The draft Rockdale Centre Masterplan was developed using a comprehensive approach to ensure it reflects both community needs and strategic priorities. We built the plan on the foundation of the 2012 Masterplan, while also considering:

• State and local government strategies and policies, including Transport Oriented Development (TOD) to guide sustainable growth near Rockdale and Banksia stations
• Desktop research to understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Rockdale
• Insights from previous planning and community consultation

This process ensures the draft Masterplan is well-informed, practical, and ready for community feedback to shape the final plan

The draft masterplan leverages Council’s extensive land holdings portfolio to enhance commercial and community assets and social benefits while maximising development potential to contribute to Council’s long-term financial health. Property has been acquired for the benefit of the local community with the expectation that it will deliver social infrastructure for the future community.

The study area builds on the 2012 Rockdale Town Centre Masterplan, focusing on the Civic Precinct because it remains the primary element yet to be delivered. By focusing the updated masterplan on this precinct, Council intends to address the existing gap and fully realise the vision for Rockdale's civic heart.

Building on this central focus, the study area involves extensive Council-owned land, presenting an opportunity to deliver visible public benefits as the centre grows — including new open space, community facilities, and local employment and housing opportunities.

The study area extends beyond the 2012 boundaries to include land covered by the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) policy implemented in 2024. It also incorporates a transition zone that connects the higher-density town centre to the lower-density residential neighbourhoods on its edges.

Rockdale is a busy commuter hub because there is a lot of all-day parking near the train station. Parking is in high demand and supports many purposes, including short-stay trips, workers, commuters, and visitors.

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan is not a rezoning proposal, so it does not directly change what you can do with your property right now.

Think of the masterplan as a vision document. It sets out the preferred land uses, built form, and design outcomes for the town centre, and guides future decision-making.

What happens next?

Once Council formally adopts the Masterplan, Council will lead a separate Planning Proposal process — the formal step required to translate the Masterplan's vision into actual changes to planning controls in the Bayside Local Environmental Plan. The community will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on any proposed changes to land use zones, building heights, and other development standards at that stage.

If your property has been identified as a potential location for community infrastructure in the Rockdale Centre Masterplan, this means Council has recognised it as a site which may be an option in the future to deliver public infrastructure or community benefits — such as open space, road improvements, or community facilities.

If your property has been identified as a potential location for community infrastructure in the Rockdale Centre Masterplan, this means Council has recognised it as a site may be an option in the future to deliver public infrastructure or community benefits — such as open space, road improvements, or community facilities.

Does this mean Council might want to acquire my property in the future?

If your property is identified as the site for community infrastructure in the final adopted plan, Council's strong preference is to work with property owners and purchase properties on a willing seller basis by mutual agreement.

Since the 2012 Masterplan was adopted, work to implement its strategies has included Council-led Planning Proposals to change planning controls, allowing lots to be combined and higher-density developments to be built. One example is the Chapel Street mixed-use precinct, which is now complete and features popular new public spaces and cafes.

What has been delivered since 2012

• Since 2012, private development has continued across the town centre. Many lots have been combined, developed, are under construction, or have approvals in place and are ready to begin.
• The 2014 upgrade of Rockdale Town Hall
• In 2016, the new Rockdale Library was completed. It has become a popular community hub for learning, collaboration, and connection.

• In 2019, Bayside Council formally nominated Rockdale as a proposed strategic town centre in the Bayside Local Strategic Planning Statement. This reflects the area's growing importance.
• 2021 the Bayside Local Environmental Plan (Amendment 2) optimised the planning controls for the Rockdale Town Centre, resulting in increased height where possible, logical amalgamation patterns, improved DCP controls to achieve better built form and public amenity.

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan marks the last stage in Rockdale’s transformation, creating a vibrant and welcoming civic centre for everyone in the community to enjoy.

