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Camellia Town Centre is centred on the Parramatta Light Rail providing fast, frequent and direct services to Parramatta, North Parramatta and Westmead’s employment, education, health and entertainment opportunities.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has recently announced a new approach to precinct planning in NSW. This will mean a change of approach to planning for Camellia Town Centre.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Greater Sydney Commission will support the City of Parramatta Council in future planning for Camellia Town Centre.
In early 2018 the Department prepared a draft Camellia Town Centre Master Plan which will guide the future development of the former industrial area over the next 20 to 30 years.
When completed in 2023, Stage 1 of the proposed Parramatta Light Rail will provide fast, frequent and direct services from a station at Camellia to Parramatta, North Parramatta and Westmead’s employment, education, health and entertainment opportunities. The light rail will also provide easy access to the suburbs of Rydalmere, Dundas, Telopea and Carlingford.
The Stage 2 route for the Parramatta Light Rail from Camellia Town Centre to Olympic Park is currently being finalised and will provide further connections east of Camellia to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
The planning process provides a rare opportunity to progress transport initiatives that address access issues and provide for future growth.
The existing Sandown Freight corridor will be repurposed as part of the Parramatta Light Rail line. In addition, the draft Plan provides for a new street network improving access to and along Grand Avenue, together with other connections from the Town Centre, crossing Parramatta River and Duck River.
The draft Plan includes 13 hectares of new public open spaces throughout the town centre including plazas, parks and playing fields. Eight hectares will be located on the riverfront.
The draft Plan also delivers protection and enhancement of the natural environment by unlocking the Parramatta River foreshore to the public with pedestrian and cycle access, and establishes another section of Sydney’s Green Grid.
Key to the draft Plan is the development of shops, offices and commercial spaces, cafes and restaurants, a potential new primary school, library, and community hub well as new homes close to the Parramatta Light Rail station. These facilities will provide for up to 5,000 new jobs in the Camellia Town Centre.
Up to 10,000 new homes could be provided in the town centre, including affordable housing and all within walking distance of a light rail station.
The opening of Parramatta River foreshore to the public will be a highlight of this new community. The draft plan for Camellia has ensured that public open space is placed in a way which maximises sunlight, views and access.
Key environmental constraints related to flooding and contamination have been addressed through the development of strategy that identifies remediation measures including ground levels within the precinct.
This will provide easily accessible and functional public streets and spaces, making movement in the precinct easier.
The Department has worked closely with the City of Parramatta Council, Transport for NSW and the Department of Education, as well as local businesses, landowners and other relevant stakeholders in developing the draft Plan for the Camellia Town Centre.