The rezoning will deliver an improved flood resilient neighbourhood focusing housing growth close to the train station, while the northern end of the precinct will retain its low-scale character.
The new controls will allow:
- building heights between 2 and 15 storeys.
- more employment land to support up to 1,200 jobs.
- a new town centre with retail, dining and shopping areas.
- upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
- improved walking and cycling connections.
Crucially this rezoning will be supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes with the NSW and Australian Governments together investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road.
New open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation measures and new laneways will also improve flood safety and evacuation routes.
The final controls were adjusted to reflect further technical studies and community feedback. Key changes include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, improved flood planning, and an expanded open space network.
The proposed homes in the precinct have been reduced from 3,600 to 3,400, including 550 existing homes, to assist with flood evacuation capacity.
The final plan has been developed closely with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority to consider flood risk, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.
