By Lachlan Leeming & Tileah Dobson
A “game-changer” development which would result in 11,000 new homes being built on a rundown industrial site at Liverpool has taken a massive step forward after nearly a decade stalled in the planning system.
Coronation Property’s $9bn Moore Point development has finally been placed on exhibition for public feedback, marking major progress on the proposal after the plans were first lodged in 2015. New additions to the proposal include 400 affordable units targeted at healthcare workers employed at the nearby Liverpool Hospital and health precinct, which will be managed by affordable housing provider Evolve Housing. The move comes after The Daily Telegraph revealed earlier this year that Coronation Property had written to NSW Premier Chris Minns saying it may have to dump the proposal after being asked by the Planning Department to undertake extra flood studies, despite nine years of back and forth with government. It’s understood the bulk of those concerns have now been addressed, allowing the proposed rezoning of the current industrial precinct to progress.
Business Western Sydney’s David Borger said the development “ticks all the boxes for good planning”, with its location on the Georges River and proximity to jobs and two train stations. “Game-changer is an overused word, but in this case it’s actually true,” Mr Borger said. “This is the future Liverpool has been looking for. Unfortunately, in Western Sydney we’ve turned our backs on our rivers – this is a chance to open up that riverfront for dining, activity and exercise. “It’s going to need something of this scale to shift the needle to Liverpool.”
said the plans would provide a housing boom. “I think it’s great the government has gone out there and taken the next step. This can really deliver housing and it’s ready to go,” he said.
Coronation’s managing director Joe Nahas said the project would “be the jewel in the crown for southwestern Sydney” and was ready to provide thousands of new homes “in an area where the dire shortage of housing is failing to keep up with the growing needs of the community”.
The project is estimated to generate up to $27.9bn in economic activity, with 2500 units to be designated as build to-rent and operated by Coronation’s property management arm, Nation. “With Liverpool Hospital undergoing a major redevelopment, it means that 6000 current and future essential health and allied care staff will be struggling to find a place to live,” Mr Nahas said.
Coronation said if it receives planning approvals within the next 12 months, it can commence construction by the end of 2025 – with the first apartments finished by the end of 2027.