Following an extensive public consultation process with the local communities, the City of Sydney has endorsed new planning rules for Pyrmont and Ultimo that would help contribute to the NSW Government’s new housing and job targets.

The proposals build on the NSW Government’s Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy, which set goals of 4,000 new homes and 23,000 jobs ahead of the new metro station’s opening in early 2030. Under the revised plans, up to 4,800 homes and 27,000 jobs could be created, along with expanded open spaces and greener streetscapes.

City planners worked closely with residents and ratepayers in Pyrmont and Ultimo throughout the consultation process to shape the proposed planning controls.

“This has been a complex process. It was vital for us to listen to and advocate for good outcomes for our Pyrmont and Ultimo communities while enabling an increase in housing supply,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore says.

“These planning controls will help grow a stronger harbour area and it really is exciting to see the potential for this region, which will result in around a $5 billion boost in economic output for the area.”

Instead of blanket zoning changes, the City opted for site-specific amendments, employing a micro-zoning approach to effect height and floor space increases in selected areas of the peninsula. The revised planning rules prioritise more trees, greater open space for community use and minimised overshadowing of existing homes, while conserving heritage, addressing wind and noise impacts, and matching land use to place.

The strategy offers an alternative to the NSW Government’s newly formed Housing Delivery Authority.

“We’ve shown that we don’t need to set aside good strategic planning and community involvement to grow our city,” observes the Lord Mayor.

“It is vital the City of Sydney has ownership over changes to the peninsula to enable a coordinated and consistent response to local conditions and community values. We can accommodate growth in the best possible way and ensure Pyrmont and Ultimo become even better places to live, work and visit.”

Key updates from the consultation process include provisions for mixed-use residential developments at 1-27 Murray Street, 46-48 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 13A-29 Union Street.

In addition to the Pyrmont-Ultimo proposals, the Council, endorsing the One Park for Everyone plan, reaffirmed its call for Wentworth Park to be returned to the public once the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association’s lease ends in September 2027.

“The return of the Wentworth Park greyhound track as public open space is critical. We must support increased density with adequate access to parkland,” the Lord Mayor adds.

The proposals will now go to the NSW Government for gateway determination.

Image Credit: Lucinda Varney Airview Group/City of Sydney

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