Revitalisation plans for Bellambi are set to improve housing supply and infrastructure in the area. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Bellambi’s housing supply is in the spotlight with the NSW Government exploring ways to renew the estate and build more and better social, affordable and private homes alongside the infrastructure, facilities and services the community needs.
The draft Bellambi People and Place Plan outlines the opportunities over the next 15 years and beyond to renew the estate and address the region’s housing crisis while capturing the elements that are important to the community and preserving the rich history of the area.
The vision is shaped on the pillars of more and better housing for everyone, authentic and enhanced sense of place, improved infrastructure, facilities and services, and positive outcomes for residents and the community.
As well as increasing supply, action items include designing homes based on safety, accessibility, sustainability and a reflection of the suburb’s character as a coastal neighbourhood.
Expanded recreational uses including establishing a community garden and delivering additional multi-use spaces for community use is also potentially in the pipeline.
Collaboration with the First Nations community to help protect culturally significant sites and embed cultural storytelling and knowledge within the plans has also been identified as a priority.
Wollongong City Council has thrown its support behind the plan.
“A shortage of social and affordable housing is not unique to Wollongong, but it’s vitally important that we work with all levels of government, including Homes NSW, to address the issue,” Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“We know that housing availability is a priority issue for our community, and we need to consider how we can ease housing stress in the short-term but also consider the best approaches to future housing needs, including the surrounding infrastructure and services that communities will need into the future.”
Homes NSW identified Bellambi as an area of potential renewal while reviewing its social housing portfolio across Wollongong.
It developed the pillars, priorities and actionable items based on feedback provided by hundreds of local residents, stakeholders and community members who participated in engagement between August 2024 and March this year.
Now the community is encouraged to give feedback again, with the draft plan on exhibition until 23 July.
Homes NSW will host drop-in sessions and community engagement activities to gauge people’s thoughts on the plan in-person, with feedback also able to be submitted online.
Once the plan is finalised a rezoning application will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to change the planning controls that apply to the land in the Bellambi renewal area.
This is expected to be submitted late this year.
Homes NSW reassured residents that changes weren’t being rushed through.
“The proposed renewal of the Bellambi estate is a long-term project that will take many years to deliver,” a Homes NSW spokesperson said. “We are only in the very early stages of planning.
“Social housing residents living in Bellambi are not being asked to move at this time.
“Homes NSW understands that with renewal comes the potential for change. We are committed to engaging with respect and sensitivity and keeping you informed as the project progresses.”
Drop-in sessions will be held at Bellambi Surf Life Saving Club on 10 July from 4 to 7 pm, and 12 July from 9 am to noon.
Printed copies of the plan are also available at Corrimal Library and Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre.
To view the draft plan online or submit feedback visit the NSW Government website.
