“There was a time when Parramatta Road had so much happening you couldn’t walk a few metres without bumping into people. 

 

“This boulevard of broken dreams has been the subject of so many promises and visions over the years, but it remains a corridor of immense opportunity and potential, for housing, for the jobs of the future and for so much more. 

 

“Today’s announcement from the NSW Government and Inner West Council is a great step with a sharp focus on housing delivery. 

 

“What’s good is it’s not just about housing – we’re going to need open-heart surgery to transform this landmark corridor, with commitments on affordable housing, active transport connections, new open space and future jobs.  

 

“We know 8,000 new homes can’t come with 8,000 new cars if we want Parramatta Road to thrive. The long promised WestConnex traffic and public domain improvements along Parramatta Road should be part of the plan, including rapid bus or light rail – they will be key to unlocking the potential of this landmark road for housing and the jobs of the future. 

 

“The reality is far too many shops are vacant on Parramatta Road and nobody wants to spend time on it because it’s unpleasant to spend as a pedestrian.

 

“We need to build in affordable housing from the start, committing to a set percentage of affordable housing from the start. 

 

“With new homes comes the need for space for employment opportunities. Camperdown is part of Australia’s largest innovation district – Tech Central – and can play a central role in nurturing the industries that will shape the future of our city – advanced manufacturing, medical research, quantum computing and robotics. These industries are growing fast and need spaces like Camperdown’s industrial precinct to reach their potential.