On 24 August 2025, the NSW Premier announced the NSW Government would rezone areas around the existing Edgecliff and the proposed Woollahra train stations to enable up to 10,000 new homes. Read further information about the announcement.
Rezoning is when the permitted land use and development controls are changed or increased to allow taller buildings and more housing density. For example, changing an area that is an R2 low density residential zone to an R4 high density residential zone and changing the development controls from allowing a three-storey building to allowing a ten-storey building.
The NSW Government is investigating rezoning significant areas around the existing Edgecliff and the proposed Woollahra stations, which encompasses 18.85% of our LGA.
Since the announcement, Council has actively sought clarity on the implications for the Woollahra LGA.
After extensive advocacy, Council staff are now part of discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in relation to the work that they will now undertake. While Council does not have a decision-making role in the proposed train station or rezoning, our staff will provide specialised information, as required, to help ensure that the local impacts of any rezoning are considered.
The NSW Government plans to place up to 10,000 dwellings within 400m of Edgecliff station and 800m of the proposed Woollahra station, 50% of which is located in Heritage Conservation Areas.
What’s happened so far
Following the NSW Government’s announcement, Council staff have attended multiple meetings with senior officials at the DPHI.
Woollahra Mayor Cr Sarah Dixson met with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces on 11 September 2025 to discuss Council’s concerns with the proposal.
Read a detailed summary from the Mayor on consultation to date.
The DPHI has confirmed Council’s role is as a key stakeholder, and has advised that staff can expect collaboration with the DPHI and other relevant government agencies in the planning of this precinct.
On 24 September 2025, Council approved additional resourcing for staff to undertake our own, independent studies into potential impacts of the project. These will initially include, but are not limited to, a traffic study and an audit of social infrastructure and recreational facilities. View the Council resolution.
What happens next
The DPHI will commission a range of technical studies to inform a master plan and rezoning proposal for the precinct. These may include:
- Urban Design (including master planning plus specialist studies for biodiversity, heritage, social infrastructure needs assessment, sustainability, wind assessment, view assessment, noise & vibration)
- Connecting with Country
- Flooding, stormwater & utilities
- Engineering: contamination, geotechnical, structural buildability and infrastructure delivery plan
- Market feasibility and economics, including affordable housing
- Transport (to be led by Transport for NSW)
Council will also undertake its own, independent studies on key matters. The findings will assist in advocacy work, infrastructure planning and inform the preparation of development contributions plans.
FAQs
When will the construction of Woollahra train station start?
The NSW Government expects construction to start in 2027. Council has not been provided with any more information.
What is rezoning?
Rezoning is when the permitted land use and development controls are changed or increased to allow taller buildings and more housing density. For example, changing an area that is an R2 low density residential zone to an R4 high density residential zone and changing the development controls from allowing a three-storey building to allowing a ten-storey building.
The NSW Government is investigating rezoning significant areas around the existing Edgecliff and the proposed Woollahra stations, which encompasses 18.85% of our LGA.
When will the rezoning take place?
The DPHI anticipate the master plan will be exhibited in late 2026, with rezoning to follow subject to community feedback and assessment.
Who is responsible for the rezoning around Edgecliff and Woollahra Stations?
The NSW Government, through the DPHI, is leading the rezoning process.
What is Woollahra Council’s role?
Council is a key stakeholder and will provide input, data, and local knowledge to inform the master plan and rezoning. However, Council does not have any decision-making authority in this matter.
What happens to the Edgecliff Commercial Centre Planning Proposal?
In April 2024, Council endorsed the Edgecliff Commercial Centre (ECC) Planning and Urban Design Strategy and a planning proposal was prepared and submitted to the DPHI for a Gateway determination on 25 February 2025. Council staff are yet to receive any confirmation on the implications for this project.
What happens to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy?
The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy will continue to apply in nominated areas within 800m walking distance of a station or town centre precinct, which includes the land subject to this state-led rezoning. The precincts affecting our Local Government Area are:
- Bondi Junction Station and Town Centre;
- Double Bay Town Centre;
- Darlinghurst and Paddington Town Centre (Oxford Street Town Centre);
- Edgecliff Station and Town Centre;
- Kings Cross Station and Town Centre; and
- Rose Bay Town Centre (New South Head Road).
Read more about the Low and Mid-Rise Housing, including our submissions to the NSW Government.
What about heritage conservation?
Much of the area proposed to be rezoned falls within heritage conservation areas and contains heritage-listed buildings and other heritage listed items. Council has raised concerns with the NSW Government’s DPHI about this, and will be advocating for the careful consideration of this factor.
Using advice from expert consultants, Council staff prepared a planning proposal to list buildings and areas of high heritage significance near Edgecliff Station. This planning proposal was lodged with the DPHI on 14 June 2024 for Gateway determination. As at 1 October 2025, it is still under assessment and Council have not received advice on any determination.
Will the community have a say?
Yes. The rezoning proposal will be publicly exhibited by the DPHI, and community feedback will be invited and considered.
Watch: Mayor of Woollahra, Clr Sarah Dixson addresses concerns regarding the Woollahra railway station development plans
For more information, visit the NSW Government’s Edgecliff Woollahra Precinct page and the Transport for NSW's Woollahra Station Activation page.