A long-term blueprint for the transformation of Wollongong’s core health district is now on public exhibition.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy. It outlines a 25-year vision for the precinct west of the South Coast Rail Line. The plan focuses on integrating health, education, housing and transport around Wollongong Public Hospital to support a growing population and improve regional health outcomes.
Public consultation runs from 24 April to 11 June 2025.
Long-Term Strategy for Health and Innovation
The strategy sets a path to 2050 for a precinct anchored by Wollongong Public and Private Hospitals. It also draws on the University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW to create a hub for innovation and collaboration. The NSW Government intends for the strategy to guide development, attract investment, and deliver improved health, housing and transport services.
It outlines clear goals to align public and private efforts. These include changes to planning controls, infrastructure upgrades, workforce growth, and increased community amenities. Delivery will rely on cooperation across government agencies, education providers and the private sector.
Context and Site History
The precinct sits next to Wollongong Station and includes the elevated Hospital Hill area. It has grown around key institutions, particularly Wollongong Public Hospital, which remains the region’s major public health facility.
Today, over 4,100 people work in the precinct’s healthcare sector. This includes nearly 3,000 roles at the public hospital. Each year, the hospital handles more than 74,000 emergency presentations and 56,000 inpatient admissions.
The strategy responds to ongoing population growth and development pressure in the city centre. It builds on regional planning goals and aims to shape the precinct as a hub for health, research and education.
The government forecasts an additional 153,000 residents in the region by 2041. One in four will be aged over 65. Nearly one in five already live in areas with high levels of disadvantage. These trends highlight the urgent need for new infrastructure and services.
Planning Framework and Strategic Alignment
The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy delivers on Action 1 of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan. It supports state and local policies, including the Future Transport Strategy, Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan, Wollongong Housing Strategy, and the NSW Net Zero Plan.
This strategy adopts a place-based approach. It focuses on shaping development that meets local needs and creates equitable outcomes. It promotes cultural recognition, access to services, housing affordability, and environmental resilience.
Design and Vision for 2050
The 2050 vision positions the precinct as a leading centre for regional healthcare and innovation. Five focus areas—called ‘big moves’—outline the key priorities.
These include transforming the area into a research and education hub, improving walkability, upgrading transport access, supporting the health workforce, and expanding green public spaces.
The precinct is divided into three sub-areas: Core Health, City West, and Innovation and Learning. Each area will play a distinct role, while contributing to a shared identity.
The strategy promotes design that supports health, sustainability, and collaboration. It includes clear success measures to track progress over time.
Structure Plan by DPHI
What the Community Asked For
During early consultation, residents and stakeholders identified key concerns and aspirations:
- Improve public transport and active travel
- Make streets safer and more walkable
- Provide more parks and green open space
- Build affordable housing for healthcare workers
- Expand healthcare and aged care services
- Improve lighting and safety near key destinations
The strategy includes actions that respond to these priorities and encourages designs that improve everyday experiences for residents, staff and visitors.
Implementation Timeline
The NSW Government plans to deliver the strategy in phases over 25 years.
In 2025, the department will finalise the strategy after community consultation. Between 2026 and 2035, the focus will shift to infrastructure upgrades, early-stage housing, and improved public spaces. From 2035 to 2050, broader integration of health, education and innovation precinct goals will follow.
This staged approach allows long-term investment and adaptation as community needs evolve.
Project Delivery and Partnerships
The following groups will lead or support implementation:
- Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (lead agency)
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
- Health Infrastructure
- Transport for NSW
- TAFE NSW
- Wollongong City Council
- Private sector and institutional stakeholders
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure prepared the strategy in partnership with state agencies and Wollongong City Council.
For more information, search ‘Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy’ on the NSW Planning Portal.
