UPDATE: In a bold push for housing, the NSW Government has just announced plans for 11,000 new homes across the Illawarra region, triggering a wave of development that will reshape local communities. This urgent initiative comes as the state implements new planning laws aimed at addressing the critical housing shortage.
Under the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) policy, developers are set to construct 5,300 new homes in and around North Wollongong. New planning controls were finalized in consultation with Wollongong City Council, allowing for apartment towers up to 10 storeys in height, significantly changing the suburban landscape near the North Wollongong train station.
In Kiama, the council has proposed eight-storey apartments on council-owned land just blocks from the main street. This follows a $6.3 million investment to acquire the old Big River property, which is now earmarked for redevelopment.
Additionally, a controversial hotel project in the Wollongong CBD is set to break existing height limits. City councillors have backed a proposal for a five-star hotel on the former David Jones site that would rise to 55 metres, surpassing the 48-metre limit. This project, part of the larger Globe initiative, will also include the redevelopment of the City Diggers, a motel, and office space.
In a parallel development, the fastest-growing area, Shellharbour, is on track to receive 5,700 new homes under a fast-tracked state plan. The government has streamlined two significant rezonings to facilitate this rapid growth, particularly near the new hospital site.
Moreover, Akuna Street in Kiama is poised to become a new development hotspot as three large-scale projects are proposed for the 230-metre road behind Terralong Street, signaling a shift in the area’s urban dynamics.
Wollongong City councillor Ann Martin emphasized the magnitude of these changes, stating, “You won’t recognize Wollongong in 10 years.” This sentiment echoes across the region as residents and local leaders grapple with the impacts of such extensive development.
In a significant upgrade, the IRT has received approval for an $11 million refurbishment of its retirement home on Staff Street in Wollongong, highlighting the growing demand for aged care facilities alongside new housing projects.
Finally, developer Blaq Projects is seeking to add six more storeys to its already approved apartment-hotel complex on Kenny Street, aiming to align with the state government’s initiatives for affordable housing and increased hotel accommodations.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as these developments unfold, with immediate discussions and community consultations on the implications for local infrastructure and community character expected in the coming weeks.
The Illawarra is on the brink of transformation, and these ambitious plans reflect a critical response to housing needs, economic growth, and evolving urban landscapes. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
