Macarthur development boom bringing $513.5 million worth of upgrades
More than $500 million worth of investment will help transform the Macarthur region as the Western Sydney Airport starts taking shape. Now we reveal what they are.
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As the fastest growing region in the Sydney metropolitan area, there is no wonder Macarthur is seeing a boom in money poured into major developments.
Up to $513.5 million worth of projects are set to take place in 2021 and we are taking a look at some of the developments that could make Macarthur the place to be in coming years.
KING STREET, CAMPBELLTOWN
In January, the Macarthur Chronicle reported a proposal had been lodged for a state-of-the-art nine-storey apartment and hotel tower for 11-13 King St.
The tower is set to increase tourist accommodation with the construction of 86 units, lodged by Michael Brown Planning Strategies.
When complete, the $17 million hotel, would also have two levels of basement parking and a shared ground floor with a reception area, lounge, office, conference room and gymnasium.
There are currently only 458 rooms available with the new hotel bringing the number up to 544, which the developer said would have a “variety of rooms to suit various travellers”.
“The proposal seeks to construct a hotel accommodation and serviced apartments development on the land to complement the existing and future character of the area, but with a contemporary built form,’ the proposal read.
QUEEN STREET, CAMPBELLTOWN
On nearby Queen Street, plans for a glitzy 11-storey hotel and club was proposed early last year to rejuvenate the vibrant heart of Campbelltown’s fast-growing city centre.
The $50 million proposal by Campbelltown RSL Club plans to “raise the bar” with a vibrant complex including a two-level club and high-rise hotel above.
RSL venue manager Luke Whalan said the development, proposed for the existing City Arcade site, could make Queen St great again.
“To see Queen St in the state it is in today, something really needs to be done to reactivate and promote the area,” he said.
“An activated Queen St would be fantastic for local businesses, the economy and would create jobs. With us leading the change on Queen St, we hope that can show other businesses there is opportunities in the area and if we work together as a community to encourage better offerings, it’s only going to be a good thing.”
A function centre, sports bar, cafe and terrace dining is proposed to feature in the new two-storey RSL club, with Mr Whalan revealing it would target future residents.
The revamp of the Campbelltown RSL has received gateway approval.
MINTO TOWN CENTRE
NSW Planning has pushed forward the multimillion-dollar plan to flatten hundreds of houses and shopfronts in Minto to revitalise a high-rise residential and commercial precinct.
Under the revolutionary plans for the southwest Sydney hub, Minto shopping centre would be rezoned from neighbourhood centre to a mixed-use precinct, allowing the development of an expansive shoptop housing precinct surrounding Minto station.
Meanwhile, free standing, low-density houses in blocks bound by Durham St, Pembroke Rd, Coronation Park, Surrey St and the railway line would be rezoned to high-density residential — paving the way for a series of six-storey apartment complexes.
A Campbelltown planner said the vision was to allow the construction of residential flat buildings within the precinct “while prohibiting lower density forms of residential development such as dwellings, dual occupancies and multi-dwelling developments.
“The intention of this amendment is to provide additional housing opportunities in proximity to Minto train station, supporting the use of public transport and the revitalisation of the Minto town centre,” the planner said.
Planning Minister delegate Catherine Van Laeren approved the Gateway Determination of the major planning proposal.
ORAN PARK TOWN CENTRE
A $30 million plan for a “landmark residential building” was approved for Oran Park by the NSW Planning Department in October.
Greenfields Development Company’s 13-storey high rise tower proposal at the heart of the Oran Park Town Centre was given the green light as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program — starting the construction of 60 homes and a new 3000sq m park at the centre of the growing town.
“This is an exciting project for Sydney’s southwest that will bring a more affordable and diverse mix of one-to-four bedroom homes in the heart of Oran Park, allowing people to live close to shops and restaurants,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes told the Macarthur Chronicle.
“The approval will also provide work for 60 construction workers and a $30 million economic boost as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.”
Camden state Liberal MP Peter Sidgreaves said plans for a shopping centre at the base of the residential tower paves the way for a new local landmark, with more homes, shops, restaurants, offices and open space for the community.
“It’s fantastic to see this old vacant site transformed into the heart of a walkable community with vibrant streetscapes, homes, shops, parks and pedestrian links,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
“A new 3,000 sqm park will also be delivered on the corner of Oran Park Drive and Peter Brock Drive to give locals and visitors more open space to relax and play.”
