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Six years after its pool was bulldozed to make way for a stadium, Parramatta has flung the doors open on its architecturally-designed aquatic centre.&nbsp;The $88.6-million pool was co-funded by the NSW and local governments after a bun fight over who would foot the bill. &nbsp;&nbsp;The aquatic centre was forecast to attract up to a million swimmers each year ahead of its opening this week.&nbsp;The circular structure is at Mays Hills in Parramatta Park.&nbsp;The Grimshaw Architects-led design team, with Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, was charged with creating something that blended into the landscape, despite its 40,000sq m footprint.&nbsp;<div id="7JwLTsBQVCTKC0IXoqaiAQ"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7FRMe8f0I9QDt5o8VPqJib/56d6d55d48ba2afbe7b78ebf19b68b5f/Parra_Pool_MID2.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7FRMe8f0I9QDt5o8VPqJib/56d6d55d48ba2afbe7b78ebf19b68b5f/Parra_Pool_MID2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The circular design of the aquatic centre was designed to limit its intrusion into the surrounding Parramatta Park. </div></div>The Parramatta pool is a modern take on the traditional aquatic centre typology with a focus on outdoor landscaping and recreational space as a place of gathering, according to the architects.It is the second collaboration between Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects, who also delivered the award-winning Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre at Sydney’s Green Square.&nbsp;Grimshaw Ppoject director Josh Henderson said it was a much-needed piece of infrastructure for western Sydney.&nbsp;“The design team, <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-nsw-pedestrian-link-plan" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-nsw-pedestrian-link-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City of Parramatta</a> and builder (Lipman) have all collaborated to create a valuable community asset that is enjoyable to experience, well made, highly functional and accessible,” Henderson said.&nbsp;“As a new home to many community groups, the opening of the facility will provide vibrant landscaped public spaces for fitness, sport, learn to swim classes and for time with friends and family.”<div id="47hW75bB7AK721qQugteFW"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lLuZ4k8sDV79VtXiehEaz/7aa249129f384d36aeca62c65162e5a4/Parra_Pool_MID1.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lLuZ4k8sDV79VtXiehEaz/7aa249129f384d36aeca62c65162e5a4/Parra_Pool_MID1.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The aquatic centre is forecast to attract a million visitors each year. </div></div>Andrew Burges Architects principal Andrew Burges said the design of the aquatic centre was about sensitively locating the relatively large scale of the development into its park setting with “minimal disruption”.&nbsp;“Our goal was to provide a completely new vision of what an Aquatic Centre could be,” Burges said. &nbsp;“We wanted to create a destination for the community, one that provides opportunity for many forms of recreation in a safe and inspiring facility that feels more like a landscape setting than a building.”The Parramatta pool is one of a long list of pool redevelopments that are happening across Sydney.&nbsp;The <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/multimillion-dollar-plans-for-sydney-olympic-pool-redevelopment" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/multimillion-dollar-plans-for-sydney-olympic-pool-redevelopment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$89-million North Sydney Olympic pool</a> is due to reopen in 2024, as is the Willoughby Leisure Centre, while Canterbury’s aquatic centre rejuvenation is due for completion in 2025.&nbsp;The new Parramatta Aquatic Centre comprises a 50m outdoor pool, a 25m indoor pool, a learn-to-swim pool and indoor water playground, a health and wellness centre and gym, in addition to 360 solar panels.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/urban-property-unveils-parramatta-btr-office" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/urban-property-unveils-parramatta-btr-office" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City of Parramatta</a> Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said the aquatic centre had been thoughtfully designed for future generations.&nbsp;

After six years with no pool, the lane ropes are out on Parramatta's $88-million architecturally designed aquatic centre. See inside...

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Developers can move ahead on a high-density residential precinct on Sydney Metro’s old tunneling site despite objections from City of Parramatta.&nbsp;The NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) gave consent for Sydney Metro’s plans for five buildings from five to 15 storeys to be developed at 242-244 Beecroft Road, Epping.Landcom lodged the on behalf of Sydney Metro and announced DASCO would to transform the site in October, 2021.It was one of many projects appointed through a sales process across the&nbsp; Sydney Metro Northwest Places program, which was expected to deliver 10,000 homes on 65ha of land.The mixed-use development in Epping comprises 374 apartments including 19 affordable homes managed by a community housing provider for a period of 15 years.The plans also show 923sq m of commercial space at an investment of $143 million.The IPC determined “the project was in the public interest” and was “in accordance with the objects of the [Environmental Planning &amp; Assessment Act 1979]” while acknowledging council concerns.The commissioners visited the site in early September and invited the City of Parramatta Council to discuss their views on the project.Instead, council officers gave a written submission about their concerns regarding building height, setbacks, separation and solar access to communal open space.&nbsp;<div id="38NLzq5krQ9TxqSKjc3c0i"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6gZzkQLnHvsYwXIDbri5G2/b49f114364711de95e9a139757c7c71d/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__59_.jpg" alt="three images depicting a five building development, the design is modern with clean lines and five buildings of various sizes " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6gZzkQLnHvsYwXIDbri5G2/b49f114364711de95e9a139757c7c71d/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__59_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Renders of the now-approved mixed-use development in Epping.</div><div> </div></div>The 10.01ha site is 300m north of Epping Railway Station and surrounded by buildings up to 22 storeys.The NSW planning minister at the time granted approval for the mixed-use development in mid-2020.Modifications to those plans since then included changing building alignments by 15 degrees, increasing the heights by less than 4m, relocating the basement carpark and rearranging public space.&nbsp;

NSW IPC gave consent for Sydney Metro’s plans for five buildings from five to 15-storeys high to be developed at 242-244 Beecroft Road, Epping...

