Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning has approved the application for the Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station Over & Adjacent Station Development – Amending Concept Application (SSD-77820496 ).

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has considered the merits of the proposal in accordance with the relevant matters under section 4.15(1) of the EP&A Act, the issues raised in the submissions, the Applicant’s response and additional information. Overall, the Department’s assessment concludes that the amending concept proposal is acceptable for the following reasons:

• it is consistent with the NSW Government’s priority to increase housing supply in locations close to public transport and its target to deliver 377,000 new, well-located homes by 2029
• it provides 191 additional homes directly above the future Olympic Park Metro Station with fast and frequent train service, in addition to the existing rail and bus services and light rail currently under construction
• it fully complies with the planning controls within the State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts – Central River City) 2021 (Precincts SEPP) and the objective of its Zone B4 Mixed Use Zone to integrate suitable business, office, residential, retail and other developments in accessible locations to maximise public transport patronage and encourage walking and cycling
• while the height of Building 1 would increase from 21 to 34 storeys, this change would deliver a more slender tower design, improved building separation and amenity, and support the precinct’s integration with the future Metro station
• it contributes to the strategic vision of the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan to be Sydney’s Beating Green Heart, a connected and liveable suburb that provides housing and employment opportunities which leverages investment in Sydney Metro West and other transport infrastructure
• while the proposal would result in a reduction of commercial floor space, it is still expected to deliver substantial employment benefits by supporting approximately 505 ongoing direct jobs and 368 ongoing indirect jobs, contributing to the job creation targets set out in the City of Parramatta’s Global City Vision: Parramatta 2050
• it optimises the use of the new Metro Station and promotes active transport modes by prioritising pedestrians and cyclists and limiting car parking spaces
• it is capable of achieving Design Excellence, subject to the Sydney Metro West Design Excellence Strategy (DEX strategy) and Site-Specific Design Guidelines, to ensure high quality residential amenity and urban design outcomes and integration with the Metro Station
• it has acceptable amenity impacts to surrounding open spaces and public domain areas, and reasonable overshadowing impacts to surrounding developments.

For these reasons, the Department considers the project is in the public interest and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

Further information NSW Major Development Planning Portal