A New York Times reporter visiting Dulwich Hill in 2007 remarked that the suburb had a “charming Old World simplicity and sense of community long since gone from nearby Sydney neighbourhoods.”  The reporter was right: Dulwich Hill is an old suburb (it was first developed in the late 1880s) and it has retained its strong sense of community.

​

However, as well-documented by the Save Dully Action Group’s Dulwich Hill Suburb Impact Report, the suburb’s heritage, character, environment and infrastructure is under substantial threat from the NSW Government’s urban renewal plans.

​

Streets proposed to be turned from low-density residential areas to instead accommodate eight-storey unit blocks include Constitution Rd, Ewart St, Denison Rd and Hercules St.

​​

A number of other streets including Terrace Rd and Consett St – all lined with Federation housing – are proposed to be turned from low-density residential areas to instead accommodate five-six storey unit blocks.

​

Dulwich Hill is unique in the corridor in that it is home to an endangered fauna population – the long-nosed bandicoot. The bandicoot has traditionally been based around the light rail corridor and uses backyards and the space under old homes for its habitat. These backyards and also homes are now threatened with wholesale demolition under these plans.

​

An important piece of built and cultural heritage in Dulwich Hill is under threat thanks to the plans. The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Unmercenaries in Hercules St, with has a pretty blue-topped belltower, is thought to be around 40 years old but is now located in an eight-storey heritage zone.

​

Return to Our Suburbs page