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Housing, planning and infrastructure were always going to be key features of NSW premier Chris Minns’ first Budget—and while it has been welcomed in some quarters, others say it has not gone far enough.&nbsp;During the past few years, the planning process and issues with trunk infrastructure has prompted policies and reforms to streamline processes. This Budget aims to do the same.And while NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey may have delivered a Budget with some hard choices in it, it is now up to planning minister Paul Scully and the Labor goverment to push through those reforms.The Urban Developer breaks down what the funding and policy decisions will mean for developers working in the state that is often named as the most expensive in Australia to call home. &nbsp;<hr><h2> Housing</h2> The first piece of big news is the $224 million set aside for a Government Essential Housing Package.This will include $70 million in debt financing for homes in regional NSW and $35.3 million for housing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people via Services Our Way.There will be $35 million put aside for critical and necessary social housing maintenance and $20 million within Restart NSW set aside for dedicated mental health housing.The NSW Housing fund will get $15 million for urgent priority and homelessness housing with $11.3 million to extend the Together Home program.&nbsp;Temporary housing and accommodation will also get a boost with $10.5 million allocated to the Community Housing Leasing Program and $10 million for Modular Housing Trial, while &nbsp;$5.9 million will be provided for urgent specialist homelessness services.&nbsp;But Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest sees a problem.“There is no new incentive in this Budget for the private sector to increase housing supply,” Forrest said.“The private sector delivers over 95 per cent of the new housing (both rental and homes for sale).“The disproportionate focus on social and affordable housing is a symptom of the government throwing Band-Aids on the housing supply crisis rather than taking bold steps to solve the problem.”There will also be a new NSW Rental Commissioner and a portable rental bond scheme introduced while a commitment to working on protecting tenants from eviction and allowing pets was also announced.&nbsp;Where the money will come from for these measures is a key concern for developers who will need to now provide $1.5 billion through changes to infrastructure contributions.&nbsp;“The $2.2-billion housing and infrastructure plan is largely funded from a tax on the supply of new homes,” Forrest said.“[The] $1.5 billion of the revenue to support this package comes from the new Housing Productivity Contribution.”Meanwhile, property investors will now need a 25 per cent stake in a property before they can claim land tax exemptions for a property as their primary place of residence. There are also tax changes for private unit trusts to prevent them being used for tax minimisation.<div id="1gIUIlbcBWs3iHgn0j3FiO"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg"></picture><div>▲ This Budget is the first under Chris Minns as NSW premier. </div></div><h2>Planning</h2> Planning reform has long been on NSW Labor’s agenda and it featured heavily in the run-up to the election.A Faster Planning Program with $38.7 million in funding was announced with $24 million set aside for a NSW Building Commission, which will be tasked with protecting buyers and ensuring housing quality.In a bid to free up more land for housing, $9.1 million has been allocated to assessing new opportunities for housing on government-owned land.AI or artificial intelligence also got a mention with a proposal to use it to help speed up the planning system as well as more efficient.&nbsp;The Budget has allocated $5.6 million to this policy, which was a recent request in the Property Council’s Housing Outcomes report, according to NSW executive director Katie Stevenson.“Increased funding for social and affordable housing and investigating the use of artificial intelligence to make the planning system more efficient were key reform asks from our recent Housing Outcomes report, so we particularly welcome their inclusion as part of the government’s first Budget,” Stevenson said.But she highlighted a key issue that has dogged the state’s planning system consistently—<a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-nsw-housing-target-affordability-shortfall" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-nsw-housing-target-affordability-shortfall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trunk infrastructure, particularly in greenfield and regional areas</a>.“There is an enormous difference between land that is simply rezoned and land that is ‘development ready’—the missing ingredient is enabling infrastructure such as water, roads and transport,” Stevenson said.Stevenson also wanted to see more done within the CBD.“While the focus on housing and infrastructure is welcomed, industry will be disappointed that the NSW government has not delivered a funding boost for CBD activation in this Budget,” she said.&nbsp;“Our cities are the major economic engines of our state and while the $26-million investment in expanding the work of the Office of the 24 Hour Economy Commissioner is welcome, a large-scale funded program to turbocharge CBD revitalisation is needed.”Other reforms announced included redirecting resources from the Greater Cities Commission and the Western Parkland City Authority.<a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-south-wales-nsw-chris-minns-election-2023-property-development" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-south-wales-nsw-chris-minns-election-2023-property-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener">It does not deliver on all election promises </a>with development rules around train stations and new housing targets for local councils and Sydney regions still yet to be announced.&nbsp;“The Budget’s commitment to an overhaul of the Greater Cities Commission and the Western Parkland City Authority, with a focus on redirecting resources to deliver housing approvals, is welcome,” Forrest said.“But this is just the start and much more is needed to restore private sector confidence and for housing supply to begin to rise.”&nbsp;<div id="3B0AcNqgYN5EUiRthPixoN"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6H4tYqX05AWQD3t1H82rfB/566fbc899246347a0a27c2ba2e8951c5/Mid_article_resizes__4_.jpg" alt="Incoming NSW planning minister Paul Scully." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6H4tYqX05AWQD3t1H82rfB/566fbc899246347a0a27c2ba2e8951c5/Mid_article_resizes__4_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ NSW planning minister Paul Scully will now be responsible for delivering several promised reforms to make the state planning system more efficient. </div></div><h2>Infrastructure</h2> The state government’s aim is to move population growth around key infrastructure and to get more high density closer to central Sydney.But the NSW Fast Rail has been one of the key infrastructure projects that has been nipped in the bud in the interest of saving $2.5 billion.&nbsp;This means that there will be no work done on fast-rail connections, including no Great Western Highway duplication, no new Dungowan Dam or pipeline augmentation and no wall raising for the Wyangala Dam.What it then does provide is part of the combined $2.2 billion for housing and infrastructure in the 2023-2024 state budget.Landcom will get $300 million of that for building 4700 new homes, of which 30 per cent have to be affordable housing in addition to the $60 million it has to develop build-to-rent projects along the northern and southern coasts.&nbsp;Restart NSW will get $400 million for a new Housing Infrastructure Fund while the remaining $1.5 billion will be spent on building roads, parks, hospitals and schools to support new homes being built in Sydney, the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and the IllawarraWyangala Dam—all key growth areas.A new regional rail fleet will cost $1.4 billion while $390 million will be allocated to the Regional Economy Road Repair Fund.The Regional Roads Fund will get $334 million to build new roads, the Fixing Country Bridges Program $333.9 million and the Fixing Country Rail Program $95.9 million—all key to supporting people wanting to live in regional areas and the developers wanting to build there.Transitioning to zero emission buses will cost $29.4 million, the Transport Connect Bus Program $20.2 million and improving heavy vehicle rest stops $10 million.<div id="3rYRtdgyPquXWjFfyNS4BU"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/8YPsXg43j33vwHmUXRPLV/ef82c4a74dadaa136fae918ca2a54b19/pyrmont_mid.jpeg" alt="An image of a train platform with glass doors separating the platform from the track: a render of one of the platforms at the proposed Pyrmont Station on the Sydney West Metro line. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/8YPsXg43j33vwHmUXRPLV/ef82c4a74dadaa136fae918ca2a54b19/pyrmont_mid.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ A render of a platform at the proposed Pyrmont Station on the Sydney West Metro line. </div></div>Despite the Fast Rail cut, rail has had wins in the Budget with $72.3 billion allocated over four years to transport.That includes $1 billion to bring the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-metro-west-contract-awarded-john-holland" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-metro-west-contract-awarded-john-holland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Metro City and Southwest project</a> back on track and $7.9 billion over four years for the Sydney Metro to Western Sydney Airport line.This line will have six new stations and connect to <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/western-sydney-aerotropolis-everything-you-need-to-know" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/western-sydney-aerotropolis-everything-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aerotropolis and the new Western Sydney International Airport, </a>which is expecting its first flight in 2026.The metro line projects have been beleaguered by many delays with worker strikes, bad weather and Covid blamed for cost blowouts.&nbsp;Only the Northwest line has been delivered on time and below budget.A rapid bus network to connect Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to the new international airport will cost $302.7 million and another $300 million will fund upgrading train station carparks and improving accessibility.&nbsp;<div id="Xt4iGwpSce5Dou0Er05zX"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7MX3nKneVXmNAVZjFQcovH/541ba0932b02b914614189c7f8d37a1c/Western_Sydney_Aerotropolis_MID.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7MX3nKneVXmNAVZjFQcovH/541ba0932b02b914614189c7f8d37a1c/Western_Sydney_Aerotropolis_MID.jpg"></picture><div>▲ A render of part of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis project. </div></div>The Property Council’s Western Sydney director Ross Grove said more could have been done for the region <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/go-west-developers-chase-western-sydney-upside" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/go-west-developers-chase-western-sydney-upside" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which is the focus of much developer interest</a>.“Our industry needs a plan from the government to get roads and water infrastructure moving in Mamre Road and the Aerotropolis,” Grove said.“Our members are ready and able to provide new warehouses, industries and jobs—but they simply can’t get the road capacity to make it happen.“These areas are a goldmine when it comes to future jobs and productivity and as taxpayers we simply can’t afford to spend $13 billion on building an international airport without also delivering the employment generating activities that are required to make the most of this investment.”The second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail will also proceed with $200 million allocated to it as will Freshwater Class ferries returning to the Circular Quay to Manly route costing $71.1 million.There will also be seven new Parramatta River Class ferries costing $43 million.A new system to inform users of public transport schedules will cost $15.8 million and councils will have access to $60 million for active transport infrastructure such as bike lanes.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/healthcare-investment-australia-on-rises" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/healthcare-investment-australia-on-rises" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For developers focusing on alternative assets</a>, the Budget allocated $13.8 billion to deliver health facilities across the state including new hospitals.

