First group of Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precincts will help build homes and communities

The next stage of the Minns Government’s plan to deliver more well-located homes for people, has been unveiled with the first three state-led rezoning proposals for Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts on public exhibition from today.

Set to deliver up to 30,000 new homes supported by almost 80,000 jobs, the Hornsby, Kellyville and Bella Vista, and Macquarie Park rezoning proposals will deliver homes close to jobs and transport, with access to great open space, shops and night life.

This is part of the Minns Government’s commitment to rebalance housing growth around transport infrastructure where there is existing infrastructure, as part of its plans to confront the housing crisis and provide a future for the next generation of people instead of having them leave our city.

According to a report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner, between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained, with a net loss of 35,000 young people from the city.

To encourage vibrant communities in the TOD Accelerated Precincts, Special Entertainment Precincts (SEP) will be enabled to support live entertainment through extended trading hours for live music venues and favourable noise controls that provide operational certainty for venues, neighbouring residents and businesses.

The TOD Accelerated Precincts will also share in $520 million which has been reserved for investment in community infrastructure such as critical road upgrades, active transport links and good quality open spaces.

The proposals for these first three TODs are:

Kellyville and Bella Vista – 20,700 new homes (between 620-1,650 affordable homes) and 10,000 jobs

The Kellyville and Bella Vista proposal will create a new community around two of the newest Metro stations in Sydney, supported by more than 10,000 jobs.

With the new Metro line extension to Waterloo slated to open on 4 August, people who move into this area will have a direct train link to the Chatswood, Crows Nest and Barangaroo Metro stations.

The new master planned area will include apartment buildings with direct access to a wide range of retail and commercial offerings, expansive open space areas and new active transport links with walking and cycling connections to the Metro stations.

A 3-8 per cent affordable housing target has been set with the homes to be affordable in perpetuity to encourage a diverse community.

Given their close proximity, the master planning and draft rezoning for Kellyville and Bella Vista was combined. This means that as development occurs, shared infrastructure can be identified to support new homes in these precincts.

Hornsby – 5,000 new homes (between 250-500 affordable homes) and 3,450 jobs

Hornsby CBD is set for a modern makeover with up to 5,000 new homes set to be added over the next 20 years to a new 38.9-hectare precinct spanning both sides of the train line.

The rezoning proposal, built upon Hornsby Shire Council’s Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan which has already had extensive previous community engagement, will create 3,450 jobs underpinned by more diversified housing with an affordable housing target between 5-10 per cent in perpetuity, meaning 250-500 homes set aside as affordable housing.

These new homes, just minutes from the Hornsby train station and close to excellent schools, come with all the advantages of living close to retail, restaurants, cafes and the National Park.

Macquarie Park Stage Two – 4,600 new homes (460-690 affordable homes) and 66,000 jobs

The Macquarie Park rezoning proposal will provide a mix of homes, jobs, entertainment, open space and commercial premises to transform the innovation and living hub for the 21st century.

The Macquarie Park TOD will bring the area to life with more apartments, seven hectares of open spaces, and street level vibrancy leading to an 18-hour economy, while sustaining more than 66,000 jobs.

Essential workers are catered for with 10-15 per cent affordable housing in perpetuity.

Major Changes to Assessment of TOD Sites

The Government is also exhibiting an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) which will include speeding up development assessments with changes to the State Significant Development threshold in the Precincts, exemptions from certain concurrence and referral requirements, and an alternative design excellence pathway.

This is in addition to consents in the TOD Accelerated Precincts being time-limited, requiring proponents to begin works within two years.

A public exhibition on the state-led rezonings proposals for these three TOD Precincts will occur from 9 July to 9 August 2024. Have your say for Kellyville Bella Vista, Hornsby and Macquarie Park.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Today the first three Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct rezoning proposals go on public exhibition with the remaining precincts to go on public exhibition soon.

“The Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms are focused on building better homes and better communities. These first three rezonings allow for up to 30,000 more homes supported by almost 80,000 jobs.

“People want to be able to buy or rent a home close to their friends and families and jobs supported by infrastructure, but the housing crisis across NSW, and especially Sydney, has made that almost impossible.

“We’re focused on getting the balance right, between building new homes and protecting the character of communities. It doesn’t have to be an either-or choice. That’s why we are master planning these communities.

“NSW needs more social, affordable, key worker and market homes and these Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precincts support the other planning reforms we have introduced that provide for the construction of diverse housing and the opportunity for people to find a well-located, well-built home that suits all stages of their lives.

“I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and provide their comments.”