The low-density suburb of Glenfield in south-west Sydney will be transformed into a “thriving mixed-use precinct” at the gateway to the planned Aerotropolis, under a place strategy released by the New South Wales Government.
The Glenfield Place Strategy, now open for public feedback, outlines how the precinct will be re-zoned to include around 7,000 new homes, with improved transport and education facilities and expanded public space.
An urban design report prepared by Group GSA describes the design intent for a number of different “character areas,” which will feature a variety of different housing types to meet the community’s needs. Overall, the strategy puts an emphasis on sporting facilities and education, with existing schools such as the Hurlstone Agricultural High School to be retained and a potential new primary school to be built.
The area was chosen for renewal due to its proximity to transport, in particular the South West Rail Link. The station precinct will become an “accessible employment hub,” supported by a new medium-rise residential neighbourhood overlooking the northern riparian open space corridor.
In the adjacent town centre, the Glenfield main street will be the public retail and community spine. Group GSA describes “a vibrant mixed-use street connecting the train station, employment hub and urban square to the new district level recreational open space and playing fields.”
A concept image prepared for the Glenfield Place Strategy.
The north-west character precinct will be a green one- to two-storey low-density residential neighbourhood; the south-west precinct will be designed for low- and medium-rise residential buildings surrounded by extensive parkland and green landscaping; and the southern precinct will continue the transition from low to medium-density dwelling forms, with further increases in building heights.
“Since the opening of the South West rail link by the NSW Government in 2015, Glenfield is strategically located at the junction of three major rail lines, putting it within an easy train commute to major centres at Liverpool and Campbelltown, an emerging centre at Leppington and only 45 minutes to the heart of Sydney’s CBD,” said planning minister Rob Stokes.
“These geographic advantages mean that Glenfield is poised for a complete transformation and as a result, future residents will be able to live in an area with new homes, close to thousands of jobs, great public transport and 30 hectares of open space.
“The strategy outlines a vision for a new town centre, shared streets which prioritise walking and cycling, improved cycleway connections and upgrades to regional active transport links.”
The place strategy also includes a plan for green links connecting open spaces over the next 25 to 30 years, along with sites for potential health and community facilities within the town centre.
Planning for a major upgrade to Cambridge Avenue is also underway to cater for the expected growth.
Education minister Sarah Mitchell said the government was committed to protecting and expanding the Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
“This plan includes protecting Hursltone Agriculural High School, which is the State’s oldest government boarding school, and retaining 50 hectares of land for agricultural education purposes,” she said.
“The investment will deliver enhanced farm facilities, reflecting the latest in agricultural practices building on the important role the school plays in developing future ag pioneers.
“The strategy reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring the school remains at the centre of this community.”
The strategy is on public exhibition until 12 February 2021.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
