The NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has approved 18 large-scale residential developments as State Significant Developments (SSD), clearing the way for accelerated planning approvals and construction. These projects, if completed, will contribute over 8,600 new homes across key locations in Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and regional NSW.
At a recent briefing on 19 February 2025, the HDA reviewed multiple proposals and determined which projects met the SSD criteria under Section 4.36(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The authority considered projects that could begin construction within 12 months and significantly contribute to housing supply.
This announcement builds on the first round of fast-tracked approvals, where 12 developments were granted SSD status, bringing the total number of projects under the initiative to 30. More information on the first round of approvals is available in this article.
The HDA, established by the Minns Labor Government, is focused on accelerating housing supply by prioritising large-scale projects that align with the state’s housing objectives. To be considered for SSD designation, developments must meet specific criteria, including the ability to commence construction within 12 months of approval. Developers seeking to participate in future rounds can find details on eligibility and the application process in this article.
Fast-Tracked Projects and Their Locations
The 18 projects cover a mix of high-density apartments, mixed-use precincts, and affordable housing initiatives. Below is a breakdown of key projects approved for SSD designation:
Sydney Metropolitan Area
601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards (Stockland Development Pty Ltd)
Development Type: 50-storey mixed-use residential tower. Number of Dwellings: 600. Details: Redevelopment of a commercial site into high-rise residential apartments. SSD Rationale: The project aligns with transport-oriented development (TOD) principles.
6-7 & 8 Buchan Avenue, Edmondson Park (Urban Property Group)
Development Type: Five mixed-use residential towers. Number of Dwellings: 1,057. Details: High-density residential precinct with commercial spaces. SSD Rationale: Close to Edmondson Park train station and aligns with urban growth plans.
105 Forest Road & 1A Hill Street, Hurstville (Gyde Consulting)
Development Type: 7-13 storey shop-top housing. Number of Dwellings: 150. Details: High-rise apartments with ground-floor commercial spaces. SSD Rationale: Located in a high-demand growth area.
23-27 Macquarie Street, Parramatta (Pacific Planning)
Development Type: Mixed-use development with two residential towers. Number of Dwellings: 315. Details: CBD residential towers supporting Parramatta’s growth as Sydney’s second city. SSD Rationale: Meets affordability and density objectives.
1 North Terrace, Bankstown (Vicinity Centres & Coronation Properties)
Development Type: Mixed-use high-rise development. Number of Dwellings: 1,300. Details: Large-scale urban renewal project adjacent to Bankstown CBD. SSD Rationale: Meets state housing targets and integrates with public transport.
25 Macquarie Place, Mortdale (Pacific Planning)
Development Type: Mixed-use development with supermarket, club, and apartments. Number of Dwellings: 175. Details: Retail and housing integrated in a suburban centre. SSD Rationale: Supports local infrastructure and community growth.
47-97 Marlborough Street, Surry Hills (Urbis)
Development Type: Residential flat building with affordable housing. Number of Dwellings: 156. Details: Infill development within an established inner-city area. SSD Rationale: Supports Sydney’s affordable housing initiatives.
960A Bourke Street, Zetland (Mirvac)
Development Type: Nine residential buildings with mixed-use elements. Number of Dwellings: 1,200. Details: Large-scale urban renewal within Green Square’s expansion. SSD Rationale: Strategically located near public transport and employment hubs.
Regional NSW & Growth Corridors
Kanagra Park, Colo Vale (Torr Constructions)
Development Type: Subdivision of a 25-hectare rural land parcel. Number of Dwellings: 86. Details: Expansion of regional housing supply. SSD Rationale: Supports Southern Highlands’ residential growth.
65 Albert Avenue, Chatswood (Mandarin Developments & Capitel Group)
Development Type: High-density mixed-use development. Number of Dwellings: 250. Details: Luxury apartments with integrated retail spaces. SSD Rationale: Located in Chatswood’s commercial hub.
153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney (Freecity Group)
Development Type: 47-storey mixed-use tower. Number of Dwellings: 520. Details: High-rise apartments in North Sydney’s growing commercial precinct. SSD Rationale: Supports residential densification and office-worker housing.
Sanderling Avenue, Hawks Nest (Tattersall Lander & Core Property Developments)
Development Type: Three residential flat buildings. Number of Dwellings: 103. Details: Coastal housing expansion. SSD Rationale: Supports regional housing supply and lifestyle communities.
69-73 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour (Core Development)
Development Type: Residential apartments. Number of Dwellings: 80. Details: Medium-density coastal development. SSD Rationale: Boosts regional housing diversity.
Leichhardt Industrial Site Reuse (Ceerose Pty Ltd & Anprisa Pty Ltd)
Development Type: Adaptive reuse of industrial warehouse into residential apartments. Number of Dwellings: 200. Details: Converting an underutilised industrial site into inner-west housing. SSD Rationale: Supports sustainable urban redevelopment.
Rejected SSD Applications
Some applications were not granted SSD status, with key reasons including long approval timeframes, environmental constraints, or failure to meet state housing targets. Notable rejections include:
- 185 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga (Capital Corporation) – Did not meet affordable housing or urban infill criteria.
- Kanagra Park, Colo Vale (Torr Constructions) – Environmental constraints.
- 65 Woodbridge Road, Menangle (Mulpha Menangle Pty Ltd) – Infrastructure limitations.
- Hillgrove, Wagga Wagga (Thomson Estate Family Trust) – Complex rezoning requirements.
Next Steps & Public Consultation
Now that these 18 projects have been declared SSD, the next steps involve:
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIS) – Developers must submit reports within nine months.
- Public Exhibition – Communities will have the opportunity to provide feedback before approvals.
- Final Determination by the NSW Department of Planning.
The NSW Government’s fast-tracking initiative is expected to significantly reduce housing approval timelines, enabling construction to begin as early as 2026.
