The Minns Labor Government has finalized a rezoning plan that will revitalize Riverstone Town Centre, unlocking significant growth opportunities for housing and employment in New South Wales.
Key Developments in Riverstone
This rezoning initiative is set to deliver up to 2,850 new homes and support 1,200 jobs, alongside the creation of a new main street to enhance the town centre. The plan focuses on developing a flood-resilient neighbourhood with housing growth concentrated near the train station, while preserving the low-scale character of the northern end of the precinct.
New Controls and Features
The updated controls will allow:
- Building heights ranging from 2 to 15 storeys
- More employment land to facilitate job creation
- A new town centre featuring retail, dining, and shopping areas
- Upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space
- Enhanced walking and cycling connections
Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Investments
Crucially, this rezoning is supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes. The NSW and Australian Governments are jointly investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road. Additional measures include new open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation strategies, and new laneways to improve flood safety and evacuation capacity.
Adjustments Based on Community Feedback
The final controls were refined based on further technical studies and community input. Key adjustments include:
- Reduced building heights east of Piccadilly Street
- Improved flood planning
- An expanded open space network
- A reduction in proposed homes from 3,600 to 3,400 (including 550 existing homes) to accommodate flood evacuation needs
The plan was developed in collaboration with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.
Statements from Officials
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully emphasized the importance of this rezoning, stating it enables a pipeline of much-needed new homes, jobs, and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone while mitigating flood risks. He commended local MP Warren Kirby for his advocacy in achieving this outcome.
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby highlighted that this rezoning delivers the community's long-held vision for Riverstone, focusing on unlocking more homes and jobs while improving flood resilience. He expressed pride in the new vision, which incorporates community priorities such as improved shopping and dining, more spaces for community connection, greenspace, and better walking and cycling paths.
For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
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