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan focuses on a component of the previous plan. It focuses on creating a "Civic " or Centre for Rockdale. The 2012 Rockdale Town Centre Masterplan provided a strong foundation. It was integrated into the Rockdale LEP and DCP 2011 and established a clear vision for the town centre. However, the 'civic precinct' or 'Spine' was postponed for a later planning review due to its complexity and opportunities. This new masterplan is specifically designed to address that gap.

Significant changes have occurred since 2012. Bayside Council has designated Rockdale Town Centre as a strategic centre in its Local Strategic Planning Statement, and the planning context has evolved with major state government reforms, including:

• Transport Oriented Development (TOD) SEPP (commencing July 2024), which applies to land within 400m of Rockdale Station and enables significant new residential development;
• Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (commencing February 2025), which increases permissible density within 800m of Rockdale and other identified centres; and
• Updated housing targets — Bayside Council's dwelling target has increased from 7,700 to 10,100 new homes by 2029 as part of the National Housing Accord commitments.

This masterplan addresses these changes and completes the original vision by strengthening the civic precinct. It aims to ensure that Rockdale Centre becomes a vibrant community hub, supported by quality public spaces, community infrastructure, and built-form outcomes.

Bayside Council acknowledges the Bidjigal Clan, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and work and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Bayside Council pays respects to Elders past and present.

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan builds on the 2012 Rockdale Town Centre Masterplan and responds to the NSW Government's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy. Much of the density and broad land use framework has already been established through these prior processes, which means there is limited scope for the masterplan itself to be substantially shaped by First Nations input at this stage.

The area where First Nations knowledge and culture can most meaningfully contribute is in the design of public spaces — including the new town park, public domain, streetscapes, and community gathering places that the masterplan proposes. This will occur after the masterplan is adopted.

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It is envisaged that the new arts and culture space will include:

• Flexible Exhibition display space/s and supporting infrastructure
• Flexible rooms that can be used for creative workshops and creative learning.

A concept for this building will be further consulted upon.

In October 2025, Council adopted the Bayside Affordable Rental Housing Strategy. Under this strategy, any site that receives additional development uplift must provide an affordable rental housing contribution when they redevelop.

The specific requirements and contribution rates will be detailed in the planning proposal that seeks to amend the planning controls once the masterplan is adopted. The proposal will be publicly exhibited for community consultation.

In December 2023, the NSW Government introduced housing reforms to address the national housing crisis under the National Housing Accord. These reforms aim to deliver significant new housing in well-located areas across Greater Sydney, including Bayside.

What this means for Rockdale

The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) controls commenced in July 2024 and apply within 400 metres of selected stations, including Rockdale and Banksia. Together, these precincts are forecast to deliver around 11,300 new dwellings.

In February 2025, the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy increased allowable densities within 800 metres walking distance of identified centres, including Rockdale and Banksia.

Importantly, TOD controls can be modified or switched off where a Council-led masterplan meets or exceeds the required housing targets.

What is the TOD SEPP?

Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy. The TOD SEPP is a State Government policy that applies to land within a 400m radius of some rail stations, including Rockdale Station. It permits residential flat buildings and shop-top housing across residential, local centre, and commercial zones, with building heights of up to 22m or 24m and floor space ratios of up to 2.5:1. A minimum of 2% affordable housing is also required for larger developments.

In addition, the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (finalised February 2025) applies to land within 800m of the station, enabling medium-density housing types such as terraces, multi-dwelling housing, and 2-storey residential flat buildings in lower-density zones.

What does the Masterplan add?

While the TOD SEPP sets a baseline for development, it is a broad state-wide instrument — it does not account for the specific local context, character, infrastructure capacity, or design quality aspirations of Rockdale town centre.

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan works alongside the TOD SEPP to:

• Rationalise and coordinate where growth is most appropriate within the town centre
• Establish better design outcomes for buildings, streets, and public spaces — going beyond what the TOD SEPP requires
• Provide Council and the community with a locally informed framework that guides future planning proposals
• Identify opportunities to switch off TOD SEPP controls where the masterplan's planning proposal delivers equal or greater dwelling yields, streamlining the planning system with locally appropriate, evidence-based controls

If you have an existing development consent, it remains valid.

