A new Town
Centre for Redfern is the centrepiece of a draft plan to drive much-needed urban
renewal and jobs growth in the inner-Sydney area.
Redfern-Waterloo
Minister Frank Sartor today released the Built Environment Plan for public comment,
detailing the Government’s blueprint for 444,000 square metres of new employment
space and 2,000 new dwellings.
Mr Sartor
said the strategy is the third and final element of Stage One of the Redfern
Waterloo Plan to promote social and economic revitalisation.
“The best
way to deliver long-term improvements for residents of Redfern and Waterloo is by creating
more job opportunities,” Mr Sartor said.
“The Redfern-Waterloo
Authority is already implementing plans to streamline human services in the
area. I can also announce that an Employment and Enterprise Plan for the area
has been adopted by Cabinet which targets the creation of 18,000 new jobs.
“Today’s
draft Built Environment Plan shows how those jobs will be provided – by regenerating
strategic largely state-owned sites to establish a new Town Centre around
Redfern
Railway Station as a hub for community and commercial activity.
“This
strategy will be implemented through new zoning controls for eight key sites
outlined in a draft State Environmental Planning Policy which provides
incentives for developments that create new jobs.
“The
benefits of this economic growth must be shared across these suburbs, which
house some of Sydney’s
most disadvantaged residents.
“The
construction of 2,000 new dwellings will also provide more housing choice and
will be supported by an affordable housing program.”
Under the
framework outlined in the draft Built Environment Plan:
- 35 hectares of largely
State-owned land has been earmarked for regeneration, including the
Eveleigh Railyards, the former police station and court house, the old Rachel Forster Hospital
and the Eveleigh Street
precinct; - an upgraded Redfern Railway
Station, civic square and public domain providing better amenity, safety
and surveillance; - Pedestrian access will be
enhanced through linkages to residential and business hubs; - The RWA will work with other
Government agencies to address local traffic issues and improve
connectivity between east and west Redfern; - High-quality urban design and
architecture will be promoted as a key element of urban renewal; - Opportunities for the
establishment of Aboriginal enterprises and cultural facilities will be
improved.
The Draft
Built Environment Plan and the Draft SEPP are on public exhibition for two
months until 7 April, 2006.
A
Development Control Plan will be prepared in 2006 including general guidelines
for growth as well as site-specific design and planning requirements.
Copies of
the Plan are available online at the Redfern Waterloo Authority website at
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au or by phoning the RWA on 9202 9100.