Council to mount campaign
Parramatta City Council has resolved to establish a public campaign calling on NSW and federal governments to deliver on the Parramatta Epping Rail Line and the council-proposed Hills Rail Link, from Castle Hill to Parramatta. Council aims to build on the momentum of the recent council-sponsored economic development forum where transport was a major issue.
Masterplan for precinct
Parramatta City Council will prepare a draft masterplan and appropriate planning studies for the so-called Rydalmere Technology Precinct focussed on Brodie Street and the Rydalmere station. Council will explore the opportunity to integrate the masterplan with the University of Western Sydney’s masterplan for an expanded Parramatta campus, on the other side of the station.
$51.9 million proposal
Parramatta City Council has on public exhibition a mixed-use application by Nationwide News for a $51.9 million staged redevelopment of two lots at 142 Macquarie Street in premises occupied by the Parramatta Advertiser. The application is on public exhibition until April 20.
Extension of draft masterplan
Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown today announced it has received an extension to lodge a revised draft master plan on or before 15 February 2013, following the rejection of the 2010 Draft Master Plan, said airport CEO, Colin Grove.
Winning design for $111m project
Tony Caro Architecture has won the design competition for a proposed mixed-use residential development on the former David Jones site, at 330 Church Street, in the Parramatta CBD. The $111 million redevelopment of the site is being proposed by Meriton Apartments Pty Ltd., with the winning design including two separate residential towers of 34 and 22 storeys, a public square and stepped terraces down to the edge of the Parramatta River.
Arabic businesses overlooked
A study of Arabic businesses in Western Sydney has found they could be tapped to generate a far greater share of the 61,000 new jobs needed in the region by 2031, given with the right support The study by the University of Western Sydney's Urban Research Centre, in Parramatta, focused on Arabic businesses in the Auburn-Bankstown corridor.
Freight line above estimate
The Southern Sydney Freight Line, considered crucial for reducing the amount of freight carried by trucks in Sydney and throughout the state, is expected to be finished by the end of next year. It will have cost $350 million, well above the most recent estimate of $309 million.
Two EOI called
The Sydney Olympic Park Authority has called for expressions of interest to develop, own and operate a licensed premises within Sydney Olympic Park. Tenders close on April 5. EOI close on May 10 to develop, own and operate a private hospital within the precinct.
Expansion by Bunnings
Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings plans multi-level stores in Castle Hill and Smithfield as part of a nationwide expansion. Its latest is the $53 million Chatswood store, which includes 11,600 square metres of floor space over four levels and an underground carpark.
New image for city
Penrith City Council plans to spend $120,000 to “refresh and revitalise” the image and marketing of the city and the council. Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken questioned whether it would be better to invest in footpaths or in making the city more presentable to bring in more business, jobs and investment. Information and customer relations group manager Brian Steffen said the brand would attract people to the city.
Hotel approved
Amalgamated Holdings Ltd’s application for the construction of the 3-storey Abode Hotel, at 32 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect, has been approved. The three-storey building will have 124 rooms and 82 parking spaces. Approval has also been given for the reconfiguration of southern movie screen and parking of existing drive-in cinema.
A ‘genuine” CBD
Christopher Brown, the former head of Tourism & Infrastructure Taskforce, said: “The only city in Australia that can aspire to (genuine) CBD status in the next 50 years will be Parramatta.” He was speaking at an economic development forum, Parramatta: Australia’s Next CBD, organised by Parramatta City Council.
Council takes the lead
The Regenesis program, designed by Blacktown City Council along with the Liverpool Plains Shire Council, in south-west NSW, have taken the lead and developed a program where communities will be able to offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits. The program, which was funded by a $2 million state grant, would make carbon trading accessible to local governments, farmers, community groups and residents, the Regenesis project leader, Matthew O'Connor said.
One of the best
For the second year running, Liverpool City Council has outstripped other councils in NSW by achieving one of the lowest average development-application processing times in the Sydney metropolitan area. Council took an average of 46 days to deal with a DA, compared to the statewide average of 67 days during the last financial year.
Professor wins award
Macquarie University vice-cancellor, Professor Steven Schwartz, has received the Market Personality of the Year award, part of Insto's Distinction Awards, in recognition of his role in the university's innovative 2010 bond issue. Macquarie's $250 million 10-year bond was issued as part of a $450 million financing in the bank and bond markets.
UWS wins an award
The University of Western Sydney's commitment to creating a fair and equitable workplace has been recognised once again with the announcement that it has been named as an Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) for the 8th consecutive year.
UWS Oran Park Town MOU
The University of Western Sydney and the Oran Park Town partners have signed a memorandum of understanding to address the community's social plan. Landcom MD Sean O'Toole said the partnership and bilateral agreement would help develop the medical precinct, communication infrastructure and further information technology in the growing area.