New development standards and controls will only apply to development applications lodged once a planning proposal is finalised.

Significant trees are identified and protected through Council's tree preservation controls. New developments will be required to provide additional canopy tree planting.

Public transport is provided by the State Government. As population increases TfNSW assesses if additional services are required.

The masterplan aims to improve connections to public transport by making walking around the area easier and safer. This will encourage more people to use if they feel safe and its convenient.

Development may be able to be undertaken on one or two lots, although in some instances a larger lot size will be required to facilitate development. An amalgamation pattern may be implemented via a Development Control Plan and this will be exhibited for community consultation after the master plan is adopted, if required. The future development of privately owned land is a matter for landowners to work through amongst themselves.

The masterplan locates higher density near the train station and town centre where there's great access to transport and services, with medium density in transition areas down to the lower density neighbourhoods.

Medium density typically means townhouses or low-rise apartments (2-4 storeys), while high density means taller apartment buildings 6 - 9 storeys.

The movement strategy includes the reorganisation of laneways with a new through lane proposed between York St and George Street.

York St is proposed as a one-way route to improve the public domain, calm traffic and increase on-street parking and will enhance the open space.

Intersection improvements are also proposed at key locations

The Rockdale Centre Masterplan represents the final piece in realising the 2012 vision and previous masterplan , focusing on creating quality social infrastructure, commercial opportunities, and new homes to support the growing population.The Rockdale Centre Masterplan update shows how much things have changed since 2012. These changes include population growth, the NSW Government's TOD housing policy, and the community's evolving needs. The need to revitalise Rockdale has also increased since 2012 with the closure of banks, and recently the Post Office. The update builds on the 2012 masterplan, streamlines the remaining precincts, and aims to ensure that future development brings better design outcomes for the whole community.

Active Transport refers to walking and bike riding.

The Bayside Bike Plan (2024) identifies George Street as part of the North-South Priority Route (NS3) from Kogarah to Wolli Creek to bypass Princes Highway.

A separated cycle path is proposed for George St connecting Bestic St to Bay Street.

A: Approximately 5,000sqm - about the size of Bonar St Park (4,000sqm) or Gujaga Park 5,000sqm. This will create a significant new open space in the centre of Rockdale.

A: The park will feature green spaces, exercise areas, water play facilities, and multi-use spaces for events and activities. A detailed concept plan for the park will be shared separately for community feedback.

The design will include appropriate lighting, clear sightlines, and activation from surrounding uses to ensure the space feels safe and welcoming.

A: Yes, the park will be designed as a multi-use space that can accommodate community events, festivals, markets, and other gatherings.

A: MORE INFO ON NEW ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE AND SENIOR CITZ RELOCATION

This includes spaces for arts and cultural activities. We want to know what type of community facilities you would like to see in this space.

Public art will be incorporated into the Civic Precinct design, with opportunities for community input on themes and artists.

A: Residents will have access to a high-quality park and community spaces within walking distance - a place to relax, exercise, and connect with neighbours.

In time it will be demolished to make way for the new open space and community facilities. Please note that Council has not made a final decision on this proposal.

Council will arrange temporary office space. Details will be provided to staff well before any building works commence.

An accommodation strategy will be developed to confirm staffing arrangements for the new facility. This will involve engagement with all staff members in due course.

The masterplan is envisioning a more activated town centre to support the nighttime economy and to support outdoor dining and cafe culture.

A: All service areas will be designed to be internal to the development to minimise impact on the street environment in accordance with Council’s Development Control Plans.

A: The ground floor will include retail and dining spaces. The development will be designed to attract high quality tenants to provide restaurants, cafes, and local-serving shops.

Rockdale will become a more attractive destination with an activated town square, community hub, library, retail anchor, and public open space – enticing more people to the area throughout the day and night. Market Street will be transformed into a dining and entertainment precinct, improving the night-time economy and bringing more customers to Rockdale

Yes, new public toilets will be incorporated into the redeveloped sites and will provide a higher standard of convenience and public amenity.

