99 public housing tenants in Waterloo, Sydney, have received relocation notices before any replacement homes in the area are complete, as the Waterloo South Renewal Project moves from planning into active site preparation.

The relocation notices, issued to residents on the western side of a proposed new park, follow confirmation from Homes NSW that demolition has been approved for several buildings across John Street, Cope Street, McEvoy Street and George Street. Demolition is expected to begin around mid-2026, with works to take place over six to nine months as part of a staged program.

Affordable housing supply at the centre of the debate

The Waterloo Renewal Project is one of New South Wales’ most significant urban renewal initiatives, with the Waterloo South precinct alone set to deliver new social housing, affordable housing and private dwellings alongside community facilities and open space. However, the sequencing of relocations ahead of construction has raised questions about where displaced tenants will go in the interim.

Residents who wish to remain in the area face a wait for suitable vacancies in existing public housing stock, while others may be placed in nearby suburbs including Redfern and Glebe. The project is guided in part by a Voluntary Planning Agreement between the City of Sydney Council and project partners, which sets out delivery timelines for key infrastructure including the new park.

Early moves to allow time for support, says Homes NSW

Homes NSW has said relocation notices are being issued early to allow sufficient time for staff to work with tenants individually and identify housing suited to their needs. The broader housing program includes statewide efforts to increase supply and upgrade existing stock, with thousands of new dwellings planned across New South Wales.

One property at 29 John Street will remain in use under a short-term rental arrangement until approximately mid-2027, while the broader demolition program proceeds around it.

Community impact and next steps

For long-term residents such as Evelyn Morris, who has lived on Cooper Street for 27 years and served as a tenant representative, the relocation represents a disruption to established community ties. Morris is among those seeking clarity on where and when affected residents will be rehoused within the area.

Further details on staging and design are expected when the Waterloo South concept plan is formally released, which is anticipated to clarify how relocations and construction timelines will align.

The Waterloo Renewal Project is being delivered by Homes NSW in consultation with the City of Sydney Council and the local community.

Main Image: Redfern/Waterloo urban landscape – “The Block” with CBD skyline, Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

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