The latest plan for the Parramatta Road facelift has again revised down the number of homes to be built, but includes more shops and offices.
Previous versions of the New South Wales Government plan had put dwellings as high as 50,000, accommodating more than 70,000 residents.
In September, the number of homes was revised down to 40,000.
That has been significantly reduced in the latest plan which sees 27,000 dwellings being built along the 20-kilometre strip from Granville to Camperdown.
“That’s on the basis of what’s feasible on the corridor and what can be supported by existing infrastructure … and planned infrastructure into the future,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.
“Rather than rezoning areas and hoping for the best, we’re … calibrating the release of infrastructure and the funding of infrastructure as development is activated.”
Mr Stokes said 50,000 extra jobs could be expected from the changes to the plan.
50,000 vehicles forecast to shift to WestConnex
The Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy is underpinned by a forecast that 50,000 vehicles per day, including 10,000 trucks, will shift onto the WestConnex tollway.
Opposition Leader Luke Foley doubts that will happen.
“The exorbitant tolls they’re putting on the M4 will push more traffic than even back on Parramatta Road and that will make improvements to amenity and people’s quality of life impossible,” he said.
The Government is kick-starting the beautification with $198 million for local projects such as open space, bike paths and pedestrian plazas.
It is also dedicating at least two lanes for public transport and has committed to investigate a rapid bus service or alternative public transport service for the corridor.
The Government calculates the 30-year blueprint will unlock $31 billion of development in the eight precincts along the corridor.
More public transport needed, official says
One of the councils along the corridor is concerned that a detailed public transport solution is missing from the plan.
A rapid bus service is being considered, but the Administrator of the Inner West Council, Richard Pearson, says light rail or another electric transport service would be better.
“Light rail is feasible, we think it’s probably affordable with the scale of renewal that’s going to occur,” he said.
“Let’s have a modern 21st century transport solution for this scale of renewal,” he said.
Mr Pearson gave qualified support for the plan’s new emphasis on commercial buildings over residential homes.
“As a strategic initiative we would support increased employment growth over the higher residential targets,” he said.
Affordable housing is a pressing issue for Sydney’s inner west.
Mr Pearson said he would be looking at whether the Plan’s 5 per cent affordable housing target was adequate.
Councils along Parramatta Road are due for a ministerial briefing on the plan this afternoon.
Online Source: ABC.net.au.