ORAN PARK HOTEL
A $38 million building consisting of rooftop cocktail bar, gold class cinema and high-end steakhouse just to name a few has been approved by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.
The vibrant entertainment precinct, valued at $38 million, is set for the fast-growing community of Oran Park with the company behind the project declaring, if approved, it would be one of the state’s best pubs.
The unique entertainment facility will feature a rooftop cocktail lounge, a picturesque beer garden, first-class restaurant and bistro, as well as a woodfire pizzeria and cafe planned for the ground floor.
Two cinemas, each with a 40-person capacity, are planned for the first floor of the complex alongside a number of function rooms.
Memento Hospitality told the panel it plans to operate the venue until 1am for the first year, before extending the opening hours until 2am and will be located at Peter Brock Drive, walking distance from the Oran Park CBD.
Memento Hospitality were given the green light to build the entertainment venue in August.
MONTAINE RESIDENCES, MOUNT ANNAN
The $30 million ‘Montaine Residences’ was approved by the Land and Environment Court in 2019 after it was originally rejected by Camden Council.
The Queensland-based developer Sunland Group made a bid to change-up the approved development of 139 homes, lodging plans to make slight adjustments to block sizes, staging of construction and the timing of council contributions.
The project is currently being built in four stages despite 12 objections by community members.
The development is located next to Mt Annan market place.
GLEDSWOOD VILLAGE
A $300 million vibrant city-inspired CBD has been proposed for one of the youngest suburbs in Sydney, featuring apartments and boutique dining options.
Buildings rising up to five storeys high with 500 individual apartments will underpin the earmarked commercial and retail heart of Gledswood Hills, a suburb which didn’t exist ten years ago.
The globally-inspired precinct was lodged to Camden Council by Japanese-based company Sekisui House, is to be known as Gledswood Village and be part of ‘The Hermitage’ estate.
“It’s a mixed-use precinct which all becomes a social and civic heart for the Hermitage community,” said senior development manager Brent Thompson.
“Fundamentally we want it to become a really vibrant precinct where there is always something going on. Second to that, we want it to really unique and authentic so really different fit-out, a creative use of materials to give it a really different character that will certainly be different to anything in the southwest.”
There are 500 apartments proposed in the precinct, which would be delivered in the later stages of the project.
Mr Thompson said the project, if approved, would likely be constructed in two stages with the first priority to develop a commercial hub to cater for the existing community, potentially including an aquatic centre, supermarket and child care centre.
The plans are still yet to be approved.
WILLOWDALE HOTEL
One of southwest Sydney’s biggest housing estates is set to finally welcome a first pub, with the project linked to some of the city’s most popular venues.
The venue, to be known as Willowdale Hotel is proposed in Denham Court’s masterplanned Willowdale estate and will be located just off Camden Valley Way on Barbula Rd.
The 350ha masterplanned community is being developed by Stockland and is expected to be home for 10,000 people on completion.
Planning documents reveal the $8.5 million pub would include a kids’ playground, as well as lounge bar, sports bar, dining area, bottle shop and gaming area.
“The hotel has been designed and will be constructed as a family-friendly local hotel with a strong focus on food and dining offering,” the documents state.
“The new pub will create a new benchmark in Willowdale in terms of quality food, facilities, service and provide a new place for social gathering.”
The backers behind the proposed pub include brothers Edward and Justin Malouf, the owner-operators of the Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay and The Bellevue Hotel in Paddington.
The proposal has been approved and construction is yet to begin this year.
CAMPBELLTOWN BUNNINGS
Works began on the bigger and better Campbelltown Bunnings located off Farrow Road in June 2020.
The new $40 million store has plans to replace the existing location on the corner of Kellicar Road with Mayor George Brticevic saying it was promising for the area.
“It‘s super exciting for the job creation, quality of the store, and the convenience for people to access it,” he said.
“Another thing that‘s really exciting – and very progressive by Campbelltown Council – is that this actual Bunnings and the site is owned by the council, owned by the community, owned by ratepayers.
“This will give a great return, which is a fantastic investment for the community. Whatever happens in the future, the site is retained by the community of Campbelltown.”
The site will span more than 17,000 sqm and is expected to be completed midway through this year.
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