The NSW Department of Planning has granted gateway determination for a planning proposal that would reshape how non-residential floor space is delivered at 40 Solent Circuit in Norwest – known as Norwest Quarter.
Instead of maintaining fixed floor-area caps for specific uses – such as business premises, indoor recreation facilities, restaurants, cafes and shops – the amendment would introduce a single overall cap of 4,500 sqm for all non-residential uses combined.
A 1,000 sqm limit for any individual shop or retail tenancy would remain, ensuring small-scale activation while protecting the role of the Norwest Strategic Centre as the precinct’s commercial core.
The 3.82-hectare site occupies a prime position within the Norwest Strategic Centre, roughly 550 metres from Norwest Station, bordered by Spurway Drive, Solent Circuit and Natura Rise. The western portion of the site is under construction for high-density residential towers, while the eastern side remains undeveloped.
Originally rezoned through a 2017 planning proposal, Norwest Quarter was approved for a floor space ratio of 2.9:1, maximum height RL 176 metres and a mix of residential and supporting retail uses to deliver around 1,200 dwellings. However, the previous controls imposed individual gross floor area limits on each non-residential type.
These fixed allocations have become overly rigid as market conditions and consumer behaviour evolve. The proposal argues that flexibility is now essential to support new patterns of living, working and retailing.
By unlocking a single 4,500 sqm of non-residential, Mulpha can respond to market demands in real time, allowing for a balanced mix of cafes, small offices, wellness uses and community facilities.
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