Just five major developments, mostly business parks approved for Aerotropolis since election

Since the election, just five significant projects have been given the green light for the aerotropolis, once touted as a future jobs and technology hub to surround the new airport. It comes as the area’s master plan could still be months away.

The majority of the major developments approved for western Sydney’s so-called “aerotropolis” since last year’s state election are for industrial estates and warehouses, rather than hi-tech manufacturing tenants.

The 11,200 hectares surrounding the new airport at Badgerys Creek — where flights will start in 2026 — was touted as a future jobs and technology district but The Daily Telegraph has revealed major firms looking to build there have been hamstrung by a planning go-slow.

The Telegraph can now report that five state significant developments have been approved for the manufacturing hub since the last election, with the projects expected to deliver $2.1 billion in capital investment for the state.

The most valuable development in terms of investment approved since the March election was for a massive Microsoft data centre, with the six hectare site operating around the clock.

The project, lodged by engineers Arup, would generate $1.3 billion in capital investment, according to planning documents.

A render of Aerotropolis could look like. Picture: Supplied

The environmental impact statement said the data centre would support 79 operational jobs, and 300 jobs in construction.

The development application was approved in July last year.

The Aerotropolis and associated precincts as of 2024. Picture: Supplied

A render of Aerotropolis. Picture: Supplied

Other approved developments will largely create new business parks or industrial estates.

The troubled aerotropolis has been plagued by a number of setbacks, most notably delivery giant Amazon’s decision not to proceed with a new warehouse.

Bureaucratic delays are believed to have been part of Amazon’s decision to pull out.

This site will eventually be part of the vast Aerotropolis surrounding Western Sydney Airport and span more than 11,000 hectares.

Western Sydney International Airport terminal which is taking shape and due to open in 2026. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The Western Parkland City Authority has completed the “master plan” for the new city, however the Planning department is still yet to release the plans for public comment.

The department intends to exhibit the plans in “early 2024,” meaning it could be months before land can be released for private investment.

Premier Chris Minns told the Telegraph that the aerotropolis was one of the “most in demand commercial spaces” in Australia, insisting that the new city would be a success.

Premier Chris Minns insists the Aerotropolis won’t be a “white elephant”. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“There’s more to do, we can be bigger and bolder and larger, but this isn’t a white elephant,” he said.

The other applications approved since the March election include a 13-warehouse industrial estate on Adlington Road, which comes with $523 million in capital investment. The Fife/Stockland project will generate 1,000 construction jobs and 2,300 operational jobs.

The Bradfield City master plan, which will mark the next stage of investment and construction, is still sitting with Planning Minister Paul Scully’s office. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Industrial real estate company ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Ltd had an application approved for industrial estate of seven warehouses, a distribution centre, offices, and a cafe. The Westlink Industrial Estate will generate $128 million of investment with 372 construction and operational jobs combined.

Property group GPT Pty Ltd’s application for a new “logistics estate” was approved on November 22. The project will create 400 operational jobs alongside 351 during construction, and deliver investment of more than $78 million.

Atlis Bulky Retail Pty Ltd has also been approved to build a warehouse and distribution centre, with 16 subdivided lots and 170 parking spaces.

The Access Logistics Park is expected to support 310 jobs in construction and 460 during operation, with a capital investment of $51.7 million.

A NSW Government spokeswoman said the Minns Government is in the process of putting the masterplan out for public feedback.

“Public exhibition and masterplan approval timing is being considered and is subject to NSW Government processes and decisions,” she said.

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