Plans for neighbourhood, new Multiple Sclerosis facility at 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive Lidcombe

A 5.9 hectare site in western Sydney will transform into a vibrant neighbourhood with homes, a pedestrian/cycle link, recreation spots, a new health facility and land reserved for a possible new school if approved.

A 5.9 hectare site in Lidcombe will transform into a neighbourhood with scores of homes, a pedestrian and cyclist link and a new Multiple Sclerosis Centre if approved.

NSW Property and Development has lodged plans with Cumberland Council to rezone 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive “to put it to better use”.

The site at 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive to be rezoned.

“The government is repurposing under-utilised government land to create a new, integrated, community-focused neighbourhood that will deliver real benefits for locals and the people of western Sydney,” NSW Property and Development’s deputy secretary, Leon Walker, said.

“This plan will see as many as 70 new homes delivered to help ease the shortage of affordable housing options for seniors, single people and young families in the Lidcombe area.’’

The proposal includes the subdivision of the site to include medium-density housing with a 9m height maximum and a new building for Multiple Sclerosis Limited, while reserve land could be used for a school to cater for growing enrolment demands.

The run-down Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Lidcombe will remain in the suburb but will have a new modern facility. Picture: Google Maps

When it is time to enjoy the great outdoors, there will be a green link created for pedestrians and cyclists that will extend from TAFE Lidcombe in the east to Coleman Park at Georges Ave in the west.

Mr Walker said the new multiple sclerosis health care facility would replace the existing, ageing complex for those living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.

Multiple Sclerosis Limited chief executive officer John Blewonski said the proposed wellbeing centre would offer health services, education and employment programs as well as advanced exercise and rehabilitation facilities to support clients.

“We welcome the government’s support to redevelop the Lidcombe site so we can continue to offer the best possible support and services for people living with multiple sclerosis and become an integrated part of this exciting new neighbourhood,” he said.

Cumberland councillor George Campbell welcomed the project.

“If there’s no adverse impact on neighbours, I’d be very supportive of anything that facilitates the work of victims of multiple sclerosis, which my sister Joy died from,’’ he said.

Plans to lodge the rezoning proposal last year were suspended while detailed traffic and safety planning could be undertaken.

The public has a chance to contribute feedback to the planning proposal by November 4. Click here to have your say.

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