If you’re new to the area, you might not be aware of what the Department of Planning has in store for our stretch of Sydney Harbour.
With plans in 2019, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces announced a new approach to precinct planning with the concept of ‘master planning’ at its heart.
What is master planning?
In most areas, master planning is about making the connection between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments. To do this, urban planners look at what’s happening in the area currently, how people use the space and how often, predict future needs and provide a framework that government and investors can use for urban regeneration and to identify investment opportunities.
The Bays precinct
Located right in our backyard, the Bays precinct includes Blackwattle Bay, Wentworth Park, Glebe Island, White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle Railyards and White Bay Power Station.
Planning and construction is well underway, with the Fish Market reconstruction at basement level being done as we write. Most of the work and fitout is due to be completed by the end of this year.
On the site of the White Bay power station (according to leaked plans reported in The Sydney Morning Herald) expect to see a two-hectare waterfront park and some 22-storey buildings. The NSW Government started remediation on the old power station in February this year. Stage one of the development will include eight-storey buildings above a metro train station. However, the planning is still only in draft stage and members of the public will have the opportunity to comment.
Rozelle village
After years of stop-start planning for the former Balmain Leagues Club site, it now appears that construction will begin in the middle of this year. Heworth Holdings, the property investment company due to work on the site, is asking the Inner West Council for amendments to their plans. Amendments include reducing the number of apartments by 20, and to make changes to the apartment mix and designs and the retail plaza.
Resolving much controversy re the design, Hewworth was ready to begin construction in May last year when Transport for NSW imposed a seven-year leasehold on the site so they could use it as a ‘deep dive’ site for the construction of the Western Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Other issues including a fire dogged the site. Transport for NSW have lifted the lease restriction and the new site should “significantly contribute to Rozelle and become a major community meeting place and destination,” according to head of Property, Chris Walsh.
The completed project will boast 147 apartments with Sydney CBD and part harbour views, a new Wests Tigers club, a lively retail precinct with food and beverage options as well as a major supermarket – all connected by a series of activated laneways.
Our new village is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2026.
Rozelle Interchange
Most of WestConnex is complete with only the Rozelle Interchange and Sydney Gateway link still to be finished. Expect to be driving through the Rozelle Interchange by the end of this year, although the Sydney Gateway link won’t be ready until 2025.
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
