‘European’ style makeover for run-down shopping centre at Wentworthville

WENTWORTHVILLE  is set to undergo a sweeping transformation into a European style cosmopolitan city under a bold new plan.

Artist impression of the Wentworthville library plaza under Holroyd Council's development plans.

WENTWORTHVILLE  is set to undergo a sweeping transformation into a European style cosmopolitan city under a bold new plan announced by Holroyd Council.

Earlier this year Holroyd mayor Greg Cummings sparked controversy after describing the efforts to clean up the town as like “putting lipstick on a pig”.

But the new strategy is more akin to a full-body makeover, with plans for a series of developments including high-rise buildings of up to 18 storeys, as well as a new civic precinct, a series of laneways, boosted car parks, expanded green space and beefed-up community facilities.

Artists impression of Dunmore St, Wentworthville under new development proposals.

Detailed maps and designs for the strategy are now on display at the council’s website, with public information sessions being scheduled in the coming weeks.

Cr Cummings said the transformation was a “once in a 20, 30-year opportunity”.

“This is very exciting,” he said. “It will set a standard for years to come.

“Council is now asking the community to share their vision for a modern vibrant Wentworthville centre.”

Artist impression of the Wentworthville library plaza under Holroyd Council's development plans.

In May the Parramatta Advertiser reported concerns from Wentworthville shop owners fearful the town was in decline with gangs, drunks and junkies scaring away customers.

At a local business forum, Cr Cummings made the “lipstick on a pig” comment, saying he believed there was no point in throwing in a few flower beds when new development was required.

Wentworthville Town Centre. Business owners say customers are too scared to go there any more.

The new plan has modelling for 1600 to 1800 apartments, with two options — eight 12-storey buildings or six 12-storey buildings and two at 18 storeys.

Strategic planning manager Adan Davis said expert reports and canvassing of the community had found people were after a “progressive, colourful, vibrant and engaged” local centre that linked to transport and services.

Wentworthville Town Centre has been neglected business owners say.

“The feedback we got was that people visit, people pass through Wentworthville, but they don’t stay,” Mr Davis said.

“Our aim is to have people living there, a strategy that will see people want to stay and want to be in Wentworthville.”

Business owners say they are concerned about the future of Wentworthville.

To that end, the strategic plan includes an expansion of Friend Park by 850sq m, a new traffic bypass, a widening of Dunmore St to allow outdoor dining and a series of bustling laneways.

Three new public spaces — the Dunmore St Plaza, Civic Plaza and the Kingsway Pedestrian Link — are also proposed.

The plans are on exhibition at Holroyd Council, with residents being urged to send in submissions and feedback before November 4. Two public information sessions are being held on Wednesday October 14 from 6pm at the Grevillea Room, Wentworthville Community Centre, 2 Lane Street, Wentworthville and on Saturday 17 October from 9.30am at the Banksia Room, in the same centre. Visit holroyd.nsw.gov.au/wentworthvillecentre for more information.

Draft designs for the Wentworthville Town Centre Structure Plan, released by Holroyd Council.