Housing, planning and infrastructure featured heavily in the NSW Budget announcement. The Urban Developer breaks down what it all means for the sector…


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Publicly listed property developer Mirvac has filed amended plans for its seniors living project north-west of Sydney, lowering building heights, increasing separation and communal open space, and cutting 15 units from the proposal.The amendments come at the same time as Mirvac has appealed to the New South Wales Land Environment Council, arguing Parramatta City Council has taken too long to consider its original $144-million proposal, which will be part of the 90-year-old Oatlands Golf Club.Plans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-oatlands-sydney-aged-care-development-application" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-oatlands-sydney-aged-care-development-application">filed nine months ago&nbsp;</a>called for 141 independent living units and 14 townhouses in seven buildings on the 1.6ha site at 94 Bettington Road, Oatlands. The buildings ranged from three to eight storeys.However, in documents lodged with Parramatta early last month, Mirvac is now seeking to lower the main building by one level to seven storeys, remove a single townhouse and 14 apartments, and lower carparking in two basement levels by 35 spaces to 399.A new club house for the golf course—23km north-west of Sydney’s centre—remains part of the proposal.Some balconies are to be removed to reduce building footprints and increase separation within the development.Town planners Hamptons Property Services, which lodged documents on behalf of Mirvac, said the new apartment configuration would include 18 single-bedroom, 96 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom independent living units. There would be 13 townhouses.Amendments to building separation meant there was now 4706sq m of communal open space along the ground plane.Hamptons said the amended development application was intended to address a number of concerns raised by the public in written and oral submissions, “particularly with respect to the scale of the proposed development and its interface and impact on adjoining properties”.<div id="5dSumiE6PLiTuesQr2wCV9"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7tMXEbdnpPkMPK37FTMOBi/7c249d5cd7df678e2bec30d59ced6dc9/Mirvac_Seniors_Mid__.jpg" alt="An artist's impression of the development. Under the amended plans Mirvac will remove a single townhouse and 14 apartments. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7tMXEbdnpPkMPK37FTMOBi/7c249d5cd7df678e2bec30d59ced6dc9/Mirvac_Seniors_Mid__.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Under the amended plans Mirvac will remove a single townhouse and 14 apartments.</div><div> </div></div>Hamptons said the new plans came after a public exhibition and community session in January, a determination meeting with the Sydney Central City Planning Panel in May and various meetings with Parramatta council in June and July.Parramatta city councillor Kellie Darley said there were two streams happening within the planning process.“The Sydney central planning panel deferred the issue for four weeks to give Mirvac time to submit the amended plans,” Darley told&nbsp;The Urban Developer.“It took them a lot longer, so it’s only now the amendments have gone on public exhibition again, and that’s just closed.“The council will do another assessment based on the amended plans and then provide a report back to the planning panel.”Darley said there was “a gap” between the council’s position on the proposal and what Mirvac was offering.“In the original application the tallest building was eight storeys and council was saying four,” Darley said. “Mirvac indicated they were willing to compromise, so the planning panel offered them the chance to put in amended plans.”An hearing before the Land and Environment Court has been scheduled for late December.

Publicly-listed property developer Mirvac has filed amended plans for its seniors living project north-west of Sydney, lowering building heights, increasing separation and communal open space and cutting 15 units from the proposal.

