Kiama's CBD is set for a population explosion with a 450-home residential community unveiled for the Council depot site off Belvedere street with three multi-storey projects on Akuna Street also in the pipeline.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Kiama Council on Wednesday announced the rezoning proposal for infill housing on the two-hectare former gasworks site bordered by Shoalhaven, Barney, Belvedere and Noorinan streets near Kiama Bowling Club.

Council owns the property and under the rezoning proposal, there will be:

• new buildings ranging between 6 and 8 storeys in height,
• at least 10 per cent affordable housing,
• approximately 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors and
• opportunities for active transport options, such as walking and cycling paths.

“The Kiama Depot Rezoning proposal is an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live," Scully said.

“The proposal also prioritises affordable housing, setting out a 10 per cent minimum to make sure it will boost both the number of homes in the region and the diversity of the housing offer.

“This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government increasing the housing pipeline to address the state’s housing challenges.”

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the draft proposal, which would reclassify the site from industrial to residential to enable new homes and better use of public land.

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said "rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community".

“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many," she said.

“It is particularly exciting when NSW Government and Council can collaborate to unlock the potential for additional, much-needed homes through infill development on underutilised land in town.

“This development will enable current residents greater choice and options to downsize, supports essential workers into affordable housing options and allows the next generation to stay in the community where they grew up.”

The proposal is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 3 December and the community is encouraged to attend a local drop-in session and provide their feedback.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the proposal would enable Council to realise the potential of this land to deliver more homes in the heart of Kiama.

“Council strategically acquired land in this precinct and identified the precinct as a catalyst site in its adopted Local Housing Strategy," he said.

“We’ve worked closely with the NSW Government to deliver the plan and I encourage the community to come along to one of the pop-up sessions and have their say.”

The rezoning is expected to be finalised in 2026.