Planned Circa Commercial Precinct at Norwest could create up to 25,000 new jobs

VACANT land near Norwest Hospital will be transformed into a commercial precinct creating up up to 25,000 jobs for the area, under a planning proposal supported by The Hills Shire Council.

An artist's impression of the proposed Circa Commercial Precinct. Source: Mulpha Norwest

VACANT land near Norwest Hospital will be transformed into a commercial precinct creating up to 25,000 jobs for the area, under a planning proposal supported by The Hills Shire Council.

Cuncillors at their meeting last week agreed to forward the proposal to the Department of Planning which will determine if it has merit and whether more work is needed.

The proposal seeks to increase the building height and floor space ratio to allow an additional 450,000m² of commercial floor space over 30ha of land at Norbrik and Elizabeth Macarthur drives, Bella Vista.

Aerial view of the proposed Circa Commercial Precinct. Source: Mulpha Norwest

Mulpha Norwest is planning to develop Circa Commercial Precinct — a series of buildings between two to 15 storeys high with offices, shops, cafes and restaurants.

There is also scope for cinemas, function centres, gymnasium, childcare centres and medical facilities.

A key part of the precinct is a retirement village and aged care home that will cater for up to 1000 residents.

A council report said the proposal had merit because it could facilitate up to 25,000 new jobs in the shire and it aligned with council’s vision for Norwest Business Park as a high density employment centre.

However, the report said further work was needed prior to public exhibition to assess traffic and transport implications, economic impacts, heritage and urban design.

Artist impression of Circa Precinct lakeside. Source: Mulpha Norwest

Addressing councillors, Mulpha Norwest general manager Tim Spencer said the company was committed to finding “innovative ways” of combating traffic issues.

It also planned to preserve and enhance the nearby heritage listed Bella Vista Farm Park.

“It’s a long-term project that offers an opportunity to grow confidence in the market and get good planning outcomes,” he said.

Councillor Ray Harty said the proposed development would be a major employment generator for the Norwest Business Park.

“We already know that the 80,000 jobs currently in Norwest Business Park will increase by 30,000 by 2031,” he said.

“That will only occur with the growth that will occur within the Norwest Business Park.”

Cr Andrew Jefferies said the project was an exciting opportunity for the Hills.

“25,000 additional jobs is a major plank of where the shire is headed.”