Melrose Park development under threat if Light Rail second stage chopped
The $6 billion, 6000-apartment Melrose Park development could be under threat if the second stage of Parramatta Light Rail is axed.
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Chopping the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project will cast doubt over the $6 billion Melrose Park development and slash plans for 11,000 homes to 6700, leaders and property experts have warned.
Concerns have been highlighted following last week’s news that the second stage of the $2.4 billion public transport project could be cut over lack of staff working on it.
The matter will be raised at the Parramatta Council meeting tonight when councillors will discuss developers PAYCE’s plans to proceed with the northern part of the vast Melrose Park development.
Parramatta light rail connects Westmead and Rydalmere with Parramatta while the second stage connects the Parramatta CBD with Sydney Olympic Park via Melrose Park via South, Boronia, Hope and Waratah streets, a bridge across the Parramatta River, Hill Rd, Australia Ave and Carter St.
The light rail and bridge to Wentworth Point is seen as vital to sustain the residents moving to the densely-populated Melrose Park project.
Council papers say the lack of public transport would slash the number of homes by 40 per cent to 6700 until “commitment of Sydney Metro West, the bridge to Wentworth Point and light rail or equivalent bus service is made”.
Property Council western Sydney regional director Ross Grove has implored the government to advance the light rail, citing financial and wellbeing drawcards.
“Development in the Parramatta Light Rail corridor will generate a bucketload of tax money for the government and all we want in return is our fair share of the infrastructure pie,’’ he said.
Mr Grove fears more cars would cripple the roads if the State Government fails to proceed.
“If the Parramatta Light Rail stage two does not proceed, some of our most densely populated communities will be forced on to the roads already struggling to cope with transport pressures,’’ he said.
He said the light rail would be “a key aspect of unlocking the future lifestyle of Parramatta”.
“You could effectively have a real good lifestyle, good uni access, entertainment, museums — this network really brings the city together and the idea you could have … health and recreation and good living all without stepping foot into a car would be very special thing for western Sydney to have.”
Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson echoed calls to roll out the light rail’s second stage and support residents.
“My overall position is you can’t have housing without infrastructure to handle it,’’ he said.
“In terms of where they put it down, for us it would mean you need the linkage to the new Sydney Metro West Rail network. I think it would give the light rail network around Parramatta more viable.”
Cr Wilson said the State Government would need to make its plans for the rail’s future clear so developers PAYCE could determine their next step.
“With the light rail and the bridge, they can put 11,000 people in the area. Without the bridge and the light rail, they can only put 6700,’’ he said.
“Even if it doesn’t go all the way, they know they can get 6700 dwellings and then borrow against that.”
A PAYCE spokesman underlined the need for a bridge, which would connect Melrose Park to Wentworth Point and the Sydney Olympic Park Metro West Station, but said the next stage of Melrose Park would not just rely on light rail but buses and Metro West too.
“PAYCE has been working with the Parramatta Light Rail team over the past 18 months, assisting them in their planning for the stage two project, with the understanding it is proceeding,’’ he said.
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said the light rail was essential infrastructure to service Melrose Park.
“As the local member for Parramatta, I have always been committed to the Parramatta Light Rail and transport projects in our region,’’ he said.
“The NSW Government is committed to the Parramatta Light Rail stage 2, and now we’re awaiting the final business case and funding.”
“As the entire Melrose Park project is expected to be developed in a staged manner over a 10-plus year period, the transport planning will be ongoing and there will be ample time for any transport issues to be resolved.”
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However, Ryde state Liberal MP Victor Dominello said he fought hard last year to ensure Wharf Rd was removed from the light rail route.
“We were successful in guaranteeing an alternative alignment, and Waratah St is currently being explored as part of the ongoing investigative works,’’ he said.
“I have consistently fought against the overdevelopment of our area, and any development must be supported by the necessary infrastructure.”
The council has recommended 60 per cent of the Melrose Park development will be completed before the delivery of the bridge and Metro West.
The first stage of Melrose Park, compromising 277 units on the corner of Wharf and Victoria roads, is due to be completed by the middle of next year.
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