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Despite a statewide gas ban ruled out by the NSW Premier, City of Sydney councillors passed a motion this week requiring all new-build homes and businesses to be gas-free.&nbsp;Eight of the city’s 10 councillors voted for the change, which was promoted as a cost-saver for households and a way to reduce carbon emissions.Instead of gas cookers, the clauses into the council’s planning rules require new homes and businesses, including apartments, to use electric appliances such as stoves, cooktops, heaters and hot water units.Analysis by Strategy Policy Research suggested that it could save City of Sydney households $430 a year on energy bills and cut carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes in the municipality over 40 years.The motion was passed as the push across Australia to move away from gas gains momentum, with grassroots climate organisation 350 Australia’s ‘Electrify Your Council’ campaign leading the charge with its lobbying to the City of Sydney.“Only developers and gas corporations benefit from keeping our homes and businesses connected to gas,” 350 Australia chief executive Lucy Manne says.“We congratulate the City of Sydney for taking bold climate leadership and taking action where the state government is falling behind.”However, not everyone agrees that this is the right move.<div id="6Az9ci1t9WtYdguXcSDVTe"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7EARNWTTjJWXjtdtGmXdVD/5988e4241196f37470c984d17b2c8037/Mid_article_resizes__16_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7EARNWTTjJWXjtdtGmXdVD/5988e4241196f37470c984d17b2c8037/Mid_article_resizes__16_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Master Plumbers Association of NSW chief executive Nathaniel Smith: The move from gas is not so cut and dried. </div></div><h2>Renewables are key</h2> Master Plumbers Association of NSW chief executive Nathaniel Smith told The Urban Developer that unless fully electrified buildings were connected to renewable energy sources, it still created a problem.“This is ideology over common sense,” he says.“You have a lot of ill-informed councillors who don’t realise that electrifying everything is not the answer. They will be burning more coal and gas to supply electricity to those appliances.”&nbsp;“You can imagine those large buildings in Sydney CBD, those unit blocks with 1000 people; you will need levels and levels of plant rooms to get hot water to everyone.”&nbsp;“There’s no room to put them, or solar, on the roof so you will need electric hot water heaters [and] you will have less apartment space—they haven’t thought about it at all.”He is also concerned about what it meant for project feasibility.&nbsp;“Developers are running on tight margins,” Smith says.“You take out two or three floors to be plant rooms, then that will cut down on those profits.”&nbsp;Smith suggests that councils consider renewable gas as an option.&nbsp;“There are pilot models that use blends of hydrogen and natural gas—which is much cleaner—or biomethane, they could be options to putting pressure on a grid that is already stretched.”&nbsp;<div id="1dOkoEgvuzt60LOiSVZJG2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1cx3qNi3Db20kHYXJ89FPU/8a254ec8ef8a29cc73eeec97595710c5/city_of_sydney_clover_moore_gas_ban_mid_article_image.jpg" alt="City of Sydney mayor Clover Moore who spearheaded the recent gas ban, on the roof of the council buildings in July 2020 when the council became fully electrified with renewable energy sources." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1cx3qNi3Db20kHYXJ89FPU/8a254ec8ef8a29cc73eeec97595710c5/city_of_sydney_clover_moore_gas_ban_mid_article_image.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Sydney mayor Clover Moore who spearheaded the recent gas ban, on the roof of the council buildings in July 2020 when the council became fully electrified with renewable sources. </div></div><h2>Gas bans across the country</h2> The Sydney decision follows a number of other NSW councils that have passed, or are considering, similar regulations, including Waverley and Parramatta.While NSW Premier Chris Minns has thus far ruled out a state ban, <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/victoria-gas-ban-introduced-2024" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/victoria-gas-ban-introduced-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria last month announced that it would be phasing out gas</a> from next year.&nbsp;Minns indicated in an interview that creating another policy change would be a complication when changes to the power grid were scheduled for next year without adequate renewable energy sources coming into the system.“The challenges in energy are serious in NSW,” Minns said, adding that there would be significant savings in fully electric homes.A NSW Department of Planning and Environment spokesperson told The Urban Developer that the state government was not changing its position on a statewide gas ban and that it would see what happeded with the changes implemented by the City of Sydney.“The NSW government understands that the City of Sydney Council is inserting a reference in its Development Control Plan (DCP) for electricity over gas,” the spokesperson said.“The DCP is not mandatory.”“We will be watching closely should a small commercial provider be detrimentally affected by a council decision.”<div id="1gIUIlbcBWs3iHgn0j3FiO"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg"></picture><div>▲ NSW premier Chris Minns: Savings in fully electric homes. </div></div>Sections of the property industry have long been advocating for a move to fully electrified buildings with the Property Council and Green Building Council of Australia recently releasing The Every Building Counts report that includes 38 recommendations for decarbonising buildings.Property Council NSW executive director Katie Stevenson says one of those recommendations was to go gas-free.&nbsp;“Among its recommendations, the report advocated for new buildings to be delivered all-electric and for fossil fuels in existing buildings and appliances to be phased out,” Stevenson says.&nbsp;“Buildings account for 50 per cent of the country’s electricity use and 25 per cent of all emissions, so it’s important to have policies and programs in place to drive the sector’s transition to net zero.“We are hopeful more councils will show leadership in this area and that the NSW government will reconsider its position and consider phasing out gas in new homes.”If all councils on the gas network followed suit, it could reduce carbon emissions by 24.1 million tonnes across the state.<h2>Construction code updates</h2> The decision also follows the announcement last week by the NSW government that the rollout of BASIX updates to the construction codes for more energy-efficient homes would be delayed.&nbsp;Premier Minns argued that the delay would allow home buyers and builders more time to transition.Bu the Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Davina Rooney says the people of NSW deserve better.&nbsp;“Last year’s commitment from Australia’s building ministers to adopt increased energy-efficiency requirements for new homes in the National Construction Code was a huge step forward for Australia and any further delays will have unacceptable impacts,” Rooney says.“The new energy-efficiency requirements will ensure new homes will have features allowing them to be heated and cooled more efficiently, which translates to cheaper energy bills.“Delaying this any further will have immediate impacts on Australians who want homes that are healthier and cheaper to run, and it will impact on our climate goals.”Rooney says that <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/net-zero-carbon-retrofit-melbourne-cbd" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/net-zero-carbon-retrofit-melbourne-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">energy-efficient homes could be priced higher making it feasible for developers</a>.“An energy-efficient home commands a premium on the sale price of up to 10 per cent, according to research from the University of Wollongong, while research from Domain shows they have greater buyer interest and sell faster.”&nbsp;<div id="2omiOWEhUM5NOJ5XSw72VQ"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/73x99p7vhB1OE1irXhaKi9/c188aacf2a904ab7a207c0a137e05730/figtree.jpeg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/73x99p7vhB1OE1irXhaKi9/c188aacf2a904ab7a207c0a137e05730/figtree.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ A render of the fully electric Lendlease community Figtree Hill at Campbelltown in NSW. </div></div>Developers have already positioned themselves for the change.Lendlease is one of them, with its new Victoria Cross tower under construction in North Sydney a fully electrified building with renewable energy sources.Its Figtree Hill residential community at Campbelltown is also gas-free.This year, the developer became a founding member of the Global Cooksafe Coalition with a commitment to phase gas out of kitchens in its new projects by 2030 and all-electric retrofits of all its assets by 2040.&nbsp;Its main business, Barangaroo assets and Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial (APPFC) managed fund assets are all fully renewable-energy powered.Lendlease head of sustainability, Australia, Ann Austin says it is a key part of its strategy.“Electrification is central to the decarbonisation of the property industry and to Lendlease’s commitment to absolute zero emissions by 2040,” Austin says.“We’re seeing growing interest among food and beverage retailers for electric kitchens and the benefits they bring to safety, the bottom line and emissions reduction.“Five of our tenants in our newly opened Sydney Place precinct have elected to install all-electric kitchens.”“It’s positive to see the momentum building behind an all-electric future and we’re keen to help drive and accelerate this industry change.” <hr> You are currently experiencing&nbsp;The Urban Developer&nbsp;Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to learn more.</a><div id="2GhuueZl01Zwo2aFfjNVi2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg" alt="TUD + Banner" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg"></picture><div> </div></div>

While Victoria chose a statewide ban, not all states have followed suit with councils stepping into the fray instead…


