The proposed rezoning will amend planning controls of 42-65 Cowper St, Warrawong (Warrawong Plaza) to enable the delivery of 1,300 new homes including 10% affordable housing.

The proposal is one of four to be assessed under the State-Assessed Planning Proposal pilot, commenced by the previous Government and announced on 14 July 2023. The program aims to increase the supply and diversity of housing in NSW through a State-led Rezoning.

The proposal includes the opportunity for 1,300 new homes with 130 for affordable housing to be built across 12 residential towers by increasing the maximum building height from eight to 22 storeys.

Existing retail floor space on the site, approximately 50,000 square metres, will need to be retained as part of the non-residential floor space.

It will support 540 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and 540 full-time equivalent operational jobs.

It will support the ongoing operation of the existing shopping centre on the site, creating open spaces between the towers.

Additionally, the retail services will need to continue during the proposed works.

Wollongong has been given a housing target of 9,200 new well-located homes by 2029, more than half of these homes are already approved, in the pipeline or under construction. Proposals that could help the community meet the remainder of target and support the delivery of more homes should be considered.

Without more homes, we will continue to lose our young people, families and essential workers to other more affordable areas.

The exhibition will open from 21 June until 5pm on Friday 19 July.

To have your say visit here.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Community feedback is essential to shaping an area’s future and making sure projects bring tangible benefits.

“Housing development here could create more homes and more jobs for the people of Warrawong.

“I encourage Warrawong locals and others to provide feedback on the draft.