The Sydney suburb of Rhodes East is set to be revitalised, according to new plans from the Department of Planning and Environment.
The draft Priority Precinct Plan for Rhodes East proposes up to 3,600 new homes for the eastern side of the rail line, along with a number of other facilities and initiatives.
“The government’s priority is to address housing supply, but we also want to create lively communities that have good access to transport connections, activities, shops and cafes, as well as jobs and schools,” says Anthony Roberts, minister for planning and housing.
“This 20-year plan for Rhodes East is to create a range of housing types to suit different needs, including the delivery of affordable housing for our key workers.”
But of course, a plan of this scale wouldn’t be complete without open public spaces, which member of Drummoyne, John Sidoti, says was a key part of the plan for Rhodes East.
“The plan [prioritises] walking, cycling and the use of public transport over cars and provides high-quality open public spaces accessible to the river foreshore,” says Sidoti.
Up to $5-million in Precinct Support Scheme funding will be provided for new infrastructure in the area such as upgrades to local parks, developing new community facilities or improving streetscapes when the plans are finalised.
Members of the community are being encouraged to give feedback on the draft plan to help shape the final vision for revitalising the area.
Residents can attend drop-in sessions to talk to expert planners from the Department and Council. These sessions are at Rhodes Community Centre on Wednesday 18 October and Saturday 21 October between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and at The Connection on Thursday 2 November between 4.30 and 7.30pm.
Community feedback will be taken into consideration before the detailed vision is finalised. The draft precinct plan will be on exhibition until 10 November.