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A Victorian company director has been ordered to not manage corporations for three years after an Australian Securities and Investments Commission decision.Mathew Craig Lynch of Langwarrin in Victoria was involved in three construction-industry related companies that failed.The companies—Option One Construction Pty Ltd, Ultro Construction and Recruitment Services, and ACN 608 209 445 Pty Ltd—all entered liquidation between April 2015 and January 2022 while Lynch was director.ACN 608 209 445 Pty Ltd was previously known as Ultro Construction and Recruitment (Sydney) Pty Ltd.All three companies provided recruitment and labour hire services to the building industry in NSW.ASIC found that Lynch did not comply with Australian Tax Office statutory obligations and failed to pay Business Activity Statements, payroll taxes and Superannuation Guarantee Charges for Option One Construction and Ultro Construction.&nbsp;He also failed to pay workers’ compensation premiums for Ultro Construction or ensure that Option One Construction invoiced clients correctly for labour hire services or maintain appropriate financial records.It also found that he did not deliver books in his possession to the liquidator as soon as possible after Ultro Construction was wound up or prevent insolvent trading by Option One Construction.The three companies owed a combined total of $10.6 million to unsecured creditors including $730,020 to the ATO, at the time of ASIC’s decision.Option One Construction’s liquidator Con Kokkinos of Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants and Ultro Construction’s liquidator Peter Malone of CRS Insolvency Services provided supplementary reports to ASIC.ASIC used the reports in making its decision and assisted both Kokkinos and Malone via a grant from the Assetless Administration Fund.Lynch now cannot manage corporations until July 10, 2026 under Section 206F of the Corporations Act and has a right to seek a review of the decision via the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

A Victorian company director has been ordered to not manage corporations for three years after an Australian Securities and Investments Commission decision.

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Bustling cultural metropolises and thriving night-time economies make up a big part of every city plan in Australia.&nbsp;But the grim reality is two out of three women feel unsafe in public spaces at night and avoid travelling alone after dark or “take precautions”.&nbsp;The solution could be as simple as flicking the switch to light up those dingy streets. Recent research is indicating city planning and urban design can go a long way to countering this perception of danger. &nbsp;According to a Safer Cities Survey report, released by the NSW government last month, a survey of almost 5000 respondents found that if people felt safe in public spaces they would use public and active travel more regularly, and engage in a city’s night-time economy.&nbsp;It is part of the NSW government’s $30-million Safer Cities program.&nbsp;Respondents reported the top five ways they chose their walking route at night were:<ul><li>whether it was well-lit</li><li>what time of day it was</li><li>whether there were other people around</li><li>clear sightlines, and</li><li>a well-maintained public space.</li></ul>The Safer Cities Survey report found that women were twice as likely to feel unsafe at night in public spaces as men and felt safest in activated public spaces with lots of people around.It’s not rocket science, but city planners still seem to be missing the mark when it comes to night-time activation and safety.&nbsp;New South Wales Safer Cities survey results<div id="44KNldUHVW494fT8CkQXGF"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4XkZh8KL3iFcAy30GkS5uU/779123e3877b6a0812d631bb0c1a5046/NSW_Safer_Cities_Survey_results.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4XkZh8KL3iFcAy30GkS5uU/779123e3877b6a0812d631bb0c1a5046/NSW_Safer_Cities_Survey_results.jpg"></picture><div> </div></div>NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen says “feeling safe shouldn’t be dependent on your gender. Everyone has a right to feel safe in public spaces”.The Safer Cities program is delivering place-based projects through partnerships with 10 pilot councils across NSW. These partnerships will deliver on-the-ground projects that test ways to improve perceptions of safety when moving in and through public spaces.The interventions are being shaped by co-design and engagement with local women and girls to ensure they reflect the character and needs of the local context.<h2>Poorly planned urbanisation widens the gap</h2> Built environment consultancy Arup has also focused on the public safety of women and children. It commissioned two pieces of research into designing safer and more inclusive cities as part of its Cities Alive initiative. The reports were produced in partnership with the United Nations Development Program and the University of Liverpool to help shape future cities across the globe. It draws on women and girls’ experiences and perceptions of safety in public spaces across Melbourne and Sydney.&nbsp;Arup’s Queensland urban design market leader for cities Shy Tay says the absence of inclusive planning can lead to poor social outcomes.&nbsp;“Cities act as pivotal hubs of innovation, productivity, opportunities, while serving as homes and communities for a melting pot of individuals and cultures,” Tay says.“However, when planned without social equity and diversity in mind, urbanisation can widen the gaps between different groups in society.”The research identifies key areas of focus for improving women’s lives in cities and outlines a new gender responsive approach to planning and design. It proposes a planning methodology for incorporating women’s needs and perspectives throughout an urban project’s lifecycle from initial brief and stakeholder engagement through to implementation and monitoring.&nbsp;<div id="5DVs2A4qfahfC8fsUz7L2c"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/SWQQU4Xw7gW97XKRh8Rk8/9c07487db45af963d19712ed88cef836/Safer_Women_MID.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/SWQQU4Xw7gW97XKRh8Rk8/9c07487db45af963d19712ed88cef836/Safer_Women_MID.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Women and girls conducted safety audit walks gauging perceptions of safety in public spaces across Sydney and Melbourne to help inform better city design in the future. </div></div>But this change needs to happen from the ground up—with change at every stakeholder level. Developers, planners and architects will be integral to building out a safer and more inclusive urban landscape.“It is impossible to design successful places for women without involving them directly within the design process,” Tay says. &nbsp;“The report presents four key thematic areas that can be used to influence how cities and developments are designed to be more inclusive and welcoming for women.”These areas include safety and security, involving women in design and decision-making, designing places to enhance women’s wellbeing, and encouraging professional development and social interactions through appropriate built environments.&nbsp;“Only an integrated, gender-responsive, and participatory approach to city-making can hope to tackle and address the breadth of challenges women face in cities across the world,” Tay says.&nbsp;“This requires commitment and collaboration from public and private stakeholders, working together to remove discipline silos and to jointly develop well-crafted and context-relevant physical interventions, as well as governance, social and behavioural change programs and activities.&nbsp;“Siloed thinking and the failure to adopt an integrated approach cannot deliver equity; what is more, it risks exacerbating existing inequities.”<h2>Brighter not always safer</h2> As part of Arup’s research in this space it collaborated with Monash University’s XYX Lab and Plan International to understand how lighting affects women’s and girls’ perceptions of safety at night in a city.&nbsp;The study used crowdsourced data from Plan International’s Free to Be campaign, which captured more than 900 safe and unsafe night experiences from women and girls at 84 sites across Melbourne.&nbsp;The findings showed that lighting was the most important built environment design factor in influencing people’s perceptions of safety in public places.&nbsp;We are no longer designing our cities for a 9-5, Monday-to-Friday experience or for people who use public transport or their cars to leave the city.&nbsp;The research shows we need to think about public spaces holistically and consider how they will be used at night and whether women and children will feel safe walking around.But there continues to be limited consideration embedded in the design process for lighting after dark and safety, according to Tay, who says brighter does not always feel safer.&nbsp;<div id="7z1xlfMBtlWewnA6UUseQw"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7aD88SSY8w5YubHdQaHium/3f2c0462c71b862e7d5cc5aac034516f/Safer_Women_MID2.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7aD88SSY8w5YubHdQaHium/3f2c0462c71b862e7d5cc5aac034516f/Safer_Women_MID2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The top factor in determining a woman’s perception of personal safety in the public realm was lighting according to survey results. </div></div>He says the research indicates that involving a lighting designer at the start of a project can unlock night-time activation, something that is close to the heart of 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues.Rodrigues has been instrumental in advocating for the arts and cultural scene in Sydney and his remit has recently been expanded to include Wollongong and other regions.&nbsp;As part of Sydney’s bid to kickstart its diminishing nightlife, the state government announced 21 “going-out districts” across Greater Sydney would receive a $200,000 grant to create precincts in areas including Darlinghurst, Blacktown and Pyrmont.&nbsp;NSW premier Chris Minns is also an advocate for the night economy.&nbsp;“We have to be an economy that’s open at night-time and if you look at cities around the world that seem to drive economic growth, a big part of that activity occurs after five and six at night,” the premier says.&nbsp;<h2>Planning, design crucial to safer public realm</h2> The state government’s 24-hour-economy strategy incorporates Purple Flag—an international accreditation program that assesses areas for excellence in vibrancy, diversity and safety at night as a “going-out” location. Parramatta was granted a Purple Flag this year.&nbsp;Arup’s Queensland urban design and masterplanning leader, Jaime Traspaderne, says the research into inclusive and safe built environments will help to influence policy decision and “foster ongoing discussions about social equity in city planning”.“Ultimately our aim is for this research to become a catalyst for sustainable urban transformation worldwide—placing inclusive design at the centre of the design thinking process,” Traspaderne says.&nbsp; &nbsp; “Cities that work for women translates to better cities for all, with strong multiplier socio-economic and environmental effects across households, families, and local communities.&nbsp;“The strategies we have explored in this report can lead to a healthier, safer, more resilient, and more inclusive built environment that nurtures social cohesion and enhances the livelihoods of communities.&nbsp;“Gender-inclusive urban planning and design is also critical in addressing current, multifaceted challenges such as rapid urbanisation, pandemics, multidimensional inequalities, and climate change.” <hr> You are currently experiencing&nbsp;The Urban Developer&nbsp;Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans">Click here to learn more.</a><div id="2GhuueZl01Zwo2aFfjNVi2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg" alt="TUD + Banner" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg"></picture><div> </div></div>

