Up to 13,000 new homes will be built in the Westmead South Precinct, with the State Government leading a rezoning proposal for the area.
With the backing from Cumberland City Council, the proposal increases the number of homes previously identified under Council’s 2024 masterplan from 7,000 to approximately 13,000.
Located near the Parramatta CBD and Westmead Hospital, the precinct will be serviced by the future Westmead Metro Station due to open in 2032, alongside existing heavy rail, light rail and bus services.
Key features of the proposal include:
- a mix of housing types and heights ranging from two to 38 storeys, with the highest buildings closest to the new Westmead Metro Station,
- between three and five per cent affordable homes in perpetuity,
- up to three hectares of additional public open space, including a new public plaza at the Oakes Centre and a park to park line between Sydney Smith Park and the Mays Hill Precinct,
- improved pedestrian and active transport networks, with Hawkesbury Road connecting the Oakes Centre, schools and communities,
- securing the site for a future new public primary school and community facilities to meet the needs of a growing population,
- opportunities for new shops, cafes, restaurants, and businesses in residential areas, and
- strengthening heritage protections by retaining all existing heritage items and providing additional heritage recognition for the Tooheys Palm Estate.
The Government has also begun the complex work of securing the former Sacred Heart Catholic School site and surrounding land for a future new public primary school, with timing to be guided by student demand and population growth in the area.
“Westmead is already home to one of the busiest health and education precincts in the state, and this rezoning ensures we have more homes in the area to support the growing working community,” said Member for Granville, Julia Finn.
“Local families want more housing choice close to jobs, schools and hospitals, and this plan delivers on that while protecting the heritage and green spaces that make this area special.
“We encourage all members of the community to have their say during the public exhibition to help shape the future of this precinct.”
The proposal is now on public exhibition until 5pm on September 16 and members of the community are encouraged to have their say.
Drop-in sessions will be held at the Westmead Scout Hall (61A Good Street, Westmead) on Wednesday, September 2 between 11am and 2pm and 3.30pm and 6.30pm.
For more information and to provide feedback during the public exhibition period, visit the Westmead South Precinct Rezoning on the NSW Planning Portal.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.