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One of Landcom’s most important roles is to take on strategic or complex projects in which the wider development industry may be either unwilling or unable to become involved.
We bring stakeholders together and work to resolve constraints, which enables us to better define the risk. We then either develop the site ourselves or package up the result as an opportunity for the private sector.
Over time, Landcom has assembled a strong portfolio of strategic projects that are capable of demonstrating best practice in social, environmental and economic sustainability. Our involvement in bringing to fruition the Rouse Hill Regional Centre and in the redevelopment of the Prince Henry site at Little Bay are two excellent examples of Landcom in action.
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ROUSE HILL REGIONAL CENTRE
Construction commenced during the year on the first stage of the Rouse Hill Regional Centre, a $1.5 billion development that is set to transform the region, serving a population of 250,000 and creating 12,000 new jobs.
Being developed in a partnership arrangement between Landcom, the Department of Planning, Lend Lease and the General Property Trust, the Centre will deliver a more traditional main street shopping precinct.
A fully integrated development is proposed, comprising up to 200,000 sqm of commercial and retail floor space, 1,800 new homes, extensive community facilities and open space. The project will provide vital transport, community facilities and other infrastructure early in the development and in line with demand. A transport interchange is being built with provision for heavy rail and will form a gateway to the Centre. Construction of a bus transit-way to Parramatta is already underway and is due for completion before the first stage opens.
A major upgrade of Windsor Road is also proposed, which will provide access to the M2 and M7 motorways.
In spite of its scale, the project cleverly integrates a wide range of environmental initiatives. More than 30% of the site will be open space and a $10 million scheme is proposed to rehabilitate the Caddies Creek riparian corridor. Parking will be predominantly underground, ensuring the project is pedestrian and bike friendly. These environmental initiatives will result in an ecological footprint 19% smaller than a standard centre of equivalent size.
The Centre underpins existing and future Government investment in the North West Growth Sector and will be the benchmark for future development.
PRINCE HENRY AT LITTLE BAY
The issues surrounding this former hospital are complex. They include long-standing Government commitments to existing site users and controversy surrounding the hospital’s closure. Added to the mix is the fact that the site contains significant Aboriginal and European heritage, as well as remnant bushland of state and national significance, a geological site, wetlands, Little Bay Beach and a wide range of community uses.
As site owner and masterplanner, Landcom has played a crucial role in bringing together all stakeholders, creating workable solutions to optimise the site’s value while also addressing the community’s expectations.
Landcom’s vision has been to create a development that is seamlessly integrated with its natural setting and the surrounding community. Our masterplan has managed a fine balance between old and new, skillfully integrating the site’s heritage and environmental values and combining them with a mix of new land uses. The project will ultimately deliver 900 homes in a diverse range of dwelling types, aged care accommodation, a medical centre and community facilities, while keeping 80% of the site in public ownership and creating a showcase of coastal urban renewal.
The development features an impressive array of social and environmental sustainability initiatives, including a comprehensive management plan for heritage items and the ecologically endangered community of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, an award winning Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategy, energy efficient design and solar energy initiatives that exceed current standards.
Now that major issues have been resolved and controls for the site established, we are partnering with the private sector to deliver most of the development.
Our development partners for this project are: Stockland, Sunland and St Lukes/Multiplex.