More than just a different way to commute in and out of the region, the rail line will represent a fundamental change in the way people in Sydney’s North West live, work, study and recreate. Even before its arrival, it is already bringing change.
Already land has been acquired and building demolished to prepare for the creation of the new stations.
The Hills Shire Council has long been planning for the rail line, and the impact it will have on the community.
Town Centres
With the arrival of improved transport, change will quickly become apparent in the region’s town centres.
The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy has defined Castle Hill and Rouse Hill as major centres, so it is expected that much growth and change will happen around these areas.
Both the Castle Hill and Rouse Hill shopping precincts have a railway station planned adjacent, and both will continue to grow – each with additional stages planned for the future.
This will stimulate further growth in the retail and service industries, increasing business and job opportunities.
Plans are in place to further improve the Castle Hill main street to accommodate the needs of both commuters and residents, and along with the upgraded bus interchange, these plans will transform the area near Arthur Whitling Park into a public transport hub.
New Homes
Improved public transport options will bring increased demand for nearby housing. The North West Rail Link’s Corridor Strategy forecasts many apartment style homes will be built around the major stations.
More ‘Rouse Hill Town Centre’ style apartment living, with vibrant open spaces, shops, cafes and stylish living options are expected to be built along the rail corridor.
Under the plan, it is proposed that Castle Hill will have 6,100 additional dwellings by 2036 and around 5,400 of these will be apartments from 3 to 20 storeys.
The area around Showground Station will see significant changes with a train station, commuter parking and bus interchange.
A new community is expected to emerge - around 4,500 new homes will be built around the station, with around 3,400 of these apartments from three to 12 storeys.
Norwest will be a key player in The Sydney Hills of the future. More than 3,000 new apartments are forecast, and an additional 26,200 jobs are expected to be created in Norwest Business Park following the arrival of the rail. These jobs will predominantly be commercial, making Norwest one of the pre-eminent places to work in Australia.
Bella Vista will add around 6,000 new homes – around 3,200 of these will be apartments. According to the strategy, it is proposed that the existing business park will expand to the north along the rail corridor, creating an additional 20,000 new commercial and retail jobs.
Kellyville has 6,400 new dwellings earmarked to line the rail corridor. More than half will be higher density, making the most of the proximity to the station and direct access to the bus and rail interchange.
Rouse Hill will see almost 3,000 new homes built, with around 700 of these apartments.
Business Development
The impact of a project like the North West Rail on business will be enormous. The Sydney Hills economy added $8 billion in Gross Regional Product to the state economy in 2011 alone, and further increases in economic growth expected from the rail line will provide a return on investment.
Improved access to the Sydney CBD will create benefits for both employees and businesses, and skilled workers will more easily travel to Norwest. Norwest Business Park will add another 15,000 jobs in the next decade, and a number of those workers will be able to travel from other parts of Sydney on the new rail line.
Two new railway stations are planned in Norwest, bringing plans for increased shopping, residential and commercial activity.
Planning is also underway for new employment lands (areas such as nearby Box Hill) which will be home to 18,000 jobs in new areas with similar zonings to Castle Hill Industrial Park and Norwest Business Park, and be surrounded by quality new housing developments.
