Public spaces, pedestrian areas, shops and easy transport access are central to the new urban development scheme. Image: NSW Government.
Planning controls have been finalised in four more Transport Oriented Development precincts, representing the joint effort of both the NSW State Government and the relevant local councils.
The State Government claims that the move will unlock more than 31,000 new homes near metro and train stations.
Delivered in May of 2024, the Transport Oriented Development scheme aims to create affordable, well-positioned homes within 400m of 37 train stations across the state.
Formalisation of the Transport Oriented Development program means developers can lodge applications and bypass difficult rezoning processes.
“The finalisation of planning controls in each of these Transport Oriented Development areas is a major milestone which will ultimately put more keys in more doors,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
Working closely with the Penrith City, Canterbury-Bankstown and Burwood councils, the NSW Government has finalised master plans around the St Marys, Belmore, Lakemba and Croydon stations.
The new plans will unlock thousands of homes across the precincts by allowing for the construction of taller, mixed-use buildings in existing areas of activity, adding new infrastructure, open spaces and community facilities.
Such plans have been unlocked in 35 of 37 Transport Oriented Development precincts and a pipeline of development is already moving, with almost 18,000 homes in the planning system and more than 1,700 already approved.
In Belmore and Lakemba, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s alternative scheme will unlock more than 18,000 homes, allowing for the construction of buildings up to 18 storeys near the Belmore and Lakemba metro stations, which are set to open soon.
This will revitalise the main streets with new shops, services, pedestrian links and improved public spaces.
St Marys will see benefits too, as the Penrith City Council’s plan is set to unlock 11,500 homes near the upcoming St Marys metro stations. Like Belmore and Lakemba, this will allow for the construction of 18-storey buildings.
The council plan is estimated to create 8,000 new jobs, giving new life to Queen Street by making it a mixed-use entertainment and dining area.
Future plans for St Marys also include a new “Central Park”, a community hub, library, cycle paths and open spaces.
While Croydon will see a scheme that protects heritage areas and spreads new homes across Burwood North and Croydon proper.
The master plan will aid in delivering roughly 1,840 homes at Croydon, with most of the growth in 10-storey buildings near the station.
Extra homes originally planned for Croydon have been spread out to Burwood North. This is expected to deliver a total of 15,000 homes.
“Penrith City Council, Burwood Council and City of Canterbury Bankstown have all stepped up to the plate delivering quality local planning which will enable more homes close to transport, jobs and services,” Minister Scully said.
“It’s particularly great to see councils like Penrith using this as an opportunity to also revitalise local business to create vibrant local neighbourhoods where people want to live.
“Every finalisation builds further momentum behind the Transport Oriented Development program which has already got a strong pipeline of almost 18, 000 homes in the planning system of which around 10 per cent are already approved.”
