Sydney's Central Station Precinct Set for Major Rezoning to Deliver 3,000 New Homes

The NSW government has unveiled ambitious plans to rezone a significant swathe of land surrounding Central Station, a move that could deliver up to 3,000 new homes to one of Sydney's most connected precincts.

The proposed rezoning, announced by the Department of Planning and Environment, would increase allowable building heights from the current 12 storeys to up to 40 storeys in designated areas immediately adjacent to the station precinct.

The City of Sydney Council has been consulted on the proposal and has indicated cautious support, provided that a minimum 30 percent affordable housing component is mandated for all new residential developments within the precinct.

Planning Minister Jane Morrison said the rezoning formed part of the government's broader Transport Oriented Development program, which aims to concentrate density around rail stations to reduce car dependency and deliver housing supply where infrastructure capacity already exists.

"Central Station is the heart of Sydney's rail network," Ms Morrison said. "It makes complete sense to build more homes here, where people have immediate access to trains, buses, and light rail."

The proposal will be placed on public exhibition for 60 days, during which community members and stakeholders are invited to make submissions. A planning panel will review all submissions before making a recommendation to the Minister.