There has been much talk in the media over recent weeks about the NSW Government’s plans to complete and re-open Woollahra Railway Station. This proposal comes in the wake of the Rosehill Racecourse redevelopment being refused and the push for more affordable housing in areas with existing infrastructure. The area around the abandoned Woollahra Station would be rezoned to accommodate 10,000 new homes.

This proposal has entered the ongoing debate about how to fix our current housing crisis. Some of those opposed to the Woollahra Station project have expressed concerns that the value and space of their homes, many of which are heritage, may be compromised by an influx of high-rise apartments. These residents also fear that increased high-rise development could impact the feel and character of the suburb.

Other residents are feeling pressured by Woollahra Council to list their homes when they believe their property has little heritage significance in order to block Transport-Oriented-Development (TOD). Yet, these individuals are generally supportive of TOD and have conducted highly modern alterations and additions to their properties.

Based on my experience as a heritage architect, I do not believe that heritage and housing are mutually exclusive. It is crucial that we increase the amount of affordable housing in NSW. The impact on lower-income families and communities, and the younger generations cannot be ignored. There are areas like Woollahra which do have the capacity and facilities for increasing the number of residents. Yet, we still need to be able to retain some of our heritage stock.

In response to TOD and Low-to-Mid Rise (LMR) development, we have seen more clients reaching out to Heritage 21 requesting advice on how to navigate the impacts of TOD and LMR development on their homes, whether heritage-listed or within a Heritage Conservation Area. With these projects, we aim to find a balance between heritage conservation and housing demands.

Generally, the process would involve some initial heritage research and a site visit to determine the level of heritage significance, and whether the item is, in our opinion, contributory, neutral or detracting. Following on from this first step, one of our consultants would then write a Heritage Assessment Letter. The client could then give this letter to council, such as Woollahra Council in favour of redevelopment for TOD and LMR.

We would encourage homeowners caught and up in TOD and LMR to reach out for our expert, professional assistance. Heritage 21 would deal with these complex projects with great care and sensitivity.

Paul Rappoport

Conservation Architect and Heritage Planner

4 September 2025

References:

Helmke, Juliet. “Landmarks of Woollahra and the surrounding area,” Realestate.com, August 25, 2025. , 10,000 Homes Planned for Woollahra Station – Where Will They Be Built?

Riordan, Primrose. “An illustration shows how a railway station at Woollahra might have looked had it been built,” Financial Review, July 20, 2025. Woollahra train station revival rankles well-heeled residents

TheSearleFamily123. “Sydney Trains: Woollahra station, Eastern Suburbs line”, YouTube, February 3, 2021. Sydney Trains: Woollahra station, Eastern Suburbs line