lakemba, with buildings of up to 18 storeys permitted close to train stations.
The plans will see main streets redeveloped in both suburbs, alongside new and improved public open spaces and pedestrian connections.
In Croydon, Burwood Council’s plan will deliver 1840 new homes by allowing buildings up to 10 storeys near the upcoming station.
According to the council, the plan protects heritage areas while distributing new homes across Croydon and Burwood North.
Additional homes originally planned for Croydon have been redistributed to Burwood North, which is expected to deliver a total of 15,000 homes.
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