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Greater Macarthur 2040: The rural villages set to welcome 40,000 homes across the next two decades

The sprawling paddocks of Appin, Gilead and Menangle Park are set to welcome almost 40,000 houses across the next two decades, dramatically transforming southwest Sydney.

The rolling paddocks of Menangle (pictured), Menangle Park, Appin and Gilead is set to be developed in coming decades. Picture: Dylan Robinson
The rolling paddocks of Menangle (pictured), Menangle Park, Appin and Gilead is set to be developed in coming decades. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The sprawling paddocks and semirural villages of Appin, Menangle and Gilead are set to transform across the next two decades, welcoming almost 40,000 new homes.

The Greater Macarthur 2040 Interim Plan outlines the future growth of the region with major developers Lendlease, Walker Corporation, Dahua Group and Mirvac all expected to deliver new, vibrant communities.

Lendlease’s Figtree Hill masterplan for Gilead. Picture: Carmela Roche
Lendlease’s Figtree Hill masterplan for Gilead. Picture: Carmela Roche

High-density residential properties near town centres and major transport links in the greenfield developments of Appin and Gilead is encouraged by the draft plan.

Wollondilly Liberal MP Nathaniel Smith told the Chronicle last month that people move to the area for a “rural lifestyle”.

“With greenfield development, it’s best to have a plan for the whole region,” he said.

“I think we have seen in other areas of NSW where it has just been cut and pasted it hasn’t been a good urban planning outcome.

Follow the Greater Macarthur 2040 series below:

CHAPTER ONE – Cutting-edge ‘campus-style’ building slated for city centre

CHAPTER TWO – Mac Square’s long-term vision: ‘More than just a retail centre’

CHAPTER THREE – City’s grand evolution to headline region’s growth

CHAPTER FOUR – Walker Corp calls for sleepy town to transform into new estate

CHAPTER FIVE – Government vows to protect precious koala colony
CHAPTER SIX – The suburbs to transform from paddock to pavement

“I think if the property owners, council and state government all work together, we will get a better outcome and a better quality town out of these large areas – but you got to have your infrastructure, your roads, your NBN, your sewerage, your water, your schools, your buses and more.”

Developer Dahua Group is also pushing for high-density buildings in Menangle Park, a vision which was supported by the Campbelltown Local Planning Panel.

The Chinese-backed company is also requesting the ability to deliver more than 5000 homes in the rural area, despite the plan suggesting the potential for 4000 dwellings.

An aerial view of Menangle Park, to be developed by Dahua Group Australia.
An aerial view of Menangle Park, to be developed by Dahua Group Australia.

“Menangle Park will become a new urban community with a town centre providing local retail and commercial services,” the draft plan stated.

The controversial urban transformation of Gilead continues to take shape with developer Lendlease surging forward with the development of Figtree Hill estate on the site.

Community members have staged failed court battles and protests to halt construction on the site, with the draft plan indicating the area could deliver about 15,000 homes boasting a “scenic landscape”.

Appin, separated into a north and west precinct, is expected to house 20,000 homes including high-density residential.

The draft plan recommends Appin to be delivered in the “long-term”, with Walker Corporation strongly objecting to the time frame in its submission.

Developer Mirvac continues to move forward with the transformation of a 40ha site surrounding Menangle village, recently winning approval for a major subdivision and bulk earthworks.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/greater-macarthur-2040-the-rural-villages-set-to-welcome-40000-homes-across-the-next-two-decades/news-story/cfd854e2feedfa8f619b0d5cdf591804