Blacktown Quarter Community Information Booklet

Community Information

A NEW CHAPTER FOR BLACKTOWN

BLACKTOWN IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING AND MOST CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITIES, FULL OF OPPORTUNITY, ENERGY AND COMMUNITY PRIDE.

In March 2023, Walker entered a partnership with Blacktown City Council to revitalise the city, delivering a bold vision for Blacktown’s future.

Together, we are planning improvements that will create more open space, safer and more walkable streets, better connections across the CBD and vibrant places where people work, study, meet, dine and celebrate culture.

This is a long-term investment in Blacktown’s future, guided by community feedback and designed to create a city centre that reflects the character, diversity and ambition of the local community.

TRUE HEART TRUE PEOPLE TRUE CHARACTER TRUE EXPERIENCE TRUE STORIES TRUE CULTURE TRUE PRIDE TRUE HUSTLE TRUE FLAVOUR TRUE SPIRIT TRUE COMMUNITY

BLACKTOWN TODAY

THE CBD INCLUDES: •

A lack of clearly defined central civic heart where the community can come together.

Blacktown’s CBD already plays an important role as the commercial and civic heart of the city.

•

Limited green space and public open areas for gathering, relaxing or hosting community events.

Through community consultation, residents told us the city centre could be better for the people who use it every day.

•

Car parks and vehicle-dominated streets that occupy space that could support more public activity.

•

Strong retail anchors such as Westpoint, the activation of Main Street and proximity to Blacktown Train Station provide a strong foundation for future growth.

CREATING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Walker’s two key sites within the city centre present a unique opportunity to reshape the heart of Blacktown and create a vibrant civic destination for generations to come.

WALKER SITES

N

ST

RE

ET

CAMPBELL STREET

NEW STREET

Blacktown’s central location in Western Sydney is helping drive a major transformation of the CBD. The Blacktown Quarter masterplan will create a vibrant city centre with new community and commercial spaces, while supporting thousands of professional, education and healthcare opportunities for the growing region.

AI

MAX WEBBER LIBRARY

FLUSHCOMBE ROAD

A FUTURE HUB

M

INDICATIVE MASTERPLAN

A COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM ARTIST IMPRESSION

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL

NEW PUBLIC SPACES

What this masterplan aims to do

Create new public spaces and improve the overall experience of the CBD.

IMPROVING NEARBY SITES

LONG-TERM BENEFITS

Encourage better development across nearby sites owned by Council, Haben & Hines, and Blacktown Workers Club.

Deliver long-term benefits for the community, from better amenity and accessibility to stronger economic and cultural outcomes.

DR YOUSSEF, ACU, BLACKTOWN CAMPUS

WHO WE HEARD FROM Thousands of Blacktown residents, workers and visitors shared their ambitions for the future city centre.

2700+ PEOPLE COMPLETED THE SURVEY

91% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS LIVE IN THE LGA

KEY PRIORITIES INCLUDED:

94% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS REGULARLY VISIT THE CITY CENTRE

87% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS SUPPORTED A NEW CITY CENTRE

•

More green space and public gathering areas

•

Safer, more walkable and pedestrian-friendly streets

•

Vibrant shopfronts, restaurants and nightlife

•

Spaces to celebrate Blacktown’s cultural diversity

•

A CBD that feels more connected and easier to move through

This feedback has guided the development of the Blacktown Quarter masterplan.

WHAT YOU TOLD US The message from the community was clear.

People want a city centre that is greener, safer, more vibrant and better connected, one which creates opportunities to live, work and play in Blacktown.

LACK OF

GREEN

AND OPEN SPACE

NEED FOR

DESIRE FOR

SAFETY

VIBRANT STREETS

AND MORE WALKABLE, PEDESTRIANFRIENDLY STREETS

AND SHOPFRONTS (DAY AND NIGHT)

LACK OF

NEED FOR

THAT CELEBRATE BLACKTOWN’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY

AND DISCONNECTED CBD

EVENT SPACES

A LESS CONGESTED

A BOLD NEW DESIGN

Using the insights shared by the community, Walker have developed a masterplan that will transform the heart of Blacktown.

THE MASTERPLAN WILL: •

Create new public spaces and improve the overall experience of the CBD.

•

Encourage coordinated development across neighbouring sites.

•

Deliver long-term benefits for the community including better amenity, accessibility and cultural opportunities.

•

Support local jobs and economic growth.

“The people of Blacktown are deeply invested in this transformation.

