Game changers: Liverpool part I
Liverpool is undergoing a massive transformation, from the new aerotropolis to a world-class medical precinct. Here are the top 20 “game changers” changing the face of the city.
Liverpool
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FROM its buzzing city centre to its rural fringes, Australia’s fourth oldest township is undergoing an unprecedented transformation.
Major projects are announced on an almost weekly basis, with big business and investors recognising Liverpool’s potential as a vibrant place to work, live and play.
The announcement that Liverpool will be home to Sydney’s second airport opened the floodgates for such projects — or “game changers”.
Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said it was a “humbling experience” to watch the city grow.
“The airport announcement has been incredible. Since the election in 2016 it’s like someone’s pressed button A and we’ve taken off,” Cr Waller said.
From news that retail giants Costco and Amazon are moving in, to the NSW Government’s $740 million investment in a world-class health and academic precinct, these are the game changers transforming the face of our city.
20. PHILLIPS PARK REDEVELOPMENT
The proposed redevelopment of Phillips Park aims to breathe new life into this central park in Lurnea.
The success of the Carnes Hill Community and Recreation Precinct has prompted Liverpool Council to take a similar approach to community facilities across the region, starting with Lurnea.
The suburb’s ageing facilities will be replaced with a multipurpose community hub, a flexible sports or play area, a turfed field, open spaces and an outdoor gym circuit.
However, the proposal has been met with anger from some residents, who say plans to remove a four-court tennis complex at Phillips Park, used by residents for decades, will be a detriment to the community.
A detailed design based on a draft landscape masterplan will be drawn up after Liverpool councillors voted to forge ahead with the project.
19. HOLSWORTHY VILLAGE CENTRE
A buzzing retail and residential village has been envisioned for a prime pocket of vacant land in Holsworthy.
The proposed Holsworthy Village Centre would be located at 2 Macarthur Drive, next to Holsworthy railway station and bounded by Heathcote Rd.
It proposes a mixed-use development, offering a mix of housing types close to public transport and a retail village with a public square for outdoor dining and informal meetings.
It would also serve as a gateway to Holsworthy and Wattle Grove when travelling from the southeast.
A planning proposal has been lodged with Liverpool Council, seeking to amend the existing planning controls to allow for increased density.
If approved, the maximum allowable building height would increase from 21m to 54m.
18. NULON MOTOR OILS WAREHOUSE
A controversial proposal for a motor oils warehouse at Horningsea Park has mobilised residents opposed to the development.
Nulon Motor Oils has applied to the State Government to move its operations from Moorebank to the Bringelly Road Business Hub.
The warehouse would be used to store bulk fluids, including combustible liquids and aerosols, to then be blended, bottled and packaged before being distributed by truck.
Residents have the backing of Liverpool Council in their opposition to the development.
However, Nulon chief executive Greg Simons told the Leader air pollution at the site would “not be an issue” and if approved, the warehouse would allow the company to double its production and increase its staff from 65 to 110.
17. TOLL FULFILMENT CENTRE
Automated technologies are at the forefront of Toll Group’s newest fulfilment centre in Prestons.
The $160 million retail and e-Commerce fulfilment centre opened in February in a bid to support the growth of online shopping in Australia.
The facility, set across 32,000sq m, is capable of picking, processing and packing 375,000 items per day.
It has been fitted with 15,600sq m of automation equipment including driverless forklifts.
The state-of-the-art facility was built in collaboration with apparel retailer Specialty Fashion Group, which owns brands Millers, Crossroads, Katies, Autograph, City Chic and Rivers. Located close to the M5 and M7 motorways, it is Toll Group’s latest investment in western Sydney.
16. COSTCO HEADQUARTERS
Retail giant Costco recently announced it will develop its Australian headquarters in Kemps Creek, just a stone’s throw away from the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek.
The $77 million project was given the green light by the State Government in March and will be the company’s largest facility in Australia.
It will cover 14ha, or roughly 20 football fields, and is expected to generate 730 construction jobs and 210 operational jobs.
With the project expected to be completed by next year, Costco’s new headquarters will serve its warehouses across the country.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it would provide western Sydney residents opportunities to work locally, describing it as “another big win for NSW jobs”.
Check out numbers 11-15 of the Top 20 Game Changers.