Newcastle seeks local input on housing growth around transport hubs

newy.com.au – Newcastle residents are being asked to help shape plans for more housing around train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange under NSW Government transport-linked housing reforms.

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to prepare urban design frameworks for the four areas, which have been selected for the Transport Oriented Development Program. The program is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs, including mid and high-rise development such as apartments and shop-top housing.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle supported the intent of the reforms, but local conditions needed to be considered.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029. Newcastle Local Government Area has been given a target of 11,100 new homes during that period.

The state government has introduced planning reforms to help meet those targets, including changes to development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios. Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, provided they still allow the government’s housing targets to be met.

City of Newcastle said the urban design frameworks would establish the overall vision, objectives and actions for each of the four transport hubs, giving guidance to property developers and landowners while reflecting the characteristics of each area.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The work is being supported by a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission through City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.