This is about building a city that reflects who we are, creating thousands of new jobs, keeping opportunities local and making Blacktown a place where people want to live, work and spend time.”

MAYOR BRAD BUNTING BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL

WE LISTENED:

MORE OPEN SPACES

WHAT WE’RE DELIVERING: • •

WHY THIS MATTERS: • •

You told us you want more green space and places to gather in the heart of the city.

More than 10,000 sqm of new open space in the centre of Blacktown.

Relocating recreational land from Alpha Street to the east of Flushcombe Road creating the opportunity to deliver a large connected civic plaza.

•

Creates a new civic heart wider than Martin Place in Sydney CBD. Provides space for community events, markets and festivals.

Connects Max Webber Library, Civic Plaza and surrounding streets into one vibrant community hub.

OPEN SPACE SQM 10,000 20% TREE CANOPY 230%

INCREASE IN

TO

UPLIFT IN

WE LISTENED:

PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY STREETS You told us you want safer, more walkable and pedestrian-friendly streets.

WHAT WE’RE DELIVERING: • •

A city centre that prioritises people first.

The masterplan includes transforming parts of Flushcombe Road into a pedestrian-focused environment and relocating street car parking underground.

WHY THIS MATTERS: • • • •

Safer, well-lit streets for pedestrians.

Improved walkability across the CBD. Space for events, outdoor dining and community activations.

Cleaner streets with less surface parking clutter.

PEDESTRIAN SAFE WELL-LIT

FRIENDLY

VIBRANT STREETS

WE LISTENED:

A VIBRANT

CITY

More than 85% of you told us you want more restaurants, entertainment and nightlife.

WHAT WE’RE DELIVERING: •

An energetic precinct that supports local businesses and creates a destination for dining, culture and entertainment.

WHY THIS MATTERS: • • • •

A city centre that is active from morning to night.

More cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.

More visitors supporting local businesses and jobs.

Safer streets through increased activity and lighting.

ALIVE BUZZING BOOST DINING DESTINATION

PRECINCT

TO LOCAL ECONOMY

WE LISTENED:

A CULTURAL

HEART

You told us Blacktown’s cultural diversity should be celebrated in the city centre.

WHAT WE’RE DELIVERING: Create a flexible civic plaza at the heart of Blacktown, a space designed to celebrate the city’s rich cultural diversity all year round.

WHY THIS MATTERS: • •

• •

A vibrant plaza for cultural expression, festivals, markets, art exhibitions, and live performances.

Showcasing and celebrating diversity through events like Diwali, Lunar New Year, Pacific Island celebrations, and NAIDOC Week.

A destination for locals and visitors to experience Blacktown’s tastes, sounds and traditions.

Boost local pride and tourism, making Blacktown a cultural hub for Sydney.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION PLAY AREAS SPACES

SPACES

WE LISTENED:

CBD A CONNECTED

You told us the city centre should feel easier to navigate and better connected.

WHAT WE’RE DELIVERING: • •

A city centre that prioritises people first.

The plan includes transforming parts of Flushcombe Road into a pedestrianfocused environment and relocating street car parking underground.

WHY THIS MATTERS: • • • •

Safer, well-lit streets for pedestrians.

Improved walkability across the CBD. Space for events, outdoor dining and community activations.

Cleaner streets with less surface parking clutter.

CONNECTED CBD ACCESSIBILITY TOURISM BOOST

BETTER

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The Blacktown Quarter transformation will help create a city centre that reflects the energy, diversity and ambition of the community.

THE PROJECT WILL DELIVER: •

Over 10,000 sqm of new public space.

•

Safer, pedestrian-friendly streets.

•

A vibrant destination for dining, culture and entertainment.

•

Education and training opportunities.

•

Spaces for festivals and community celebrations.

•

New jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

Together, these improvements will create a city centre reflecting the energy, diversity and ambition of the Blacktown community.

Endorsement of the masterplan will allow Walker to proceed with the first stage of the Blacktown Quarter project.

NEXT STEPS INCLUDE: •

Finalising the masterplan.

•

Ongoing engagement with residents and local businesses.

•

Detailed design and planning approvals.

Community feedback will continue to play an important role as the project progresses.

GURSHA RESTAURANT, BLACKTOWN

OUR #MAINSTREETENERGY CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES THE PEOPLE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT BRING BLACKTOWN TO LIFE.

We’d love to hear from you! Head to blacktownquarter.com.au to learn more.

Show us your #MainStreetEnergy @BlacktownQuarter

Follow the project and learn more at blacktownquarter.com.au