The new residents, in towers up to 40 storeys, would be alongside commercial and retail space spread over 200,000 square metres, creating about 5000 jobs.
They will have access to retail and commercial services and enjoy a park spread over more than eight hectares, along of river frontage of 1.7 kilometres riverfront and other benefits.
These are among the draft plans contained in the Camellia Town Centre Master Plan on a parcel of industrial land fronting the Parramatta River.
The proposed town centre on the north side of the Grand Avenue to the river sits on 40 hectares, or 12.5 per cent, in the north-west section of the 320-hectare industrial precinct just 1 5 kilometres east of the Parramatta CBD.
The Camellia precinct, characterised by a strong industrial history dating back to the 1880s, is now home to a large number of industrial land uses, most notably the former Shell Refinery, now known as Viva Energy, with its fuel terminal, storage and distribution facility.
Other industrial uses and predominantly within the town centre include warehousing and freight distribution, resource recovery industries, manufacturing, offices and retail
As a consequence of its long industrial development the NSW environment department commissioned a high-level contamination review of the precinct and a remediation study.
As a consequence of its long industrial development the NSW environment department commissioned a high-level contamination review of the precinct and a remediation study.
“The town centre provides a unique opportunity to regenerate a degraded site that is within close proximity to the Parramatta CBD and directly adjoining the educational opportunities of Western Sydney University, the entertainment opportunities of Rosehill Racecourse and [thanks to a light rail network] the employment opportunities of Rydalmere, Parramatta CBD and Westmead Health and Education Precinct,” the document said.
"The plan will transform an industrial area into a vibrant, connected community with open green space, waterfront parks, and a riverfront promenade for everyone to enjoy,” said
Brendan Nelson, .deputy secretary, growth, design and programs, Department of the Environment and planning when unveiling the draft master plan
"This new community will also reap the benefits of the Parramatta Light Rail on its doorstep with a new stop in the heart of the town centre.”
New bridges crossing Parramatta River and Duck River are proposed
The document said the department would continue to work with City of Parramatta Council, Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services, and the Department of Education to develop a plan which considers the infrastructure needed to service the future town centre.
Camellia and adjoining Rydalmere and Silverwater are the three industrial precincts forming the central part of the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Park economic corridor, with Westmead a major health centre, with a teaching hospital and significant medical research centre in the west and, in the east, Sydney Olympic Park a major sporting, leisure and commercial hub.
Over the next 20 years, GPOP, with Parramatta CBD functioning as its hub, is set to experience significant change and growth, providing housing, health, education, services and knowledge-intensive employment opportunities.
