It is important to understand that not all areas identified as ‘residential investigation areas’ within the plan will be available for residential or commercial development. Within these areas, land will also need to be identified for supporting urban infrastructure which will include new utility infrastructure sites, such as a water reservoir site, roads, schools, open space and recreation areas.

The rezoning of stages beyond Stage 1 should happen in sequence, with Stage 2 expected to be the next area to be rezoned, followed by Stage 3 and 4. The timing and progress of the rezoning is not known by the government. It will be determined ultimately by the take-up of development in Stage 1 and like we’ve seen in Leppington and Austral, the capacity for key infrastructure.

Stage 1 Rezoning

Details of the proposed rezoning for Stage 1 are below.

MU1 Mixed Use – will apply to land within the mixed-use town centre and within 400 metres of Orchard Hills Metro to allow a range of retail, commercial and residential uses. 8 – 22 storey buildings are proposed in this catchment.

R4 High Density Residential – will apply to land surrounding the mixed-use town centre and within 800 metres of Orchard Hills Metro. 4 – 8 storey buildings are proposed in this catchment.

R3 Medium Density Residential – will apply to land farther than 800 metres from Orchard Hills Metro (but still within the boundaries of Stage 1) to allow duplexes, townhouses and terraces.

E1 Local Centre – will apply to the two new neighbourhood-scale centres for local services in the residential areas.

E3 Productivity Support – will apply to land for employment uses next to the M4 Motorway along Kent Road.