Blacktown City Council has welcomed two important planning steps which bring the $2.5 billion Blacktown Quarter project closer to delivery.
Walker Corporation has lodged a Planning Proposal with Council that will deliver a larger, greener and better-connected public space at the heart of Blacktown's City Centre.
The proposal will provide 10,000 square metres of connected public open space within Blacktown Quarter, giving the city centre substantially more public space, trees and shady places.
In order for Walker to deliver the new public space, a separate Development Application has been lodged by Council. The Development Application details the demolition of Council-owned properties at the corner of Alpha Street and Flushcombe Road.
Subject to assessment and approval, the demolition will clear the way for work to begin and support the early delivery of new public space.
Blacktown Quarter will transform the heart of Blacktown City - creating thousands of new jobs, new public spaces and a more connected, walkable city centre.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, said "This is real progress on the exciting Blacktown Quarter project. The demolition application is an important next step, giving us a clear path from years of planning to work beginning on the ground," Mayor Bunting said.
"Blacktown Quarter will bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment into our city, but its importance goes well beyond the buildings.
"It will deliver more than 10,000 square metres of connected public space. At its heart will be a new civic space wider than Martin Place.
"That means more room for community events, markets and festivals, more trees and shade, and better connections between Max Webber Library, Civic Plaza and surrounding streets."
Council is working directly with businesses operating from the Alpha Street properties, providing flexibility around their departure dates and time to make suitable arrangements.
Demolition can only begin once the application has been assessed and approved, and the businesses have moved out of the properties.
Council will first assess the Walker Planning Proposal before sending it to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, which will decide if it is ready to proceed to public exhibition. Council looks forward to hearing the community's views.
Blacktown Quarter will deliver up to 150,000 square metres of new office space, 4,500 jobs and around $1 billion in annual economic activity. It will also be a catalyst for further growth, attracting new business and investment to Blacktown City, bringing more workers and visitors into the city centre and supporting local businesses.
Artist's impressions of Blacktown Quarter (supplied by Walker Corporation)
