The forgotten space that’s a prime candidate for urban renewal

May 24, 2026 — 6:00am

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Newtown is the city’s beating bohemian heart. Home to hundreds of cafes and restaurants, it’s famous for its grit and grime, eclectic nightlife, vintage and op shopping, and university and rainbow culture.

About 15,000 people, who skew towards the younger side, live within its bustling borders, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Australia. It is also a magnet for Sydneysiders who value dining, entertainment and social scenes.

As Sydney grapples with the need for more housing and public space for its growing population, councils and landowners are being urged to unlock underutilised land. The race to build 377,000 homes in NSW by mid-2029 under the National Housing Accord has hit........

© The Sydney Morning Herald