Canterbury Rd has the potential for urban renewal as part of Sydney Metro railway project

THIS tired, old strip in Sydney needs to be revitalised as part of urban renewal plans along the Sydenham to Bankstown rail corridor.

URBAN renewal along the Sydenham to Bankstown rail corridor could see the revitalisation of Canterbury Rd and a draft strategy for the corridor will be exhibited in the coming weeks.

As new developments spring up along Canterbury Rd, residents and interest groups are calling for improved amenities and attractions.

A Planning Department spokeswoman said the draft plan outlines a vision for areas around the 11 stations along the rail line and community feedback from an online survey.

The railway line will be converted to single deck and link to the northwest rail link via a new harbour crossing by 2024.

Canterbury Rd represents an opportunity for urban renewal, Chris Johnson chief executive of property development industry group Urban Taskforce says.

“I think the Canterbury Rd corridor is a project waiting for action. It is a bit sad at the moment. I think a renewal is entirely on the table,” he said.

The Canterbury Rd corridor has the potential for urban renewal, according to Urban Taskforce chief executive Chris Johnson. Picture: Carmela Roche

A mixed-use model which incorporated residential and commercial purposes would suit the area, with developments of six to eight stories a “comfortable fit”, Mr Johnson said.

While noise levels and traffic presented challenges, the corridor was “not dissimilar to Parramatta Rd, Victoria Rd and the Pacific Highway”, he said.

The case to renew “unloved” areas such as Canterbury Rd was “easier to argue with the community” as residents would benefit from improved amenities such as shops within walking distance, cafes, public squares and cinemas.

Chris Johnson, CEO Urban Taskforce.

At present, residents such as Mella Drakulis, 50, have to travel to neighbouring suburbs such as Dulwich Hill, Ashfield and Burwood to shop, dine and socialise.

“We don’t have much over here. If you want to go shopping you’ve got to go to Burwood or Roselands,” Ms Drakulis said.

With more families expected to settle in Canterbury amid the influx of new developments, there is also concern about the lack of community spaces.

Canterbury Residents — Our Public Spaces spokesman Michael Thomson said community spaces were needed to cater for any population growth in the area.

“These plans have got to be whole plans. They need to include community spaces and good public transport,” he said.

Bankstown Council has approached the State Government with a concept plan for the precinct between Hume Highway in the north and the M5 in the south, taking in Stacey St, and out to Bankstown Station in the west, a council spokeswoman said.

“This plan focuses on transport infrastructure, and commercial, retail and residential improvements to meet our growing population and bustling economy,” she said.

“We hope the government, and its Department of Planning, are more receptive to working with us to make any major upgrade of this precinct, particularly around Bankstown station, work for our community.”

TRADERS LEAD WAY

SMALL businesses could revive the Canterbury Rd corridor, with one business showing it is possible to “create something beautiful in a neglected area”.

Pazar Food Collective owner and chef Attila Yilmaz established his restaurant on Canterbury Rd last year in a bid to attract locals and visitors to the area.

At the time, the decision was risky as Canterbury Rd was — and remains — in need of revitalisation.

“It’s certainly been neglected — I was willing to take a risk,” Mr Yilmaz said.

Pazar Food Collective owner and chef Attila Yilmaz. Picture: Bob Barker.

With Canterbury a short drive from the city, the decision to settle there was a “no brainer” because “if you make a good product, people will come to you regardless of the area,” he said.

Mr Yilmaz estimated 70 per cent of his customers were non-local. Having businesses and stakeholders in an area helped to deter crime and improve its social standing, Mr Yilmaz said.

INCREASED DEVELOPMENT A CONCERN FOR RESIDENTS

CANTERBURY ROAD UPGRADES A ‘BAND-AID’ SOLUTION

But there was one problem businesses along the corridor faced: a lack of parking. The 24-hour clearway along Canterbury Rd “made it very difficult for businesses to survive and remain viable”, he said.

Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club chief operating officer Lloyd Pollard said the renewal of the Canterbury Rd corridor had “the capacity to deliver a range of positive outcomes”.

Higher density development, for example, would encourage business investment.

PLANS FOR RENEWAL

CANTERBURY

Canterbury Road.

A total of 1293 apartments have been approved for Canterbury town centre that will bring in thousands of new residents. A supermarket and shops have also been approved.

Residents would like to see a renewal of the Canterbury Rd corridor with more shops, cafes and restaurants along the degraded strip.

Community spaces such as parks, community centres and public squares were also considered important.

Local businesses would like to see more parking available after the introduction of a 24-hour clearway.

HURLSTONE PARK

Residents would like more dining options and retail centres, but some have expressed concern about preserving the “village” character.

BANKSTOWN

Bankstown Council has approached the government with a plan to improve transport, and commercial, retail and residential developments around the station.

CAMPSIE

Developments are going up in Campsie.

Residents say public amenities and retail and dining options are adequate around Campsie, but with the growth of apartments there is also a need to preserve the green spaces.