Two out of three women feel unsafe in public spaces after dark in Sydney, and research shows Australia's city-shapers can help shift the dial on this... 

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The NSW government has indicated it will fast-track plans to create a connection it says will support about 3600 new homes at Parramatta.It said $10.6 million would be used to improved pedestrian connection through the spine of Parramatta, linking Parramatta Square to Powerhouse Parramatta and the foreshore.The project will create access from the river to four forms of public transport in the CBD and include the creation of new green public space of 3300sq m, about half the size of a football field, that will incorporate outdoor dining for precinct businesses.Funding has also been allocated for new intersections at George and Phillip streets, footpath widening and planting of new large shade trees.&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would help the government meet its commitment to provide “enabling infrastructure alongside housing”.“This project is a great example of collaboration between councils and the state that will provide the infrastructure needed to deliver thousands more new homes for people in growing communities.”Parramatta’s status as Sydney’s second CBD continues to grow with new project being put forward almost daily.However, it is far from plain sailing for the city 24km west of the CBD—Meriton boss Harry Triguboff took the opportunity of a court win over the city council to deliver a broadside last month.Triguboff’s action against the City of Parramatta over the developer’s planned 30-storey Epping tower resulted in <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/triguboff-meriton-parramatta-court-win-carparking" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/triguboff-meriton-parramatta-court-win-carparking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a win for Meriton</a> in the Land and Environment Court.A stoush over carparking was at the heart of the disagreement.At the time, Trigoboff claimed the win was a “major victory”.<div id="4XdZS44prOy5EKQk579uv"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4N1KXcdeedIt6qn0xatQae/03687b93130e9cf37cdf01942eea72d4/trig_parra.jpeg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4N1KXcdeedIt6qn0xatQae/03687b93130e9cf37cdf01942eea72d4/trig_parra.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ A render of Meriton’s planned 30-storey tower. </div></div>“It is clear that more and more people want to live in apartments but when council imposes conditions that go against the market then we have an obligation to fight for what is right,” Triguboff said in a media statement.&nbsp;“Our buyers and renters rely on their cars. Some use them during the week, others may only use them on the weekends, so to assume hundreds of residents would move into a building with inadequate parking is naive.”&nbsp;Triguboff criticised outdated rules and inflexibility for the issue.Meanwhile, this month, Drivas Property Group’s plans for a cantilevered tower above the Murrays’ Building were refused.&nbsp;It followed a court battle over a nearby site in which Sydney Metro was ordered to pay $190 million to G&amp;J Drivas Pty Ltd for land.The Murrays’ Building is within Parramatta Square, a precinct undergoing a $2.8-billion transformation by the Walker Corporation, and backs on to the town hall and Centenary Square.The Parramatta council voted unanimously to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/six-storey-add-on-to-heritage-murrays-building-planned" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/six-storey-add-on-to-heritage-murrays-building-planned">refuse the six-storey commercial plans</a>&nbsp;above the 100-year-old, heritage-listed building.

