Western Sydney University at Milperra to make way for housing development if plans approved
A southwest Sydney university site will make way for hundreds of homes if a proposal is approved by State Government planners.
The Express
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Western Sydney University’s Milperra campus could make way for hundreds of homes if plans to build more than 430 dwellings on the site are approved.
The Milperra campus — the site of the original Milperra Public School — will be moved to Bankstown by 2022 when the spanking new university is expected to open in the CBD.
Mirvac is proposing to build between 430 and 445 free-standing homes, townhouses and semi-detached houses with an estimated population of 1000. The number of dwelling is dependent on the approval process.
If their rezoning proposals and DA are approved, Mirvac aims to start construction in 2022.
In order to make this multimillion-dollar development take place, WSU and Mirvac have entered into a project development agreement with the ambitious aim of creating one of western Sydney’s most innovative and sustainable communities.
The proposal has, however, upset residents with one questioning the thinking behind it, specially as there is no proper public transport.
“We consider it outrageous and unethical that WSU could be permitted to sell off the property in this way,” mum of two Renae Carter said.
“Milperra is a quiet suburb, we have no train station, we’re boarded by the river and have very limited entry/exit points for vehicles.
“Medium-density development is completely inappropriate for Milperra.
“We think that the proposed development will completely ruin the surrounding area and provide absolutely no benefit to existing residents, as even the very small amount of green space remaining is going to be for exclusive use of the new residents.
“The proposal is completely at odds with Canterbury Bankstown Housing Strategy Summary Report (August 2019) which recognises that new housing is best located in centres to maximise access to services, jobs and amenities.”
Mirvac, which held community consultation meetings last month, plans to submit its rezoning proposal to Canterbury Bankstown Council by February 2020.
“While we are still in the early stages, our shared vision is to create one of Western Sydney’s most innovative and sustainable communities at the site,” Mirvac general manager residential development NSW, Toby Long told The Express.
“(There will be) a variety of housing types, a range of parks and green open space offering active and informal recreation opportunities for both future and existing residents.
Peter Pickering, WSU’s Vice-President (Finance and Resources), said the development would feature low-rise medium-density housing, landscaped streets, parks, open green spaces and sports facilities, with strong public transport links and pedestrian and cycle connections.
“With plans well underway for WSU’s new high-rise Bankstown campus which will begin operating in 2022, the university is preparing to transition operations off the Milperra campus over the next few years.”
Mr Pickering said the university and Mirvac were working with key stakeholders to benefit everyone in the community.
“The redevelopment of the Milperra campus will build organisational capacity for the university, and develop new funding streams for its teaching, learning and research as part of its western growth strategy,” he said.
“Delivering world-class, technology-enabled vertical campuses within key growth centres of western Sydney is the centrepiece of the strategy.”
Both the university and Mirvac say they are committed to ensuring the remnant Cumberland forest will be retained and enhanced.
“We want to hear from locals so we can take their views and feedback on board in order to inform our design process,” Mr Long said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the community and council to create a new neighbourhood that provides for a variety of housing types to suit all life stages.”
They plan to submit a rezoning planning proposal to the council in February 2020
The planning proposal is expected to be submitted to the Planning Department for a Gateway determination by mid-2020 and if approved, WSU will start its relocation from the end of 2021.
Construction is expected to begin in 2020 with the last homes built by 2027.