Long known as a hub for food, nightlife and culture, an inner‑west suburb is now set for significant residential growth under expanded draft planning controls.

The latest plans for the Burwood North Metro precinct point to a significantly larger development than first proposed, with up to 18,300 homes now on the table. 

The Burwood North Metro precinct was first announced in August 2025 as a “once‑in‑a‑generation” rezoning that could unlock around 15,000 new homes close to Sydney’s CBD.  

Originally set for 15,000 homes, the Burwood North Metro Precinct could now unlock 18,300 new homes. Picture: NSW government

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Following detailed planning work, that figure has now risen to 18,300 dwellings. 

The draft rezoning plan, which is currently on public exhibition until April 6, 2026, covers a 113‑hectare area within 800 metres of the future Burwood North Metro station on the Sydney Metro West line. 

Once complete, the station will allow commuters to reach both Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta in around 10 minutes, placing the precinct among the most connected residential areas in the city. 

Under the draft controls, building heights would range from eight to 42 storeys, with a mix of residential, commercial and community uses.  

The plan also includes a requirement for between five and 10% of homes to be delivered as affordable housing in perpetuity, alongside improved open spaces, upgraded roads, and new walking and cycling connections. 

The rezoning is being led by the NSW government and is being assessed under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, a pathway designed to fast‑track large and complex rezonings. The state has worked with both Burwood Council and the City of Canada Bay Council on the proposal. 

NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said the rezoning would support continued growth in a highly connected part of Sydney. 

“Burwood already ranks as one of world’s best neighbourhoods and with both the Sydney CBD and Parramatta set to be a quick 10-minute trip from the new Burwood North Metro station it’s a no brainer to support its continued growth,” Mr Scully said. 

The Burwood North precinct spans the Burwood and Canada Bay local government areas and sits close to existing transport links, including the current Burwood train station and Parramatta Road bus corridors. Schools, shopping precincts and the Parramatta River are also nearby. 

Burwood was also one of just two Australian suburbs to feature in Time Out’s list of the world’s 100 coolest neighbourhoods, ranking 16th thanks to its bustling nightlife and diverse food scene.

Under the new draft controls, building heights would range from eight to 42 storeys in the precinct. Picture: NSW government

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When the rezoning was first announced last year, the NSW government said the precinct would build on individual masterplans submitted by both councils, while allowing the state to coordinate housing delivery and infrastructure planning at scale. 

At the time, NSW premier Chris Minns said the project was part of a broader strategy to ensure housing was delivered alongside major transport investment. 

“This precinct has the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed homes in a well-located part of Sydney, close to transport, jobs and the Parramatta River,” Mr Minns said. 

“We are spending billions of dollars building Sydney Metro West, and we’re making sure there are homes to go with it.” 

According to the NSW government, Burwood North is one of 68 state‑led rezonings currently underway across the state, as part of a broader push to accelerate housing supply near major transport infrastructure. 

Community members can review the draft plan and make submissions via the NSW planning portal before the exhibition period closes in early April. 

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