Expanded Mixed-Use Development On Balmain Leagues Club Site Approved

The New South Wales Government has given the green light to an expanded proposal for the construction of 227 flats on the site of the former Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle.

Submitted last year following changes in planning rules designed to incentivise the provision of affordable housing, the new 16-story proposal is four stories taller than that which was originally approved. 59 of the units will be designated as affordable under the new plan submitted by Chinese development company Heworth Holdings.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne criticised the developer for reneging on its initial proposal at the time, saying it was delaying the construction of housing. Local opinion has been divided on the development’s visual appeal, height and potential effect on traffic.

The former club has sat increasingly derelict for 15 years, at one point substantially damaged by fire. Demolition works began last year, resulting in the removal of part of the structure before progress halted.

Situated on Victoria Road just down from Darling Street, the site is located near a plethora of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops at the heart of the Balmain peninsula. It is a stone’s throw from Callan Park, Birkenhead Point shopping centre and the Bay Run around Iron Cove. It is also a fifteen-minute walk from the Balmain West ferry wharf, which is to reopen later this year.

In addition to housing, the mixed-use development will accommodate a registered club, supermarket and public plaza. Advertisements promoting the upcoming community hub have long faced down Victoria Road whilst the abandoned, decayed colossus rested behind.

Construction is expected to provide 416 jobs, with 452 jobs expected once the building is completed.

Government hails planning reforms

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully was celebratory over the approval, hailing it as a “win for young people and families” and for the Minns Government’s Infill Affordable Housing Pathway.

“The old Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road has been an eyesore for too many years, but will now be transformed into a thriving residential area with a supermarket, registered club, and public plaza,” Scully said, calling the approval “a resolution to the site that is long overdue.”

“The Infill Affordable Housing Bonus is a clear example of how smart planning incentives can drive real results, delivering affordable housing in well-located areas to meet the needs of households on low to moderate incomes.”

Housing minister Rose Jackson said the “vacant property is finally being transformed into something the community can be proud of — with affordable housing at its heart.”

“59 affordable homes in a prime inner-city location is a big win — and just the start of what this new planning pathway will unlock across New South Wales,” Jackson said.

“This site has sat empty for far too long. We’re bringing it back to life — with homes, jobs, and services locals actually need.”

“Housing is a human right. This project — delivered through the Infill Affordable Housing pathway and backed by our Building Homes for NSW program — is proof we’re serious about turning that principle into reality.”