The NSW Government has released a significant suite of planning initiatives aimed at revitalising Nowra’s City Centre, activating the Shoalhaven Riverfront, and unlocking more than 900 new homes across two key areas. The announcement marks an important milestone for the region, supporting new jobs, facilitating economic growth, and shaping the future of Nowra as a vibrant regional hub.
A Strategic Framework for Long-Term Growth
Central to the announcement is the Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap—a blueprint guiding the long-term evolution of Nowra’s commercial centre.
The Roadmap focuses on:
• Encouraging investment and supporting new local businesses
• Improving access to essential services
• Enhancing opportunities for people to live and work within the City Centre
• Strengthening connectivity between the CBD and the Shoalhaven River
This strategy builds on substantial investment already delivered in the area, including the Princes Highway upgrade, the four-lane Nowra Bridge, and the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital redevelopment.
Two Major Rezoning Proposals Along the Riverfront
Complementing the Roadmap are two rezoning proposals for land near the Nowra riverfront:
Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:
• Enable up to 377 new homes
• Introduce a two per cent affordable housing requirement
• Increase height limits to between 20m and 44m
• Apply floor space ratios from 0.6:1 up to 2:1
• Allow for boatshed operations along Scenic Drive
Mandalay Sub-Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:
• Unlock approximately 530 new homes, including around 100 social and affordable homes
• Allow building heights of three to six storeys
• Create opportunities for new cafés and restaurants along the Nowra riverfront.
Both precincts sit within close proximity to schools, parks, the hospital, transport links and community facilities.
Allen Price’s Role in the Region’s Growth
As a multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in town planning, civil engineering and surveying, Allen Price is proud to support development across the Shoalhaven. These announcements represent an exciting step for the future of Nowra, and we look forward to assisting landowners, developers and community stakeholders as the precincts progress through planning and delivery.
