The Minns Government has unveiled the first three state-led rezoning proposals for Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts on public exhibition from today. These proposals for Kellyville and Bella Vista, Hornsby, and Macquarie Park Stage Two are set to deliver up to 30,000 new homes supported by almost 80,000 jobs, located close to transport infrastructure, employment centres, open space, shops, and nightlife. This initiative forms part of the government's commitment to rebalance housing growth around existing transport infrastructure to confront the housing crisis and provide a future for the next generation, preventing them from leaving the city. According to a report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner, between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained, resulting in a net loss of 35,000 young people from the city.
Kellyville and Bella Vista Precinct
The Kellyville and Bella Vista proposal will create a new community around two of the newest Metro stations in Sydney, delivering 20,700 new homes (including between 620 and 1,650 affordable homes) and over 10,000 jobs. With the new Metro line extension to Waterloo slated to open on 4 August, residents will have direct train links to Chatswood, Crows Nest, and Barangaroo. The master planned area will feature apartment buildings with direct access to retail and commercial offerings, expansive open spaces, and new active transport links including walking and cycling connections to the Metro stations. A 3-8 per cent affordable housing target has been set, with homes to be affordable in perpetuity to encourage a diverse community. Given their close proximity, the master planning and draft rezoning for Kellyville and Bella Vista were combined to enable shared infrastructure identification as development progresses.
Hornsby Precinct
Hornsby CBD is set for a modern makeover with up to 5,000 new homes to be added over the next 20 years within a new 38.9-hectare precinct spanning both sides of the train line. The rezoning proposal, built upon Hornsby Shire Council's Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan which has already undergone extensive previous community engagement, will deliver 3,450 jobs underpinned by more diversified housing with an affordable housing target between 5-10 per cent in perpetuity, equating to 250-500 affordable homes. These new homes, just minutes from Hornsby train station and close to excellent schools, offer access to retail, restaurants, cafes, and the National Park.
Macquarie Park Stage Two Precinct
The Macquarie Park rezoning proposal will provide a mix of homes, jobs, entertainment, open space, and commercial premises to transform the area into an innovation and living hub for the 21st century. It will deliver 4,600 new homes (including 460-690 affordable homes) and sustain more than 66,000 jobs. The TOD will bring the area to life with more apartments, seven hectares of open spaces, and street-level vibrancy leading to an 18-hour economy. Essential workers are catered for with 10-15 per cent affordable housing in perpetuity.
Supporting Measures and Assessment Changes
To encourage vibrant communities, Special Entertainment Precincts (SEP) will be enabled in the TOD Accelerated Precincts to support live entertainment through extended trading hours for live music venues and favourable noise controls that provide operational certainty for venues, neighbouring residents, and businesses. The precincts will also share in $520 million reserved for investment in community infrastructure such as critical road upgrades, active transport links, and quality open spaces. The Government is exhibiting an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) that includes speeding up development assessments by changing the State Significant Development threshold in the Precincts, providing exemptions from certain concurrence and referral requirements, and offering an alternative design excellence pathway. Consents in the TOD Accelerated Precincts will be time-limited, requiring proponents to begin works within two years.
Public Exhibition and Ministerial Comments
A public exhibition on the state-led rezoning proposals for these three TOD Precincts will occur from 9 July to 9 August 2024. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully stated: "Today the first three Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct rezoning proposals go on public exhibition with the remaining precincts to go on public exhibition soon. The Minns Labor Government's planning reforms are focused on building better homes and better communities. These first three rezonings allow for up to 30,000 more homes supported by almost 80,000 jobs. People want to be able to buy or rent a home close to their friends and families and jobs supported by infrastructure, but the housing crisis across NSW, and especially Sydney, has made that almost impossible. We're focused on getting the balance right, between building new homes and protecting the character of communities. It doesn't have to be an either-or choice. That's why we are master planning these communities. NSW needs more social, affordable, key worker and market homes and these Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precincts support the other planning reforms we have introduced that provide for the construction of diverse housing and the opportunity for people to find a well-located, well-built home that suits all stages of their lives. I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and provide their comments."
What this means
The Minns Government's release of the first three TOD Accelerated Precinct rezoning proposals represents a significant step in its strategy to address Sydney's housing crisis by delivering well-located homes near transport, jobs, and community infrastructure. By combining housing growth with job creation, affordable housing targets, and investments in open space and transport links, the proposals aim to create vibrant, self-sustaining communities. The public exhibition period from 9 July to 9 August 2024 offers an opportunity for community feedback on these plans, which are designed to retain young residents and provide long-term housing solutions that suit all stages of life.
Originally reported by miragenews.com. Adapted for our readers with AI assistance.
