Responding to community concerns about a lack of consultation about plans for a major new residential precinct near the University of Wollongong (UOW), Homes NSW has produced an information brochure in an attempt to allay concerns.

The glossy six-page document assures locals living in the affected area that the project is "long-term" and "will be delivered in stages over several years".

"Social housing residents in Gwynneville are not being asked to move at this time, and there are no changes to current tenancy arrangements," the Homes NSW information brochure says.

Wollongong City Council is overseeing the process and is asking the community to consider the Homes NSW documentation associated with the plans to change the current planning rules which would allow for a significant increase in density.

In a statement Council said: "What they're asking is for permission for this area to have up to 1,250 homes, including 625 homes that would be social and affordable housing." Housing height limits would be increased to up to six storeys.

Consultation period extended

After criticism over a lack of engagement with the community, Council extended the consultation period by one week to Monday, 5 May 2025.  A second community drop-in information session will be held next Tuesday, 29 April between 4.30pm-7.30pm at the Wollongong Senior Citizens Centre at the Gwynneville shops in Gipps Road.

At the first drop-in session, concerned locals were given the opportunity to speak with Council and Homes NSW staff about how the proposed changes would impact the inner-city suburbs neighbouring UOW. The dramatic increase in traffic in the area, both during and after construction, was one of the main concerns. Others believe it will change the character of the popular leafy suburb forever.

Secretary of the Keiraville Resident Action Group (KRAG) Yvonne Toepfer was concerned about how the displacement of mainly older local residents would impact their lives.

No community housing in the area

"There's no community housing available nearby, so where are they going to put these people," Yvonne said.

Shirley Grogan has lived in Leahey Crescent for 38 years and doesn't like what's proposed.

"Very, very disappointed. People who have made their homes here don't want to be surrounded by buildings six storeys high," Shirley said. "I'm claustrophobic; I couldn't live in what they're planning to do here."

Doesn't want to leave

Keen gardener Keyna Happ has lived in the area for 44 years and he doesn't want to be moved on.

"I grew up here, I went to school up the road and went to soccer practice here as well. I may not live in a million-dollar house but my garden is beautiful and with what's planned it will be gone," Keyan said.

"I don't know where I'll go. There's a housing crisis here. I have no idea what I'll do."

Homes NSW says: "The Gwynneville renewal seeks to ease housing shortages in Wollongong by providing more homes for seniors, people living with disabilities, low-income householders, students and key workers.

"If relocation (of residents) is required in the future, Homes NSW supports social housing residents through the relocation process, every step of the way." 

Homes NSW key relocation facts 

Homes NSW says key relocation facts include:

• Relocations typically happen in stages to minimise resident and community impact. This means not everyone in Gwynneville would move at the same time.

• Residents will receive at least six months written notice before relocating.

• Residents are given the opportunity to stay in the local area.

• Residents have the right to return to a new home in Gwynneville once the development is complete.

New parks and gardens

In its information brochure Homes NSW says: "New parks and garden links closer to homes will provide spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and participate in community life. There will be an increase in public open space in the precinct from 8,300 sq metres to !6,600 sq metres which includes the expansion of Spearing Reserve as a neighbourhood park and nature reserve."

Homes NSW lists as the other key features of the proposal:

• Creating green streets by retaining existing street trees and planting more where possible, to enhance the local streetscape and strengthen the neighbourhood character.

• A new green-link between Hoskins Street and Sidney Street, providing better connections for pedestrians through the precinct as well as more landscaping and increased tree canopy coverage.

• Taller buildings concentrated at the northern part of the precinct, closer to higher density development at the University of Wollongong campus.

• Lower-scale buildings located at the southern, eastern and western edges of the precinct to reduce the visual impacs on the neighbouring Botanic Garden and surrounding neighbourhood.

• Improved road and pedestrian links that integrate with the broader transport, pedestrian and cycling network.

• More public open space with opportunities for a children's playground, community gatherings, usable green space and increased tree planting.

• Improved landscaping along Murphys Avenue, strengthening the local streetscape.

• Increased separation between lots and buildings to minimise overshadowing, maintain privacy and create more private open space. 

• Improved stormwater management and drainage to minimise flooding risk. 

Residents can provide their feedback by submitting a formal submission to Wollongong Council. This can involve completing the feedback form on Council's website, emailing council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or mail General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, Wollongong DC NSW 2500.

Read more

• It’s too big’! Locals tell Homes NSW go back to the drawing board on massive Gwynneville housing project
• First drop-in session to discuss big changes at Gwynneville is on today