CAMDEN ACCOMMODATION
INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS
Council acknowledges that the Camden LGA is situated on the sacred Traditional Lands and Waterways of the Dharawal peoples.
We also recognise surrounding Dharug and Gundungurra peoples that may have connections to these lands.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on these lands.
This document was produced in September 2023. All information is correct at the time of printing.
WHY CAMDEN?
The Camden Local Government Area (LGA) is uniquely positioned as a rapidly growing economy during a period of transformation in the Western Parkland City. Conveniently located approximately 60 kilometres south west of the Sydney CBD and covering 200 square kilometres, Camden is well-placed to leverage off Western Sydney’s catalytic growth and development.
Renowned for its rural and heritage character set in landscapes of scenic and natural beauty, Camden contains a mix of agricultural land, historic and picturesque towns, and commercial, industrial, and greenfield residential areas.
Camden’s population growth has far outpaced other LGAs in Western Sydney, with 7.6% annual growth since 2013, forecast to grow to 241,172 by 2041. This significant
population growth will drive investment and economic resilience in the region. The opening of the Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) in 2026 and the Aerotropolis present a unique opportunity to increase Camden LGA’s accommodation supply to meet the demands of an expanding visitor and business base.
Opportunities exist for current accommodation owners and new investors to capitalise on the potential of the new airport and deliver over 1,700 potential accommodation rooms over the next 20 years. Following a comprehensive study of accommodation supply and demand within the Camden LGA, conducted by Urbis, this prospectus has been prepared to outline the opportunities for developing Camden’s accommodation supply to meet the future demands and expectations of travellers.
economy.id/Camden
backed infrastructure and economic projects.
VISITOR PROFILE
Demographic Profile: Lifecycle
Demographic Profile: Age
Transport to Region
WHY INVEST?
Boasting one of the fastest DA determination
Source: Camden Tourism Accommodation Study, Urbis, 2023 SUPPORTIVE COUNCIL Camden Council takes a proactive approach and supportive role in facilitating and encouraging investment in key developments and infrastructure. times in Metropolitan Sydney, with a median of 33 days in financial year 2022/23, Council understand efficient services to facilitate investment growth.
s the importance of delivering
TOP 5 REASONS TO INVEST
ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS DEMAND EXCEEDING SUPPLY PROXIMITY TO WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SPACE TO GROW A GROWING VISITOR ECONOMY
Liveability Productivit y
KEY DEMAND DRIVERS
Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR)
The population growth expected within Camden LGA over the next 20 years will be a key driver of VFR travel as 62% of our domestic visitor nights and 46% of international visitor nights were from this strong market.
8-Year Average (FY12-FY19) Source: Tourism Research Australia
Western Sydney International Airport
Scheduled for completion in 2026 and located only 15 minutes from Camden, the WSIA will be a major catalyst for economic growth in Western Sydney and the rest of Australia. The first stage of the airport development will have the capacity to welcome 10 million domestic and international visitors annually.
Sporting Amenity
The LGA has a strong equine industry and hosts several state and national equine events at its premier Bicentennial Equestrian Park. The Narellan Sports Hub, Julia Reserve Youth Precinct and Kirkham BMX and Pump Track also strengthen Camden’s position to host a range of regional, national and international sporting events.
Business and Industry
Over 10,000 businesses call Camden LGA home, with our largest industries being construction, health and social assistance, retail trade, and education and training.
Growing our key industries, whilst also nurturing our emerging ones, will continue to strengthen Camden’s position and overall share of the regional economy.
Heritage, Rural and Natural Amenity
Camden’s unique rural setting, coupled with its rich heritage, offer significant potential for culture and heritage-based tourism. Similarly, Camden’s mix of agricultural land and small villages are key attractors for visitors due to their provision of authentic farm and heritage experiences and easy accessibility to the rest of Greater Sydney, and beyond.
ACCOMMODATION DEMAND
As our population and economy grow, so does the demand for visitor accommodation in the Camden LGA. Camden is currently undersupplied in accommodation provision, with only 228 short-stay rooms, most of which are mid-scale/economy quality, and concentrated to the south of the LGA.
Under a base case scenario, the LGA will see a demand of 1,519 rooms required by 2042, and under a high case scenario this would increase to 1,761, when applying an occupancy rate of 70%.
There is abundant opportunity and scope to meet Camden’s strong demand for accommodation supply through the provision of a range of accommodation types to meet the needs of a continually growing and diversifying visitor market.
Source: Camden Tourism Accommodation Study, Urbis, 2023
FORECAST BY FY42
INVEST
Based on key accommodation demand drivers in the Camden LGA, the following indicative mix of supportable rooms and potential locations for each accommodation type has been identified over the next 20 years.
