It is proposed that increased flexibility for light industrial land will be investigated. Care is needed to ensure the mechanisms used also manage the continuation and growth of urban support functions.
Investigations may result in changes to Local Environmental Plan and development controls in the longer term.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is our “CBD” and is set to become a vibrant and active centre comprising offices, retail, community facilities, recreation, cultural facilities, education and increased housing densities within walking distance of the station.
Whilst Castle Hill is well located to the workforce and transport infrastructure and has sites for potential office development, growth has been inhibited by a number of factors including migration of businesses to business parks (Norwest in particular), traffic congestion and lack of premium grade commercial office space. This centre requires a clear vision for its commercial future and may need Council to take the lead on commercial development to provide a catalyst for investors to consider the area.
In the short to medium term, order for the commercial and mixed use capacity to be realised there is a need for the following to be completed:
Traffic modelling to identify the impact of growth on the local and regional road network and upgrades to ensure roads will operate at an acceptable level;
Additional infrastructure investigations and commitments, including identification of open space facilities to serve growth and a K to 12 school to serve the Showground Precinct;
Commercial and retail market demand analysis; and
Urban design and built form analysis.
Rouse Hill
Rouse Hill is an important strategic centre serving the rapidly growing northwest with a unique and appealing mix of shopping, dining, recreation and community services. It has opportunity to increase its vibrancy and activity with enhanced retail offer and new commercial capacity all within walking distance of the new Rouse Hill station. The centre will complement and support the recently
announced Rouse Hill Hospital with knowledge intensive jobs suited to Hills Shire residents and some increased housing.
The proximity to the public hospital, the accessibility offered by the Sydney Metro Northwest, the availability of larger sites and the amenity already apparent in the centre, present a timely and unique opportunity to rethink the desired outcomes for the whole of the Rouse Hill strategic centre. There is opportunity to collaborate with State Government and Blacktown Council in facilitating a health precinct to support the hospital and encourage job growth in Rouse Hill. Health services jobs are one of the fastest growing industries in The Hills and are well suited to our residents’ skills.
In addition to the delivery of the Sydney Metro Northwest, the planning and delivery of the rail link between Rouse Hill and St Mary’s and ultimately through to the Western Sydney International Airport will be key to the success of Rouse Hill. Additional precinct planning work and infrastructure
investigations is also needed to complete the overall vision for the Rouse Hill Strategic Centre, which includes Rouse Hill Town Centre and other commercial land to the north west of the town centre, located along Windsor Road, to ensure we do not lose the opportunity for Rouse Hill to effectively transition to a fully functioning strategic centre, as identified in the Central City District Plan.
A Focus on the Night Time Economy
The night-time economy will be driven and inspired by strong inter-industry partnerships, including the community, creatives, entrepreneurs, businesses, police, landowners, innovative investors and other government agencies.
As we welcome new residents and development, and an increasing number of visitors, there is considerable potential for growing our vibrant night-time economy in our three strategic centres of Castle Hill, Norwest and Rouse Hill. There are a range of mechanisms available to facilitate the night time economy including review of permissible land uses, review of hours of operation, review of outdoor dining policy, public domain planning and place making opportunities.
Public Domain Strategy
Provision of physical and social infrastructure to support the workforce will also be important to future success and enjoyment of these places. A Public Domain Strategy will integrate with our precinct planning for our centres to ensure they are great places to work as well as spend time connecting with each other out of work hours. Flexible planning controls will contribute to the delivery of vibrant main streets with plenty of opportunities to enjoy eating out, meeting together and enjoying a variety of entertainment.
Council will:
Prepare land use planning documents and respond to development applications and planning proposals for our Strategic Centres in line with the Structure Plans and Phasing Strategies.
Work with State Government to bring forward planning for the city shaping link between Norwest and Parramatta (refer Planning Priority 11).
Advocate for the early completion of the Sydney Metro linking our strategic centres with the Sydney CBD and the Western Sydney International Airport.
Investigate measures to promote low impact night time economy, including a review of
permissible land uses, review of hours of operation, review of outdoor dining policy, public domain planning and place making opportunities.
Investigate measures to deliver desired outcomes in strategic centres, including assistance for start-up businesses in the Norwest Service Precinct and management of serviced apartment outcomes in employment zones.
Public Domain Strategy
The Public Domain Strategy will set the future direction for works and improvements throughout the Shire. It will establish a set of goals and enable and improved sense of place and identity. It will include:
Design principles applicable across the whole Shire.
Key street design elements.
Specific pallets and design principles for a variety of character areas including:
Local, village and town centres; and
Business and industrial areas.
Provision for precinct specific public domain plans for areas including
Baulkham Hills Town Centre
Castle Hill North;
Castle Hill Central;
Norwest Central; and
Norwest Service.
The Public Domain Strategy will assist in driving better place making.
Contents of precinct specific and Shire wide plans will inform Council’s Capital Works Program and provide direction and certainty to developers and planners in preparing and assessing applications which impact the public domain.
Actions
Prepare and implement Precinct Plans and development controls for Norwest Central, Castle Hill Central and Cattai Creek West (identified as phase 2 delivery in 5-10 years).
Partner with Health Infrastructure NSW, Department of Planning and Industry, Blacktown Council and key landowners to develop a Health Precinct Strategy for the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
Prepare and implement a Public Domain Strategy to enhance the image and amenity of strategic centres.
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