Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the proposal built on the vision set out in the Westmead 2036 Place Strategy and recognises the unique opportunity created by the future Westmead Metro Station, existing rail services and one of Australia’s most significant health and education precincts.
“This is exactly the type of location where Sydney should be accommodating more growth,” Ms Stevenson said.
“Westmead already has the jobs, education institutions, health services and transport connections needed to support a growing population. Planning for more homes around that infrastructure is common sense,” she said.
The Government’s proposal would increase housing capacity in Westmead South to approximately 13,000 homes, focus the highest densities around the future Metro station, provide up to three hectares of new public open space, and improve active transport links.
Ms Stevenson said many of the initiatives aligned with recommendations the Property Council has previously made for the precinct.
“For many years we’ve supported greater housing density around new mass transit infrastructure in Westmead and called for early identification of open space requirements, improved transport planning and long-term governance to ensure the precinct’s vision is delivered.
“It is encouraging to see the Government continuing to prioritise new housing close to transport, jobs and services while also planning for parks, schools and other community infrastructure.”
Ms Stevenson said the proposal’s recognition of the future Metro station as the focal point for growth was particularly important given Sydney’s ongoing housing supply challenges.
“Westmead is one of the most strategically important precincts in Greater Sydney. The cluster of the hospital precinct, research institutions, university facilities and future Metro creates a rare opportunity to deliver homes in one of the country’s most significant employment centres.”
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council would review the detailed planning package and provided feedback on how the proposal could best support housing supply, investment, jobs and growth for Western Sydney.