HOTELS
Hotels situated in a strategic centre of the LGA would ideally comprise a mix of mid-scale to upper-scale offerings suiting a range of visitor budgets. Features may include amenities such as high-tech conferencing, function spaces for the business market, and leisure amenities such as integrated spa retreats for the holiday market.
MOTELS
Value accommodation is an essential accommodation type for Camden visitors, with many opportunities for development. Major projects upcoming or currently underway including the WSIA, Oran Park town centre, and ongoing development of the future Leppington town centre, will mean a steady stream of trades and transient labour force in need of appropriate accommodation to support this growing workforce.
BED AND BREAKFAST
There is an opportunity to redevelop unused heritage buildings within Camden Town Centre and surrounding rural and heritage settings. Providing this style of unique accommodation is wellsuited to short weekend escapes for couples, weddings, and social events, as well as supporting the business market mid-week.
SUPPORTABLE
ROOMS 760-830
• Business travellers
TARGET
MARKET
• High-end travellers
• Event market
• Family groups
SUCCESS
FACTORS
• Amenities such as room service, laundry and concierge
• Conferencing facilities
• Wellness offerings
• Narellan Town Centre
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT
LOCATIONS
• Oran Park Town Centre
• Leppington Town Centre
• Gregory Hills
SUPPORTABLE ROOMS 230-290
TARGET MARKET
SUCCESS FACTORS
• Transient labour force
• Budget travellers
• Value for money
• Location convenience
• Gregory Hills
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT
LOCATIONS
• Camden Town Centre
• Arterial Roads (e.g. Camden Valley Way, The Northern Road, Narellan Road, Old Hume Highway)
SUPPORTABLE ROOMS <50
• Business travellers
TARGET
MARKET
SUCCESS
FACTORS
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT
LOCATIONS
• High-end travellers
• Adult couples
• Personalised experiences
• On-site dining
• Camden Town Centre
• Rural villages
SERVICED APARTMENTS
There is currently no accommodation of this type within the Camden LGA, and with a growing market preference for self-contained apartments, there is opportunity for up to 400 rooms located in strategic centres targeting mid-scale offerings and smaller business functions. This accommodation type may be utilised by long-stay travellers, business travellers or visiting friends and relatives.
CABINS
This type of accommodation is well-suited to the VFR and family markets who want an affordable yet comfortable experience. Cabins or self-contained units are practical for these markets, however need to maintain a contemporary style to attract younger visitors into the future.
ECO-LODGES AND FARM-STAYS
Given the agricultural strengths of the Camden LGA, quality eco-lodges and/or farm-stay accommodation is a unique opportunity for the area. There are a range of existing farming and agricultural experiences that can be leveraged to develop complementary accommodation supply.
Accommodation experiences of this nature capitalise on the natural landscape whilst providing an upmarket experience for visitors who are interested in boutique and bespoke nature experiences. Proximity to the WSIA will also open opportunities to connect with domestic and international markets.
SUPPORTABLE ROOMS 340-400
• Extended stay travellers
TARGET MARKET
• Business travellers
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical tourism market
• Amenities such as cleaning and concierge
SUCCESS FACTORS
• Location convenience
• Wellness offerings
• Small-scale business facilities
• Narellan Town Centre
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT LOCATIONS
• Oran Park Town Centre
• Leppington Town Centre
• Gregory Hills
• Gledswood Hills
There is also an opportunity to develop a range of mid to high-quality boutique cabins to accommodate high-end travellers and adult couples.
SUPPORTABLE ROOMS 20-30
• Event market
TARGET
MARKET
SUCCESS FACTORS
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT LOCATIONS
• Family groups
• Couple
• Value for money
• Natural and scenic landscape
SUPPORTABLE ROOMS 50-100 TARGET MARKET
• Nature and/or adventure-based visitors
• Family groups
• Adult couples
• Young travellers
• Natural and scenic landscapes
• Agricultural experiences
SUCCESS FACTORS
• Adventure experiences
• Boutique and/or bespoke experiences
• Camden
POSSIBLE INVESTMENT LOCATIONS
• The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
• Cobbitty
• Rural areas
• Near National Parks
KEY ATTRACTIONS
Alan Baker Art Gallery
Belgenny Farm
Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park
Camden Civic Centre
Camden Museum
Camden Town Farm
Gundungurra Reserve
Kirkham BMX and Pump Track
Narellan Sports Hub
Nepean River Cycleway
Medical Facilities (including Camden
Surgical Hospital, Camden Public Hospital and The George Centre)
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
The University of Sydney (Camden Campus)
William Howe Regional Park
• Possible locations for accommodation investment.
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Kirkham BMX and Pump Track Camden Museum
Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park
