Image: Waterloo Renewal Site
Plans for a major renewal of Waterloo are taking shape, involving the construction of new residential towers, squares, parks and shops.
The ‘Waterloo Renewal’ proposal dates to 2022, but has undergone modification in conjunction with ongoing community consultation. Four towers reaching the maximum height permitted by flight restrictions would join nine high-rises of between 15 and 22 storeys. Despite there being fewer buildings overall than in the original 2022 proposal, 3,000 more homes are promised. Significantly, half of these would be classified as social or affordable, up from the 33.5 percent earlier proposed.
A pleasant neighbourhood inside Waterloo is the vision of the proposal. Shorter buildings of six storeys are proposed to line key streets, and there will be areas of shared pedestrian and vehicular use.
The project is being spearheaded by the New South Wales Government, Homes NSW and developer Stockland, alongside Aboriginal housing partner Biribee Housing, City West Housing and fellow affordable housing provider Link Wentworth.
It is to be delivered in stages over the next 10 to 15 years. Early works are slated to commence as soon as next year, with the beginning of construction targeted for 2028, subject to planning approval.
Although Waterloo has a working class heritage, by far the largest share of its residents today are professionals. A similar transformation has taken place in neighbouring Redfern.
The proposed demolition of existing Waterloo housing stock has caused pushback over the years. 147 residents near McEvoy Street were served eviction notices by Homes NSW in February.
Developer pleased with public engagement
A Stockland spokesperson said that the company and its partners “are committed to a community-led approach” demonstrated by ongoing community outreach.
“We know there have been many years of consultation on the renewal plans for Waterloo South before this time, and we acknowledge the current phase of consultation builds on the contributions of many voices over the years.”
The spokesperson said that “good levels of engagement” had characterised the present consultation period, which ends on 5 December.
Local Aboriginal heritage emphasised
Waterloo and adjacent Redfern were historically home to a significant Aboriginal population, with an enduring cultural significance following.
“Our priority through the Draft Concept Plan is to establish a design approach that respects the history and cultural significance of the land,” the spokesperson said.
Sessions have been held with the local Aboriginal community to inform development.
Collaboration with City of Sydney ongoing
The consortium has “been engaging regularly” with the City of Sydney.
“Ongoing engagement with the City of Sydney will be particularly important for the buildings and spaces that we will deliver for Council under the voluntary planning agreement – which will include new council-owned and managed community facilities, public parks and the streets and public domain.”
Community input sought
Ways for members of the public to give feedback include by attending in-person sessions, calling the developer’s hotline and making submissions by e-mail.
As well as outreach to the general public, particular groups targeted have included tenants, neighbours and local Aboriginal residents.
The developer has stationed a community liaison team to be a daily presence at 95 Wellington Street.
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