Explorer Street, Eveleigh

The NSW Government is exploring the rezoning and redevelopment of the Explorer Street social housing estate.

Our plan is to deliver more new social, affordable and private housing, along with open space, improved streets and amenities.

Proposed rezoning

The area proposed for redevelopment includes social housing dwellings on Explorer Street, Station Place and Aurora Place, but not nearby properties in Rowley Street, which are managed by Bridge Housing. The site is about 2 km south of Sydney CBD within the City of Sydney local government area.

In November 2020, Homes NSW consulted with the community on redevelopment options. Since November 2022, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has led the rezoning, working closely with Homes NSW and the City of Sydney. Feedback provided by the community in 2020 has helped to inform the rezoning proposal.

The rezoning proposal was on public exhibition from 13 October to 1 December 2023.

The proposed rezoning aims to deliver:

• between 350 and 400 new homes with 30% allocated for social and 20% allocated for affordable housing close to public transport, jobs and services
• potential upgrade of South Sydney Rotary Park for recreation and quiet enjoyment
• improved new pedestrian connections to the surrounding street network
• recognition of the significance of the area to Aboriginal people including cultural values to underpin future design and a commitment to 20% of affordable housing to be delivered as Aboriginal affordable housing.

Submissions have been summarised in a What we heard report on NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

DPHI will now prepare a response to these submissions which may include modifications to the rezoning proposal. DPHI will work with the City of Sydney and Homes NSW to address the issues raised and then prepare an assessment and recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

Following this, further detailed design will be required and will be subject to a Development Application and Design Competition requirements.

Visit the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for more information.

Social housing tenants

No tenants will be relocated from the Explorer Street estate before 2025.

If the rezoning is finalised, other planning processes will also need to occur before redevelopment starts. This includes development approvals, community consultation and detailed design.

Social housing tenants who are required to relocate will receive a minimum of 6 months written notice before needing to move and will have support from the specialist relocations team to find suitable homes that meet their housing needs.