Last week, I read an article in the Sydney Morning Herald about how the NSW Government has been considering a revision to their rezoning plans around Sydney’s Central Station. The changes were intended to permit high-rise development for mixed-use. However, the Department of Planning is now considering retaining the existing zoning, which permits rail-only use.

I have worked on numerous projects at Central Station over the years. From my experience, I think the rezoning plans have several benefits. Much of the surrounding area is vacant, under-utilised land that could be re-purposed to push Sydney forward.

Considering the current housing crisis, this is also a substantial parcel of land that could provide additional homes in the heart of Metropolitan Sydney. These new homes could be near the best-connected station in our rail network, close to jobs and offices and offer proximity to a variety of commercial and recreational outlets.

In terms of the design, I find there is little to object to. The design is efficient and innovative, maximising the potential of the space. The development could address current needs but still respect the heritage of the site. While some critics have spoken against the over-deck, I also think this is a good addition. I have watched that space continue to remain untouched for too long.

We need to find more of a balance between design excellence, urban development and heritage conservation. Some of the best examples I have seen of recent developments have used this model. I would like to see greater application of this approach to housing and mixed-use development, as combining heritage conservation with good design and planning would result in a more widely desirable outcome.

Paul Rappoport

Conservation Architect and Heritage Planner

1 May 2025

Matt O’Sullivan, “Critical rezoning plans for Sydney’s Central Station on chopping block,”  Sydney Morning Herald, April 22, 2025, Central Station rezoning: Critical plans on chopping block.