The government says the new connection will support about 3600 new homes at Parramatta…

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Drivas Property Group’s challenges near Parramatta Square continue with its plans for a cantilevered tower above the Murrays’ Building refused.&nbsp;The refusal follows on from a court battle over a nearby site in which Sydney Metro was ordered to pay $190 million to G&amp;J Drivas Pty Ltd for land.The Murrays’ Building is within Parramatta Square, a precinct undergoing a $2.8-billion transformation by the Walker Corporation, and backs on to the town hall and Centenary Square.Parramatta Council voted unanimously to <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/six-storey-add-on-to-heritage-murrays-building-planned" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/six-storey-add-on-to-heritage-murrays-building-planned" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refuse the six-storey commercial plans</a> above the 100-year-old, heritage-listed building.The proposal included partial demolition of the building and roof along with internal realignment at 188 Church Street, Parramatta.TKD Architects wanted to “sympathetically upgrade” the site adding contemporary commercial spaces to facilitate an economically feasible future for the property.However the plans were refused as they would have an “unacceptable impact on the heritage significance of the Murrays’ Building” including the separation, setbacks, amenity and urban form.<div id="7c307aBbYPK4FUq6nRgWef"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5J7AZUOhACo3FhJ0CmzSdf/d00a604ddb38410213d52b03fffe8917/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__23_.jpg" alt="Render of Parramatta Square featuring the red, angular Phive building opposite new buildings within the precinct." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5J7AZUOhACo3FhJ0CmzSdf/d00a604ddb38410213d52b03fffe8917/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__23_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The red Phive building and Parramatta Town Hall are part of the Parramatta Square development and are close neighbours of the Murrays’ Building. </div></div>It also failed to comply with a number of points on the Parramatta Development Control Plan and had negative environmental impacts to the built environment and public interest, according to the council.“The proposed addition does not provide an adequate heritage relationship; it doesn’t respect the items bulk or scale nor its relationship with the surrounding low-scale heritage items and how they flank Centenary Square,” the refusal said.Applicant Dimitri Drivas and architect David Earp answered questions from the panel in relation to the plans at the meeting, however it was still refused.This is not the first foray into heritage development from Drivas Property Group, which submitted a proposal at the heritage-listed International House in the Sydney CBD.The plans also with TKD Architects were approved in 2019, adding a seven-storey commercial addition to the building at 292 Pitt Street, Sydney.Drivas can take the Murrays’ Building plans to the Land and Environment Court for appeal.&nbsp;G&amp;J Drivas Pty Ltd was recently there with Sydney Metro over the compulsory acquisition of 220-230 Church Street, Paramatta, and 48 Macquarie Street.The applicant claimed the land was worth $200 million but Sydney Metro claimed it was worth $119 million.However, the land had an aproval for a 25-storey tower on the site, and ultimately the court ordered it was worth $179 million with an additional $10.8 million to be paid for disturbance to the pursuant.&nbsp;

Drivas Property Group’s plans to build above the Murrays Building within the $2.8 billion precinct were refused by the City of Parramatta...

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Meriton boss Harry Triguboff is celebrating a court win against the City of Parramatta over the developer’s planned 30-storey Epping tower.A stoush over carparking was at the heart of the disagreement, leading to a trip to the Land and Environment Court, which ruled in favour of the developer last week.Meriton filed plans for a 30-storey tower on a 4970sq m site <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/meriton-oxford-street-epping-development-application" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/meriton-oxford-street-epping-development-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at 37-41 Oxford Street last year</a>.The Scott Carver-designed, 29,000sq m project initially offered 211 apartments and six levels of basement parking, replacing an existing unused three-storey office building.&nbsp;However, it has faced backlash over multiple issues, forcing the prolific developer to change its plans.Among the detractors, the Epping Civic Trust raised concerns with the council over parking, suggesting that additional parking provision on two additional basement floors “runs contrary to council’s recent requirements to limit parking in highrise apartments with green travel plans to encourage public transport use and discourage private vehicles”.&nbsp;Sydney Central City Planning panel rejected the proposal in September due to these parking issues, height variations that were initially requested, and a clause in the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan which does not allow floor space variation to be approved for shoptop housing.As a result, Meriton cut its number of apartments to 204 and redesigned its basement carparking to five levels with basement envelope changes to levels two and three.&nbsp;This resulted in an increase in bicycle parking from 65 to 148 spots, and a reduction in carparking spaces to 299 from 317.This was the central issue in the court case, as the council reportedly would only allow 220 spots.<div id="793xzmQQ0EnPGh61re0U6J"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3CEZOKLeNEB7WFP6awN75B/c79fb31e6e723936bfe57400e358d19d/Meriton_30_storey_mid.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3CEZOKLeNEB7WFP6awN75B/c79fb31e6e723936bfe57400e358d19d/Meriton_30_storey_mid.jpg"></picture><div>▲ An artist’s impression of Meriton’s proposed 30-storey Epping apartment project. Image: Scott Carver </div></div> Trigoboff claimed the win was a “major victory”.“It is clear that more and more people want to live in apartments but when council imposes conditions that go against the market then we have an obligation to fight for what is right,” Triguboff said in a media statement.&nbsp;“Our buyers and renters rely on their cars. Some use them during the week, others may only use them on the weekends, so to assume hundreds of residents would move into a building with inadequate parking is naive.”&nbsp;Triguboff criticised outdated rules and inflexibility for the issue.“The council rules only allowed a number of car spaces, which the council was prepared to approve.&nbsp;“However, the rules were out of date and the court agreed with us that the number had to be increased. This is a very important victory because developers must understand that if the rules are out of date, they can stand on their rights and they will win.”Triguboff said that councils needed to help increase unit production, and blamed the Department of Planning pushbacks and delays for Meriton building fewer apartments.“We fought for 80 parking spaces for a year. They are doing nothing to increase the unit production, instead they are slowing it down,” he said.

A dispute over carparking requirements held back Meriton’s 30-storey residential plans for more than 12 months…

