A concept for a South-West Sydney development that combines diverse housing, green space, access to a university and transport and community gardens was unveiled today.
Prepared as a case study, the concept was presented by Rachel Trigg and Carlos Frias at the Good Growth Housing Conference today in Sydney.
The proposed hypothetical development – Converge at Macarthur – seeks to benefit all in the community, whilst exemplifying liveable, sustainable and inclusive growth, all set within a commercial and economic reality. The project is the brain child of the Good Growth Alliance – a coalition of peak industry bodies and NGO leaders – and city and community shaping experts, Urbis.
Converge at Macarthur is a demonstration of good growth at its best: a development that benefits all in the community, exemplifies liveable, sustainable and inclusive growth and is set within a commercial and economic reality.
The design includes a provision for 30% social and affordable housing; 7,000+ sqm open space, 1.3km walking/cycling trail, public plaza and community hub site, all on a site that is currently unusable for the community. The residential development will include opportunities across the housing spectrum for people of all ages and life stages.
The commercially viable development model is based on an 13ha case study site in Macarthur and includes collaboration from all levels of government. The site is nearby to Macarthur Square Shopping Centre, Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus and TAFE NSW Campbelltown campus.
The design has been developed in consultation with all Alliance members: the Property Council of Australia, Committee for Sydney and the Sydney Business Chamber; Community Housing Industry Association of NSW, Homelessness NSW and Shelter NSW. Landcom also provided input to the design, and intend to draw on the outcomes of the collaboration for future consultation and inform future planning of the site. Moreover, the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW are running affordability modelling to develop the proposal.
The Good Growth Alliance was established in 2018 as a partnership between organisations representing Sydney’s business sector alongside housing NGOs to promote the benefits of good growth. The Alliance advocates for a sustainable plan for growth in Sydney, based on transparent, consistent and evidence-based decision making by political parties, local government and planners.
Rachel Trigg, Community Planning Director, said: “Good growth thrives on, and is a result of, collaboration, trust, transparency and a clear vision. Together with the Good Growth Alliance, Urbis is excited to demonstrate how a development can be responsive to community needs, well designed and commercially viable.
“We believe the learnings generated through this project can inspire the property industry, community housing providers, communities, peaks and all levels of government to work together to shape cities and communities for a better future.”
For information on this project, please contact the #cityshaper team below.