Prime government-owned land in the heart of Woolloomooloo is set to be put to better use, with the Minns Labor Government progressing plans to transform underutilised land along Nicholson Street into 15 much needed social homes.
The empty site, which has been vacant since a failed redevelopment in 1989, is ideally located for housing in Sydney’s inner city, close to jobs, public transport and essential services.
It is the latest government-owned site to be earmarked for new homes.
Initial plans are for 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom social homes, providing more people with a safe and secure place to call home in an established and well-connected community.
Homes NSW has begun engaging with the Woolloomooloo community ahead of lodging a Development Application with the City of Sydney in December.
Local residents and community members are being invited to share what they value about Woolloomooloo, as well as their views on the proposal, through a community survey open until 30 October 2026.
Community feedback will help inform a Social Impact Report being prepared as part of the Development Application and help shape elements of the proposed design.
A community photo competition is also underway, giving locals an opportunity to share what makes Woolloomooloo special, with selected material potentially incorporated into artwork within the development.
Homes NSW is also engaging directly with local residents and community organisations, to help ensure the proposal responds to Woolloomooloo’s unique heritage, character and identity while delivering much-needed social housing for the future.
To complete the survey and have your say, visit: https://www.research.net/r/55-66NicholsonStreet
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:
“We need to make better use of government-owned land, particularly in places like Woolloomooloo where people can live close to jobs, transport and essential services.
“I want to applaud Alex Greenwich who has spent years fiercely advocating to have this land put to good use for his community.
“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and every new social home makes a difference. This site has sat vacant for too long and we now have an opportunity to put it back to work delivering 15 new social homes for people who need them.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich:
“When I first started asking about plans for this site, it had already sat empty for more than two decades.
“Now we finally have plans for new homes that will change lives, providing safe and accessible housing units for people in need.
“I’m grateful to the NSW Government and Minister Jackson for transforming this unused land into brand new homes.”
