24 November 2014
The exhibition of the plans for urban renewal of the Parramatta Road corridor is good news for Sydney’s growth, says the Urban Taskforce.
“Most Sydney-siders understand that the city is growing and they are looking for leadership from the State Government on where the future growth is located,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “It is therefore surprising that the government had to be encouraged to exhibit the plans by an upper house decision that it was in the public interest to do so now rather than after the state election next year.”
“The government’s plan for the ‘New’ Parramatta Road seems to be heading for the right scale of development with 60,600 new dwellings by 2050. The focus on Granville and Homebush seems to respond to where land is available for urban renewal and where railway stations are located.”
“While the plans are still fairly conceptual at this stage it will be important to ensure that sufficient height is supported at key locations around railway stations, at town centres and on large sites. Without reasonable height far more land will be required to house the growing population.”
“Mixed use zoning is also essential where jobs, retail, residential and recreation can be integrated into the same precincts to give a dynamic urban environment.”
“To ensure implementation the governance structure will be important. The current 8 councils may need to be amalgamated or form a joint organisation of councils. The State Government could take the leadership role through their urban renewal arm UrbanGrowth or the proposed Greater Sydney Commission could emerge as the lead agency. A single agency must be responsible for implementation so that the vision is realised.”
“An important part of the planning process will be the provision of infrastructure including public transport including the potential for light rail. Infrastructure will also need to ensure that parks, swimming pools, schools and health facilities are ultimately provided to cater for the future population.”
“In June 2012 the Urban Taskforce produced a publication showing that a number of developers were keen to develop their sites along Parramatta Road. They are still keen and are looking forward to the next stages. See publication here: https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/urbanideas/june2012/ ”
“Governor Macquarie who often travelled along the Parramatta Road route between his government house at Parramatta and his equivalent in Sydney would be excited to see that the umbilical cord that he established between the two emerging cities was now becoming the symbol of the state’s growth and prosperity.”
