One of the biggest decisions a local council will make in 2024 is whether to give a green light to a rezoning plan that could be a Macarthur region jobs game changer.
The Southern Gateway Business Park (SGBP) proposal by developer Mirvac is estimated to provide around 290 jobs throughout construction and more than 4,500 direct and indirect jobs once operational at Menangle.
These operational jobs are anticipated to be full time equivalent in the transport, postal and warehousing, and wholesale trade industries.
Mirvac has lodged a planning proposal with Wollondilly Shire Council to amend the Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan to rezone around 160 hectares [400 acres] to permit employment land uses.
The proposed SGBP site is located along two major transport corridors, the Hume Motorway and the Southern Highlands railway line, with the future Outer Sydney Orbital (OSO) interchange with the Hume within the southern end of the subject land.
As part of what is also called the Moreton Park Road planning proposal, Mirvac has prepared a concept master plan for the site.
- Objectives include providing accessible employment opportunities for residents in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area (GMGA) and surrounding suburbs.
- Also, enabling residents to access the jobs, education and services they need within 30 minutes by walking, biking or public transport;
- Improve economic growth opportunities for the region that have been unlocked by key infrastructure investments from the State Government;
- Enhance, activate and improve public access to the natural environment, including, creeks, flora and the scenic landscape;
- Create a distinctive local place and community through the celebration of local heritage.
The concept master plan allows for a mix of small to large format buildings, as shown in the computer generated image above, to ensure it provides flexibility and can respond to demand.
If approved, Mirvac will determine how best to take the project forward.
This will likely include a series of Development Applications (DAs) for the roads, drainage and services works, along with the buildings which will include further technical assessments, a more detailed design phase and further community consultation.
Subject to approval, the SGBP proposal includes the up front delivery of a new interchange with the Hume Motorway at the existing Moreton Park Road overpass which, with the State Government’s future proposed east west connection to Appin Road, will greatly benefit the Greater Macarthur area by providing an access point to the Hume Motorway.
This connectivity would bring more employment opportunities to support the Greater Macarthur population as it grows.
A sign of its potential for a jobs bonanza if it goes ahead, local MP Greg Warren visited the SGBP site last year to check out Mirvac’s plan, pictured above being briefed by a Mirvac representative.
“For projects such as this it is important that the community has their say,” he said afterwards.
“This project has been lodged with Wollondilly Shire Council with aims to provide employment opportunities, improve economic growth and improve transport in the area.
“I encourage all members of the community to look into the project and engage with the process of public exhibition.”
About one kilometre north of the entrance to the SGBP site in historical Menangle is Mirvac’s master planned community, The Village.
At the heart of The Village is the historic Camden Park Estate Central Creamery and Rotolactor, located next to Menangle railway station.
The Village was rezoned in December 2018 and includes around 380 residential lots, two public parks, and two neighbourhood centres.
The first two stages of the development are complete and registered and a number of families have already moved into their new homes.
Last October Mirvac officially opened the first park within The Village, Rotolactor Park, pictured above.
