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Commercial activity and outlook

People walk along a shopping street. Bowral, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Jaime Plaza Van Roon

Commercial, industrial and retail areas are key sites for jobs growth and development. This activity has direct and indirect economic benefits for the surrounding community.

Industrial lands

Industrial lands are areas that contain a variety of land uses, including major freight and logistics, heavy manufacturing, light industry, urban services and new economy or creative uses. These industries generate significant economies and investments for the state and are essential to the effective functioning of urban areas.

Analysis of 2021 ABS data shows that the highest value of industrial development approvals have occurred in Greater Sydney and were located within the Western and Central City Districts. This report also contains commentary on the demand and supply for industrial property over 2021-2022 based on property analysts’ reports.

Download the industrial report (PDF, 243 KB).

Commercial centres

Commercial centres are areas of employment opportunities and are important for job growth. They are also central to Greater Sydney's global competitiveness now and into the future. This overview section focusses on traditional commercial office activity in the Sydney CBD and larger suburban centres rather than business parks that are purpose-built office parks located away from centres. See Business parks for more information.

Analysis of 2021 ABS data shows that the highest value of commercial approvals occurred in Greater Sydney and were located within the Eastern City District. This report also contains commentary on the demand and supply for commercial property over 2021-2022 based on property analysts’ reports.

Download the commercial report (PDF, 351 KB).

Retail sector

The retail sector serves an important role in the community. It allows consumers access to a wide range of goods and services as well as allowing for price comparisons. The retail industry is also important to the economy through the high volume of transactions and the number of workers employed in this sector, across the State.

Analysis of 2021 ABS data shows that Greater Sydney contained the highest value of retail development approvals and were located within the Eastern City District. This report also contains commentary on the demand and supply for retail property over 2021-2022 based on property analysts’ reports.

Download the retail report (PDF, 251 KB).