Green light for thousands of new homes thanks to fast-tracked approval

More than 3,000 new homes, a new primary school and town plaza in Sydney’s North West have been given the green light today, with the NSW Government approving the concept plans for Ivanhoe Estate.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the approval paved the way for construction to begin on the project, which will transform an 8.2-hectare site on the corner of Herring Road and Epping Road.

“Ivanhoe Estate is one of the first projects to have its assessment fast-tracked through the Planning System Acceleration Program, which is creating jobs and driving investment right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.

“By supercharging the planning system and getting Ivanhoe Estate out the door, we are injecting $303 million into the State’s economy and providing 572 jobs.

“This approval paves the way for construction to begin on the first two residential buildings, which will deliver 740 new homes, with about one-third for social housing.”

Once complete, Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park will include:

• 3,300 new homes, including 950 for social housing, 128 affordable housing, and 273 seniors living homes;
• 2.8 hectares of open space including new parks, a skatepark and a playground;
• A new primary school for 400 children and two childcare centres;
• A town plaza, new shops, cafes and restaurants; and
• A new road connecting Herring Road with Lyonpark Road, including a new bridge over Shrimptons Creek.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Ivanhoe Estate will be the first major project to be delivered through the NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus Program.

“The program will deliver up to 23,500 new and replacement social and affordable homes and up to 40,000 private homes over the next 10 years across NSW,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Now more than ever it is important to put a roof over the heads of the most vulnerable members of our communities - to create vibrant communities, not just buildings.”

Construction of Ivanhoe Estate will begin in October.