DEVELOPMENT OF WOOLLAHRA TRAIN STATION TO RECOMMENCE

Premier Chris Minns announced on Monday that the Government would build the first new heavy rail station in Sydney in more than a decade, at Woollahra, about 4.3km south-east of the CBD.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

Minns also announced the state would rezone an 800m radius from Woollahra Station and to within 400m of Edgecliff Station. allowing up to 10,000 new homes. 

“This new train station will allow us to deliver up to ten thousand new homes right here in the heart of Sydney, close to jobs, public transport, green space and essential services.”

Although this moneyed part of the world is home to some of Australia's most expensive property, Woollahra has been earmarked as one of the most feasible areas to construct new housing within touching distance of the city. With the area lagging on new home approvals, the neighbourhood's population has dropped 11 percent over the last 50 years.

A station at Woollahra was first planned in the 1940s and was partially built between Edgecliff and Bondi Junction. However, cost blowouts and community opposition to the above-ground station—which included a High Court battle—led to the station being abandoned.

As for the project's rebirth, it's safe to assume significant pushback will come from pockets of the surrounding community, with Premier Chris Minns saying he doesn't expect the decision to be "met with universal happiness." However, Minns and the NSW Government see Woollahra Station and its rezoning plans as key to addressing Sydney's housing shortage.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029.