Overview
It's been in the works for almost 50 years, but the NSW Government has announced plans to complete Woollahra Station in Sydney's eastern suburbs. In addition to bringing much-needed public transport infrastructure to the area, the station will support up to 10,000 higher-density homes permitted under newly rezoned sections of Woollahra and Edgecliff.
Although this moneyed part of the world is home to some of Australia's most expensive property, Woollahra has been earmarked as one of the most feasible areas to construct new housing within touching distance of the city. With the area lagging on new home approvals, the neighbourhood's population has dropped 11 percent over the last 50 years.
As reported by Guardian Australia, an up-and-running Woollahra Station would allow commuters to reach the CBD in just eight minutes. And with the line only operating at 43 percent capacity during the morning rush, it has the most potential for increased passenger numbers of any line in the city. If all goes to plan, construction will begin in 2027 with an opening date pencilled in for 2029.
So, why has Woollahra Station taken so long to open? While it was partially built in 1976, it was abandoned to reduce growing costs around Sydney's soon-to-open Eastern Suburbs Railway line. Meanwhile, the project faced stiff opposition from some locals, who had adopted the previously empty green space as a park. So concerned were the resident groups about construction that they took the matter to the High Court.
As for the project's rebirth, it's safe to assume significant pushback will come from pockets of the surrounding community, with Premier Chris Minns saying he doesn't expect the decision to be "met with universal happiness." However, Minns and the NSW Government see Woollahra Station and its rezoning plans as key to addressing Sydney's housing shortage.
"For too long, young people and families in New South Wales have been forced to choose between moving away from the Sydney CBD and not being able to afford a home at all," said Premier Minns in a statement. Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson took an even stronger line: "We are not afraid to take on NIMBYs to deliver more housing where there is the space and infrastructure to support it. This new station just makes sense."
Construction on Woollahra Station is expected to begin in 2027, with an opening date planned for 2029.