Burwood in Sydney was once dubbed one of the coolest in the world and it could be ringed by high-rise apartment buildings under an NSW Government proposal.
The state government wants to rezone the 113-hectare Burwood North Metro precinct to build 18,300 new homes within 800 metres of the Metro station; this is an extra 3300 homes on the 15,000 first proposed back in August.
And it is calling for the public to have their say.
The draft plan features 5-10% level of now homes to be affordable housing, building heights of 8 to 42 stories and better local roads.
The government says Burwood is one of Sydney’s most popular nightlife spots and even recently recognised as the 16th ‘coolest’ neighbourhood in the world in 2025 due to its Chinatown Night Markets and food.
CALL TO BURWOOD RESIDENTS
Planning Minister Paul Scully says that both Sydney CBD (east) and Parramatta (west) will be “a quick 10-minute trip” from the new Burwood North station.
MP for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li is encouraging residents to speak up.
“We encourage everyone to have their say through the public exhibition (process),” he says.
Burwood Mayor John Faker describes the rezoning as a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity” to build a vibrant centre.
“It’s great to see the state government recognise the critical role Burwood North plays in metropolitan Sydney,” he says.
“The updated NSW Government Masterplan will now enable the provision of new public space, expanded retail and commercial floorspace to support local businesses, and brings thousands of new jobs to the area.”
“This rezoning ensures Burwood North grows into a lively, accessible precinct where public life, employment and community activity can thrive.”
The proposal is one of 68 state rezonings across NSW that government claims will create more than 236,000 homes and 167,000 jobs.
The draft proposal will remain on public display until April 10.
People are encouraged to submit feedback via the NSW Planning portal.
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PROPERTY COUNCIL NSW
Meanwhile, the Property Council of Australia wants the 2026–27 NSW Budget to kick-start more apartment projects and convert current approvals into more homes.
Last month, council’s NSW Executive Director Anita Hugo said apartment starts are far below historic levels as data showed 75% of apartments approved since 2020 have not started construction.
“Apartment starts (are) still well below mid-2010s levels,” she said.
“Years of cost escalation have increased commercial risk and slowed the commencement of approved projects.
“This Budget can alleviate the cost and timing barriers that are preventing apartment projects from reaching construction,” she said.
