Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill

Spotlight Property Group engaged Ethos Urban to prepare a Planning Proposal for 21-23 Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill to facilitate increased height and floorspace in a prominent location undergoing transition 600m west of the Hills Showgrounds Metro Station.

Working closely with Bates Smart, Ethos Urban combined Planning and Urban Design Services to prepare a Planning Proposal Report, Site-Specific Development Control Plan and an Urban Design Report for the 2ha site.

The site represents a rare opportunity to deliver a new urban typology within the Norwest Precinct which has historically typically seen industrial warehouse development. 

The Planning Proposal is seeking to facilitate a mixed-use development including retail, commercial and hotel floor space in a built form ranging up to 12 storeys. Specialised retail would be concentrated within podium levels, whilst commercial floor space would be provided in towers above. Activation of the ground floor level would be realised through restaurants and cafes. 

Traffic and transport, ecological, flood, stormwater and economic assessments have been prepared to inform the Planning Proposal and consider impacts.

The project has needed to overcome a range of challenges including navigating an overland flow path, below ground carparking, road widening and changes in topography whilst providing a permeable and well-landscaped ground plane, which improves connectivity within the block, to neighbouring lots and to the Cattai Creek Corridor. Working through these challenges has resulted in public domain that is of high-quality improving upon its existing condition. 

The Site-Specific DCP and Urban Design Report formed a key aspect of the project to assist with the strategic justification of the Planning Proposal in relation to setbacks, active frontages, landscaping and deep soil, parking building bulk and scale and to position the site within the broader block and precinct. The Planning Proposal process has involved close collaboration and consultation with the Hills Shire Council responding to recommended amendments. Since the completion of this work, Council has proceeded to Gateway Determination with Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). 

Key aspects of the Planning Proposal include: 

• Facilitated increased height a maximum floor space controls.
• Creating an innovative mixed-use typology. 
• Engaging with a multi-disciplinary team of architects, designers, planners and technical specialists.
• Consultation with Council and authorities such as TfNSW to work through recommended amendments. 
• Delivering a high amenity ground plane.