Rezoning for three major housing precincts now open for public feedback

The first rezoning proposals for Sydney’s “accelerated precincts” under Premier Chris Minns’ high density housing reforms can be revealed for the first time.

Sweeping plans to reshape transport hubs in Sydney’s north and northwest into three micro-cities can be revealed for the first time.

The first rezoning proposals for “accelerated precincts” under Premier Chris Minns’ high density housing reforms have now been released for public feedback, clearing the way for up to 30,000 new homes to be built in Kellyville and Bella Vista, Macquarie Park, and Hornsby.

The plans provide for almost 21,000 new homes in Kellyville and Bella Vista, around two Metro stations. The master plans would also support up to 10,000 jobs.

Hornsby’s CBD is set for a makeover, with 5,000 new homes to be added to an almost 40-hectare precinct around the rail line.

The Macquarie Park rezoning plan would provide 4,600 new homes and support up to 66,000 jobs.

What Hornsby could look like under a state-led rezoning plan increasing density around transport hubs. Picture: supplied.

Up to 2,840 of the new homes would be “affordable homes,” rented out by community housing providers to low income earners eligible for rent assistance.

The micro-cities are among eight “accelerated precincts” under Premier Chris Minns’ reforms to deliver higher density housing around transport hubs.

The eight areas are ground zero for the Minns government’s housing reforms, which would also allow for more duplexes and manor homes around smaller transport hubs.

Renders showing what Kellyville could look like under a plan to build almost 21,000 new homes. Image: Supplied.

Developments worth more than $60 million in the accelerated precincts would be deemed “state significant” and be eligible for faster planning pathways, subject to approval by the state government and not local councils.

In a bid to get the homes built as quickly as possible, prospective developers would be required to start building within two years of a project getting planning approval.

While the plans are being exhibited for public consultation, the state government does not have to follow any feedback provided.

The plans include green space and “special entertainment precincts”.

The master plans include special rules designed to support entertainment including extended trading hours for live music venues.

Rezoning proposals around other transport hubs, in Bankstown, Bays West, Crows Nest, and Homebush are expected to be unveiled in coming months.

Up to $520 million in state government cash will be spent on new infrastructure across the precincts to enable higher density housing.

The higher density housing would see high-rise built around transport hubs including new metro stations.

“The Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms are focused on building better homes and better communities,” Planning Minister Paul Scully said.

“These first three rezonings allow for up to 30,000 more homes supported by almost 80,000 jobs.”

In total, the precincts are expected to create capacity for up to 47,800 new houses over the next 15 years.

The new homes in Hornsby would be located on either side of the rail line. Picture: Supplied

Allowing higher density housing around other transport hubs would facilitate a further 138,000 homes over the next 15 years.

Even with state-led rezoning for higher density, NSW would be left dramatically short of building 75,000 new homes it needs to build each year over the next five years.

Mr Scully said the government’s reforms will help provide “the construction of diverse housing and the opportunity for people to find a well-located, well-built home that suits all stages of their lives”.

The announcement follows revelations in The Daily Telegraph that bureaucrats knocked back a $1 billion project in Newcastle at the last minute.

The Master Builders Association has also warned that developers need to build “as soon as possible” to avoid building costs which could skyrocket some 30 per cent over the next four years.

Originally published as Rezoning for three major housing precincts now open for public feedback