A: Commercial waste will be managed internally within developments, and Council will monitor and enforce waste management requirements

The masterplan includes concept building design and shadow testing to minimize impacts on surrounding homes. Shadow diagrams are available in the urban design report.

A: Operating hours and noise management will be controlled through development conditions and licensing requirements to balance activation with residential amenity.

The new development is designed to attract more visitors to Rockdale, particularly in the evenings and weekends.

The mixed-use development will include residential apartments above the ground-floor retail and dining uses.

The masterplan proposes improved pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, and better lighting to make the area more walkable and safer.

A: More housing choice, better amenities, improved public transport connections, more local shops and services, and contribution to Affordable Housing through Council policy. This proposal is an important initiative to help address the housing crisis.

A: If the masterplan is adopted, your land will be rezoned to allow higher-density development, potentially increasing its development value.

A: No. There is no compulsory acquisition. The decision to sell or develop is up to the landowners and can happen whenever you choose - or not at all.

A: Rezoning generally increases property values due to development potential, but exact values depend on many factors. Consider obtaining a professional valuation.

A: You can do either. Some owners develop themselves, others sell to developers, and some form owner groups to develop together. You have options

Following the adoption of a master plan, a Planning Proposal to change the planning rules that apply to the site will be undertaken. In the Planning Proposal council will apply specific floorspaces, height limits, and setback requirements for the precinct. The Planning Proposal will be exhibited for further comment by the community

Development may occur on individual lots, though better outcomes are often achieved when neighbouring owners work together. Development may be able to be undertaken on one or two lots, although in some instances a larger lot size will be required to facilitate development. A land consolidation pattern may be implemented via a Development Control Plan, this will be exhibited for community consultation after the master plan is adopted, if required

You can proceed with renovations to your existing home. If you are considering a major addition or alteration we recommend you consult with Council’s Duty Planner, or a Town Planning Consultant

A: Rates are based on land value. While rezoning may increase land values, rate increases depend on Council's rating structure and annual rate determinations.

A: Subdivision depends on planning controls that apply to the site and the type of development that you are intending to do.

A: This is a personal decision based on your circumstances. The rezoning creates development potential, but there's no obligation to sell. Consider seeking independent advice.

A: Many residents prefer to remain in their homes regardless of rezoning. This is a personal choice

Medium density typically means townhouses or low-rise apartments (2-4 storeys), while high density means taller apartment buildings.

Medium‑density areas often experience strong demand for townhouse-style housing and can offer solid development returns through a comparatively less complex development application processes. Landowners may seek independent, site‑specific advice to better understand opportunities for their property.

A: The masterplan offers a mix of housing types, including duplexes, townhouses, and walk-up apartments, to support a diverse and balanced neighbourhood. The exact options for your property will be confirmed once the Planning Proposal process is complete.

After the zoning and planning rules are updated, all future Development Applications will be required to comply with the new development standards that apply to the site.

A: If your lot is small you may need to combine with a neighbouring property or properties to achieve viable developments. The land size required for redevelopment depends on multiple factors including specific site sizes, the type of development and relevant development controls and standards.

If you have an existing development consent, it remains valid.

New development standards and controls will only apply to development applications lodged once a planning proposal is finalised.

Council is considering consolidating local community facilities into a large Arts, Culture and Community facility.

The existing building in George Street will remain until an alternative location is found within a larger complex of council run facilities.

: The masterplan locates higher density near the train station and town centre with the best access to transport and services, with medium density in transition areas

A: Medium density tends to provide more townhouse-style homes with small gardens or courtyards, compared to apartment living in high density areas

Townhouse developments typically include private courtyards or small gardens for each dwelling, plus communal open space.

A: Medium-density zoning is designed to bring gradual changes, such as adding townhouses and small apartment buildings that are usually two to four stories high.

A: If the masterplan is adopted, Council will prepare a Planning Proposal to rezone land to allow medium-density development such as townhouses or low-rise apartments.

The detailed Planning Proposal will be exhibited for community consultation