Castle Quarter
Plans for 440 residential apartments above three levels of retail next to the Showground Metro Station at Castle Quarter Hill were the focus of a community information session held by developer Deicorp on Saturday (May 29).
The Castle Quarter proposal includes a new 1,400m2 public piazza, a full-line supermarket, a community space, commercial and retail space including scope for a medical centre and childcare centre. The site is bounded by Doran Drive, Mandala Parade, De Clambe Drive and Andalusian Way.
More than 40 family groups and individuals attended the public exhibition at the Harvey Lowe Pavilion in Castle Hill Showground.
Deicorp, a Sydney based, Australian-owned company that has been operating for over 21 years, successfully tendered for the Doran Drive Precinct project from Landcom and Sydney Metro.
The company’s current projects include North West Village, Tallawong – 1,100 apartments with commercial, retail and 3,400sqm Park, and Proximity, Rouse Hill – 375 apartments and 2,500m2 of retail and commercial.
A spokesman said that since 1999 Deicorp has delivered 8,000 apartments across 40 suburbs in Sydney. Deicorp is now preparing a report for the State Significant Development Application to the Department of Planning
The spokesman said while the report on the community information session has not been finalised, an issue raised by a number of those who attended was the need for additional parking in the area.
“A number of locals commented that parking, particularly for commuters, was already at a premium, and that local streets were feeling the impact of commuters parking there throughout the day,” he said.
“Other residents expressed strong support for the nearly 11,000m2 of retail and commercial uses that will include a supermarket and convenience shops, saying this will deliver a huge benefit for people living in the area.”
Deicorp’s Development Executive Greg Colbran said: “Overall, the feedback was positive and we will use the issues raised to help inform our application moving forward. Many of those who came on Saturday said they were quite excited about the proposal and some were even inquiring about when they could buy an apartment!”
The plans are likely to be submitted to the Department of Planning for determination in July or August this year, and there will be further opportunities for residents to be consulted and involved in the assessment process. The 24-month construction project is expected to commence in 2022.
Castle Quarter, Castle Quarter
