Pru Goward: SMARTER PLANNING FOR SYDNEY: CITY’S NEWEST HOMES LINKED TO JOBS & TRANSPORT

Planning Minister Pru Goward today announced the transformation of the run-down industrial area of Wentworth Point will proceed, and draft plans for the Herring Road precinct at Macquarie Park will be put on display for comment.

Around 7,700 new homes are to be built in these two Sydney suburbs close to jobs and transport as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to putting downward pressure on home prices.

“Smarter planning means identifying underutilised land where new homes can be built close to jobs and transport services,” Ms Goward said.

“The transformation of Wentworth Point into a vibrant community supporting 2,300 new homes will occur as improvements to local transport links are also coming on line, and this announcement follows lengthy consultation with council and the community.”

The growth within the precinct will be supported by:

• A new eastbound on-ramp from Hill Road providing direct access to the M4 Motorway and WestConnex

• An upgrade of the Sydney Olympic Park ferry wharf, to compliment the additional Parramatta River ferry services which were recently introduced

• A new 18-classroom school with playing fields by 2017

• New foreshore bike and walking paths – opening up the foreshore for the first time

• New parks across one third of the precinct, including a 3.9 hectare park around the peninsula

• Upgrades to nearby Hill Road and Bennelong Parkway.

“Wentworth Point lies between Sydney’s two CBDs – the city and Parramatta – and means families can buy or rent homes close to jobs, transport and parks right on the edge of Sydney Harbour,” Ms Goward said.

The rezoning plans received strong support when placed on public exhibition in July 2013 and minor changes have been incorporated into the final rezoning to address issues raised by Council regarding the Auburn Local Environmental Plan 2010.

Ms Goward also today released plans for public consultation for a dynamic new precinct in Sydney’s north that will support the growing number of people looking to live, study and work in the Ryde area.

Up to 5,400 new homes would be built close to train stations under draft plans for Herring Road in Macquarie Park plus improved walking, bike paths, and parks.

“Much of the precinct is just a short walk from Macquarie University train station, which will be connected to the $8.3 billion North West Rail Link when it opens in 2019, and is on the doorstep of the recently upgraded Hills M2 motorway.”

Under the draft plans, Herring Road would be transformed into a ‘main street’ boulevard with wider footpaths for outdoor dining and a more inviting street-level experience. Other features would include:

· An extensive range of housing options and building heights, including apartment buildings adjacent to the train station;

· Civic spaces close to the train station, integrated with the shopping centre and Macquarie University;

· New streets, open space, walking and bike paths;

· Extensive tree planting and improved lighting; and

· Improved parks and connections between residential areas and open spaces.

Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said the draft plans offered a suite of new housing options to cater for university students, families and people who work in the area.

“The growth of Macquarie Park as an economic hub has created strong demand for new housing capacity and the NSW Government recognises that the proposed Herring Road development will need to be matched with investment in local schools.

“The Department of Education has commenced a study to ensure the future educational needs of the Ryde area are met. The analysis, to be completed later this year, will consider a number of options including the need for additional permanent classroom space, both primary and secondary.

“The community has said loud and clear it wants new homes to be well connected to public transport, jobs, schools and recreational facilities.

“The Department of Planning and Environment is keen to hear from the community and will continue to work with Ryde Council so those views can be incorporated into the draft plans,” Mr Dominello said.

Following the exhibition of the draft plans, submissions will be reviewed and any amendments made, prior to the finalisation of the plans later in the year.

The Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct draft plans, including a rezoning proposal, planning report and technical studies, are on exhibition until 10 August 2014.