A brand-new suburb is set to rise just minutes from Sydney’s CBD, marking the first new inner-city suburb announced in more than 100 years.
The NSW government has revealed plans for Bays West, a new neighbourhood expected to deliver up to 8500 new homes on Sydney Harbour, as part of its broader push to tackle the housing crisis.
The new suburb will be built above the new Bays West Metro Station, set to open in 2032. Picture: Supplied
According to the state government, Bays West will be built above the new Bays West Metro Station, which is currently under construction, on government-owned port land on Glebe Island, in the city’s inner-east.
While the area will be transformed for housing and public use, the state says deep-water port facilities will be retained.
As part of the housing mix, the government has committed to a minimum of 10% affordable and essential worker homes. These will be included from the outset, with dwellings set aside for workers such as nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police.
NSW premier Chris Minns said the plans will ensure more people could afford to live in well-connected parts of the city.
“We understand that not everyone will welcome change, but cities don’t stand still,” Mr Minns said.
“If Sydney is going to remain a place young people and families can afford to live in, we have to use well-located land better and plan for the future.”
As part of the master planning process, the government will lead an international design competition to guide development across the suburb. The aim is to ensure housing, transport links and public spaces are delivered together.
A new delivery agency will oversee the development and is expected to be established in the coming weeks. Once set up, publicly owned land will be transferred to the agency.
The agency will report to NSW minister for lands and property Steve Kamper, who highlighted the opportunity to unlock underutilised government land.
“This is exactly the kind of development Sydney needs – well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services,” Mr Kamper said.
“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future.”
A new waterfront precinct
Beyond housing, Bays West will combine new homes with public open space, creating what the government says will be the first time in more than 100 years the public has been able to access this stretch of waterfront.
The new precinct could deliver up to 8500 new homes. Picture: Supplied
Planning will prioritise connectivity, including improved transport links to nearby communities such as Rozelle, Balmain and Glebe, better pedestrian access to the waterfront, and stronger connections to the CBD, including a link across the Glebe Island Bridge.
In addition to the new Metro station, which is set to open in 2032, the suburb will be connected by ferry services, as well as new walking and cycling links.
To support the renewal, the state will cease bulk port operations on Glebe Island by 2030. The government has committed $270 million to improve road connections at Port Kembla to minimise impacts and ensure continuity of supply.
Existing industrial silos on the site will be removed, potentially unlocking further opportunities for housing and public space in the future.
Working harbour operations across the precinct will be consolidated, mostly into White Bay, according to the government. The heritage-listed White Bay Power Station is set to be renewed and a new staging area will be earmarked in the area as a future home for New Year’s Eve fireworks, Sydney’s Vivid festival and other major events.
NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said the project represented a major shift in how Sydney grows.
“This is city-shaping renewal - delivering thousands of new homes alongside open space, jobs, culture and waterfront access,” Mr Scully said.
“The master planning process will coordinate delivery and guide a good mix of homes and jobs, so the transition of the new precinct is smooth for industry and future residents. Importantly alongside the renewal of Glebe Island, we’re also investing $270 million in transport infrastructure to accommodate additional activity and support more jobs at Port Kembla port.”
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