South-West Population Boom Brings Commercial Precinct to Life

Plans for a four-storey commercial building next to a proposed hospital at Gledswood Hills, 45km south-west of Sydney, have been filed with the Camden Council. 

The 4633sq m vacant block at 17 Digitaria Drive in the burgeoning Turner Road Precinct would be transformed into a $14-million, four-storey building for 44 commercial tenancies with a basement level of parking. 

Starr Constructions, who currently own the site, have lodged plans with thecCouncil, according to BCI, while also putting the development site on the market this month after spending about $4.2 million to buy it in 2021. 

The Turner Road precinct is undergoing significant growth to accommodate the future needs of the growing population. The council forecasts a further 4500 people will move to this area over the next five years.

It was earmarked as part of the State Government's South West Growth Area in 2007, with 4200 new homes slated for the Turner Road Precinct. 

In 2021, the Camden region was home to about 115,461 people—that is expected to grow to 145,000 in the next five years, according to Camden Council forecasts. 

▲ The four-storey commercial tower could accommodate up to 44 tenancies and food and beverage offerings in the burgeoning Turner Road Precinct.

The Planning Hub’s statement of environmental effects report to the council said the proposed development was aimed at creating a services hub within the Turner Road employment precinct. 

“The proposal will deliver a development featuring 44 commercial tenancies with the potential to provide a range of services and employment opportunities that meet the needs for the wider Camden Region,” the report said.

“The vision for the Turner Road Precinct is to create a quality, integrated and innovative business and commercial development which will provide a range of employment opportunities to service both the local and regional community.

“The proposed development has been designed to reinforce the desired urban character of the precinct and provide a built form that provides visual interest, identifies the key precinct and best responds to the context of the surrounding area.” 

The DA-lodged development site is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign with Colliers and C21 The Paramount Group. 

The building will be opposite the proposed Gregory Hills Private Hospital in the expanding corridor, with floorplates ranging from 871sq m to 2399sq metres. 

Greg Norman has helped to curate the two golf courses that will be part of Sekisui House’s 320ha Gledswood Hills masterplanned community nearby.

The plans also include a heritage-inspired shopping village and a new primary school.