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Developers are frothing over the potential of Western Sydney suburbs, with unprecedented levels of stock in the pipeline.The region’s booming population is outstripping demand in Western Sydney and the pipeline needs to be rapidly advanced in order to meet <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/build-to-rent-btr-parramatta-nsw-development-concept-filed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/build-to-rent-btr-parramatta-nsw-development-concept-filed">housing supply needs</a> in the future, according to research.&nbsp;And much like the 1979 Village People classic, developers chasing a return in this tricky market will also Go West, where the skies are blue. But more importantly where the land is cheaper.Significant population growth over the next 20 years due to the combined impacts of natural population increases, interstate movements back into the state and immigration has fuelled strong demand for residential housing stock. Particularly in the more affordable climates of Western Sydney.&nbsp;A Ray White Commercial Western Sydney report predicts that the population is expected to balloon to 2.9 million by 2036.The <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-planning-LEP" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-planning-LEP">region is also expected to be Australia’s third-biggest economy</a>, contributing $104 billion to gross domestic product.<div id="6VOVFpWnliFxN8hiIWwCw4"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6cpdhMj8L26reoVjzujukX/40cdd86302607f8c5063f5e05bd93775/Parramatta_Square_Walker_Corporation" alt="Walker Corporation's Parramatta Square project, part of why it has posted record profits for the June 2022 financial year. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6cpdhMj8L26reoVjzujukX/40cdd86302607f8c5063f5e05bd93775/Parramatta_Square_Walker_Corporation"></picture><div>▲ Walker Corporation’s Parramatta Square project.</div></div> Up until March this year, Ray White has tracked 487 projects in the development pipeline that have the potential to add 40,774 dwellings over the next three to five years in Western Sydney.There are 6889 units now under construction, which are likely to be completed in the next 18 months, the bulk of these are in Parramatta, followed by Cumberland.A further 19,295 units are in early planning and DA-application phase in the region.<h2>Infrastructure and investment&nbsp;</h2> It is not just Parramatta that is forging ahead in the boom of Western Sydney.&nbsp;There are also major infrastructure projects in the pipeline for the region, including the Aerotropolis and the Parramatta Light Rail, due for completion in late 2026 and late 2023 respectively.&nbsp;Minor changes to the Aerotropolis Precinct Plan were finalised in May 2023, bedding down planning controls for the $5-billion Sydney Science Park at Luddenham. It is planned as a mixed-use smart city that will create an epicentre for research, development, education, commercialisation and innovation.<div id="Xt4iGwpSce5Dou0Er05zX"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7MX3nKneVXmNAVZjFQcovH/541ba0932b02b914614189c7f8d37a1c/Western_Sydney_Aerotropolis_MID.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7MX3nKneVXmNAVZjFQcovH/541ba0932b02b914614189c7f8d37a1c/Western_Sydney_Aerotropolis_MID.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The Western Sydney Aerotropolis masterplan has been finalised following minor amendments to the Sydney Science Park area. </div></div> The Nancy-Bird Walton Airport is due to open in 2026 and will be a major drawcard to the region.&nbsp;The Bradfield City Centre, a 114ha site adjoining the airport, is being planned by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Parkland Authority as a “21st century global city with a 24/7 economy” and a strong focus on advanced manufacturing.&nbsp;Plans for new office precincts in regional centres such as Liverpool and Penrith across university campuses and within shopping centres are being considered.Ray White’s latest office forecast also predicts 959,878sq m of new office stock coming on to the market. While smaller developments are trickling into the marketplace over the next 12 months, the bigger story for Parramatta is the churn of refurbishment space expected to exit and re-enter the market as tenants vacate their current accommodation.For example, 150 George Street will bring 21,964sq m of refurbished space into the market, along with 8899sq m at 97 Macquarie Street, which has recorded some partial pre-commitment.<h2>Developments under way</h2> Property developers Cite Group say developers are being attracted to the Western Sydney region due to its projected economic growth.Large <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/intergenerational-living-australia-granny-flats-development-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/intergenerational-living-australia-granny-flats-development-opportunities">suburban blocks able to accommodate a granny flat</a> have been increasingly popular over the past few years, providing value for developers. Cite Group pinpointed Blacktown, Pendle Hill and Baulkham Hills as developer hotspots in the hunt for development upside.&nbsp; The NSW Land and Housing Corporation has a $32-million build-to-rent housing development at North Parramatta under way, with a community housing provider required to deliver 65 dwellings for the project.Delivered over six stages, there’s also a new residential development at Macarthur Heights, which will deliver 950 homes over 122ha in Campbelltown in partnership with UrbanGrowth NSW. &nbsp;Coronation Property has also sold more than 60 per cent of its 346 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in its Western Sydney Mason &amp; Main project, located in Merrylands.Prolific private builder and developer <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-dual-towers-parramatta-development-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-dual-towers-parramatta-development-application">Deicorp has stepped up its focus on Sydney’s western suburbs</a>, filing plans for twin 46-storey mixed-use towers—its third major move in the area in less than 12 months.<div id="5A7hoK6s7xaNu5hjuKZDP0"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1pmEfwESs2TdBA1iM6tpuk/d7f2714a5e336f0b2ca7f9f2e196ce2f/Mid_article_resizes__7_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1pmEfwESs2TdBA1iM6tpuk/d7f2714a5e336f0b2ca7f9f2e196ce2f/Mid_article_resizes__7_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ A render of Deicorp’s proposed 46-storey tower in Parramatta. </div></div> And Western Sydney developer Aland also has a number of projects under way across the suburbs of Parramatta, Schofields, Merrylands and Campbelltown.The developer has also sold 80 per cent of its $170-million Carson on the Park development (pictured in the main image) at 12 Carson Lane at St Marys, with construction expected to wrap up at the end of 2023.While the developer admits it’s a challenged environment, it is better equipped to manage pressures being a builder/developer.Aland chief executive George Tadrosse says investors and first-home buyers have shown particular interest in the development.“St Marys is expected to undergo a big transformation with several major infrastructure projects across civic facilities, health, retail and transport, including the highly anticipated Western Sydney International Airport, all due to be completed within the next few years,” he says.Aland founder and director Andrew Hrsto says: “We understand the urgency of the housing crisis in NSW and, wherever possible, have taken a proactive approach to accelerate our developments to help address this issue.”<h2>Favourable terms</h2> Western Sydney’s Ray White Commercial managing director, Peter Vines, says the opportunity for developers to buy land with favourable terms is appealing for many.“We’re seeing a lot of developers negotiate terms that include prolonged settlement periods and deals that are subject to DA approvals,” Vines says.“We also know that industrial land sellers in this market are keen to maintain strong values so they will consider these sorts of contractual arrangements, which allow developers to de-risk investments in land projects.”&nbsp;He adds that land prices have reduced given the increased cost of capital, softening yields and construction costs. &nbsp;“We also know land financing is becoming more difficult in the current climate. So, for more sophisticated investors, industrial assets in Greater Western Sydney are certainly something that is valuable,” Vines says. <hr> You are currently experiencing&nbsp;The Urban Developer&nbsp;Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals.<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans">&nbsp;Click here to learn more.</a>&nbsp;<div id="2GhuueZl01Zwo2aFfjNVi2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg" alt="TUD + Banner" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg"></picture><div> </div></div>

Developers are frothing over the potential that Western Sydney offers, with unprecedented levels of stock in the pipeline...

Dundas Valley EDM.jpg

Plans have been launched for a two-tower residential development at Dundas Valley, a suburb of Parramatta.&nbsp;The development, by the Harutoonian Properties Trust and Citilink Constructions Pty Ltd, would revamp a four-allotment site at 1-7 Simpson Street.&nbsp;Plans were submitted by Ethos Urban based on architectural plans provided by Urbanistica.The six-storey buildings would comprise 48 units—8 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom apartments.In addition, it would provide two levels of basement carparking and 963sq m of communal open space.&nbsp;The surrounding development consists of low-rise residential development, which is transitioning to a medium to high-density form.Developers say it will “set a positive precedent for quality residential apartment design improving the streetscape, encouraging street level accessibility and permeability, and generally improving the local context”.The proposed development is one of the first developments to be assessed against the rezoned Telopea Precinct, a planning proposal for which was proposed by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Parramatta Council.&nbsp;The Precinct rezoning was informed by a masterplan that provided for a new mix of housing, access to public transport and communal open spaces for the Telopea area.

A two-tower residential project has been lodged with Parramatta Council following a major rezoning masterplan…

PARRAMATTA