Welcome to Western Sydney Business Access

A true university city

EXCITING developments on the horizon for the Greater West in 2015, with major plans from all councils, and the latest Metropolitan Sydney Strategy driving the future with jobs, housing and business growth. For Parramatta, moving the Centenary Square development along, with some healthy business interest, is a priority. For Sydney’s “dual CBD”,  there will be an invigorated business centre, driven in large part by the future UWS CBD campus. With the announcement that Charter Hall Group that two of its managed funds are putting up the dosh for the campus building in Macquarie St, we can see Parramatta truly becoming a university city. Lord Mayor  Scott Lloyd, said commencement of the project with Leighton Properties and Charter Hall was a major achievement in the development of Parramatta Square. He said the 14-level A grade building was a world-class urban renewal project and further evidence of the future growth in value of commercial property in Parramatta. “We are delighted that another blue-chip Australian company has shown such a strong commitment to the future of Parramatta and the development of its key commercial precinct, Parramatta Square. We would like to congratulate Leighton Properties and Charter Hall on their deal and thank them for their investment in our city.”  Construction is expected to be completed in late 2016 for the first semester of university in early 2017. There already is a UWS presence in the CBD, as well as city campuses for University of New England and Charles Sturt University. There can be no better way to invigorate a CBD night-life than having young people studying in the hub. Restaurants and bar managers have told me how the increased presence of young students has helped to bring Parramatta alive at night, along with the many residents moving into the CBD. Looking forward to having more Centenary Square developments confirmed. Especially waiting for confirmation of the “open secret” of a major bank taking up a slab of the Square.

Councils won’t be overlooked

PARRAMATTA may be the “dual CBD” in the State Government’’s view, as expressed in the Metropolitan Strategy, but other western Sydney councils are not to be overlooked. As Blacktown deputy mayor Russ Dickens stated when crowing about Sydney Business Park in Marsden Park - “where’s Parramatta? I never go there.” This tongue-in-cheek comment from the cheeky vet echoes the sentiments of mayors and citizens of Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Holroyd and The Hills who are looking forward to major developments in their areas. Penrith Council has a huge project that will bring people from outside the area flocking to the outer western city for recreation. Already with the Nepean River offering a range of water activities, Penrith is jumping for joy over the State Government’s plans for the Penrith Lakes Parkland proposal. With community consultation under way, the Parkland proposal will see major infrastructure for international water sport events, quality recreation facilities and housing.
“The potential for recreation, leisure and tourism in the Penrith Lakes Parkland will add a rich dimension to the growing attraction Penrith already holds for almost 1.3 million annual visitors,” Mayor Ross Fowler said after the government’s announcement in December. See, it does not all happen in Parramatta.

 End of free parking?

AND Holroyd mayor Greg Cummings warns that Parramatta overtaking Holroyd will have more drawbacks than benefits - parking for one. Hitting out at forced mergers of council areas, Clr Cummings said an amalgamation with Parramatta, Auburn and Ryde councils could mean the end of free parking for residents of Holroyd. Clr Cummings warns that timed, paid parking meters could be introduced to the area if the State Government proceeds with threats to force amalgamations. Seems Holroyd residents agree. A recent council survey showed that 98 per cent of respondents were opposed to amalgamation. Holroyd residents know when they are on to a good thing - with a less frenetic yet comprehensive shopping precinct, best enjoyed with free parking. There is anecdotal evidence that people bypass Parramatta for shopping to come to Merrylands, fed up with having to pay for timed parking. The Government has been offering cash incentives for councils that merge voluntarily but have made noises about forcing amalgamations. Apart from the parking issue, Clr Cummings reckons that valued community services such as Meals on Wheels and free immunisation would be doomed. “While Holroyd continues to provide our young families with free immunisation for children, there are no such services in Parramatta and Auburn,” Clr Cummings said. “If these council services change, are scaled back or are removed, we estimate up to 400 jobs could be lost from the Holroyd area, 150 alone from our childcare services.” Clr Cummings said a new council could be based at Parramatta, rather than Merrylands. And where would everyone park?

Residential high rise in Hills

IT is inevitable that high and medium rise developments crop up around railway stations - so Castle Hill residents had better prepare themselves when the North West Rail Link is operational. The Hills Council’s plan for residential development in the town centre to accommodate an additional 6000 residents will soon be on public exhibition. The area north of astle Hill Rd and Old Northern Rd  is set to have three-storey townhouses and residential flat buildings ranging from four to 20 storeys. The taller developments will be at the edge of the town centre and, from there, the height of buildings will gradually drop. An important part of the precinct plan is to have enough recreational and green space. Deputy Mayor Michelle Byrne said she agreed with the concept of having the taller developments closer to the town centre.

Lots of money in pizzas

THERE’S a lot of money to be made out of pizzas it seems with the palatial Glenhaven home of Italian restaurant supremo Frank Criniti fetching $9 million when it was sold recently. Needless to say, it was a record for the area. The magnificent resort style acreage, known as “Petalinda’’, had been on the market for just one month. The luxurious six-bedroom residence in Gilmour Close has a stunning list of features, including a security system that uses fingerprint scanning technology and a 23m indoor pool. It also boasts a 14-person sauna, championship-size tennis court and gymnasium. Bought in 2011 for $5.6 million, the Crinitis spent another cool $2 mill on renovations at the 2ha property. The sale, to a buyer from nearby West Pennant Hills, also includes some Gucci and Hermes furniture and a $120,000 wine cellar. As if he was not successful enough, with a string of Sydney restaurants including one in The Piazza in Castle Towers, Mr Criniti is relocating overseas with his young family to expand their successful chain of Italian restaurants. Mama mia!

Spread of community banks

IN recent years, community banks have cropped up all over Sydney, with investors feeling they have more control of their money. Following on the success of the Galston and District Community Bank, founded 12 years ago, a group of business leaders in the Hills will launch one at Norwest. The Norwest Community Bank, which is expected to open in the second half of next year, will direct profits via grants to sporting and community groups in the Hills. It will be a branch of the Bendigo Bank, which has 17 community banks in Sydney that have contributed $8 million via grants to their communities. Last year the Galston branch of the Bendigo Bank shared just under $300,000 in profits to projects such as men’s sheds, sports groups and schools. Branch manager Gary Mangan said that since June 2008 it had given $1.792 million to its community through 630 sponsorships and donations. John Mason, chairman of the volunteer steering committee for Norwest Community Bank, is seeking pledges. “No money is required at this stage and there are no signatures required – just an indicative pledge of support,” Mr Mason, the former chairman of Sydney Hills Business Chamber and Hills School Industry Partnership, said. The pledge could be investing in a small parcel of shares in the Norwest Community Bank branch (from $500 to $5000) or pledging to transfer some or all of your banking business to the community bank. “We are halfway towards the targeted number of pledges we need to get the branch off the ground, but we need community support to get it over the line,” Mr Mason said. The community bank will offer all the services of the major banks, with perhaps more friendliness and personalised service. I’m in favour of moving some of the power away from The Big Four.