The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is calling on the Rhodes community to have their say on a draft Place Strategy to encourage renewal on the Rhodes peninsula, linking new development to the funding of important new public parks and transport improvements.
Executive Director Malcolm McDonald said the revised plan for the Peninsula takes advantage of Rhodes’ waterfront location to create more green space and intimate plazas for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy.
“The place strategy sets out clear controls that could allow the revitalisation on both sides of Rhodes railway station creating vibrant new mixed use areas with the opportunity for people to live, work and enjoy great new public spaces right on the Parramatta River,” Mr McDonald said.
“The Place Strategy focuses on the big moves needed to give greater choice in housing and more local jobs near the station, giving residents the opportunity to walk to work or catch public transport with access to an upgraded train station and a new pedestrian bridge to McIlwaine Park.”
New infrastructure is also the focus of the place strategy, identifying the opportunity for a potential new primary school, affordable housing, a new large public foreshore park and pedestrian promenade and improved operation of Rhodes Station.
“An improved network of streets will support walking, cycling and the use of public transport, encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in their community and connect to new and existing open space,” Mr McDonald said.
The draft Place Strategy includes a revised master plan, developed in response to previous community consultations in 2017 and 2018, with improvements including:
- Clear descriptions of the development potential across the precinct, with clear heights and density controls established by the Department;
- Sunlight protection for the important public spaces in the precinct, such as McIlwaine Park and Union Square;
- Approximately 4,260 new homes, including over 200 new affordable housing dwellings and up to 930 new jobs;
- 22,950 sqm of new public open space, including a new 7,500m² foreshore park, a new 4,000m2 plaza near Rhodes station and a 15m wide foreshore promenade, and;
- Improved walking and cycling paths and access to public open space.
“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look at the revised master plan and have their say,” Mr McDonald said.
Feedback can be made until 9 October 2020 at:
