This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Aerotropolis Planning Package has been finalised, with amendments to boost investments in the future Western Sydney International Airport’s employment precincts.
After engagement will the surrounding community and the property industry, the final iteration of the plan will see more than 100,000 jobs and 11,400 jobs generated at the circa 65,000-hectares of land.
The package covers plans for the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway, Agribusiness and Wianamata-South Creek precincts.
“The final Precinct Plan will enable the development process to begin in the Aerotropolis, and kick start the benefits and opportunities that a new international airport will bring to Western Sydney,” said Anthony Roberts, minister for planning and homes.
Under the infrastructure contribution framework, developer contributions will fund as much as $1.1 billion in infrastructure, including roads, public transport, health facilities and schools.
“Infrastructure investment in the airport, roads and the new Metro will make the Aerotropolis one of the best-connected areas in the country, making the Western Parkland City the best place to live, work and invest in for generations to come,” said Stuart Ayres, minister for Western Sydney.
Part of the revisions includes the Open Space Network that will see over 95% of future homes in the new city located within 400 metres of open space.
The Property Council of Australia welcomed the finalised plans for the greater investment environment now set up for the Aerotropolis, after arguing that the first plans weren’t up to snuff.
“The changes we’re seeing today mean our members are better able to get on with the job of master planning and fine-tuning their visions for key sites adjacent to the airport. At the outset we said architectural design competitions for sheds and earthworks was planning-overkill and the government has listened,” said Ross Grove, Western Sydney regional director at the Property Council of Australia.
However, Grove noted that stronger commitments to state road upgrades and greater clarity on costs and water management for the precinct were still needed.
“There is still a long runway to creating the certainty industry needs to start planting shovels in the ground. The government is making progress toward these matters and we look forward to working with them going forward,” added Grove.
Last September, continued investor interest in the area was again realised with a development site sells for more than $30 million to a private investor.
“The Aerotropolis will be our newest, thriving commercial city to rival the world’s greatest, that’s why we took time to get the planning right, setting us up for success over the decades to come,” said Roberts.
