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.
BLACKTOWN TODAY
Blacktown’s CBD already plays an important role as the commercial and civic heart of the city. Through community consultation, residents told us the city centre could be better for the people who use it every day.
THE CBD INCLUDES:
• A lack of clearly defined central civic heart where the community can come together.
• Limited green space and public open areas for gathering, relaxing or hosting community events.
• 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
A FUTURE HUB
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.
WEBBER LIBRARY
A COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM
ARTIST IMPRESSION
UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL
What this masterplan aims to do
NEW PUBLIC SPACES
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
94% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS REGULARLY VISIT THE CITY CENTRE
87% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS SUPPORTED A NEW CITY CENTRE
KEY PRIORITIES INCLUDED:
• 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 SAFETY AND MORE WALKABLE, PEDESTRIAN-
FRIENDLY STREETS
DESIRE FOR VIBRANT STREETS AND SHOPFRONTS (DAY AND NIGHT)
LACK OF EVENT SPACES THAT CELEBRATE BLACKTOWN’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY
NEED FOR A LESS CONGESTED AND DISCONNECTED CBD
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:
• 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.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
• Creates a new civic heart wider than Martin Place in Sydney CBD.
You told us you want more green space and places to gather in the heart of the city.
• Provides space for community events, markets and festivals.
• Connects Max Webber Library, Civic Plaza and surrounding streets into one vibrant community hub.
10,000 SQM 230% INCREASE IN TO 20% UPLIFT IN
TREE CANOPY
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.
FRIENDLY
VIBRANT STREETS
PEDESTRIAN WELL-LIT SAFE
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 PRECINCT
TO LOCAL ECONOMY
DINING DESTINATION
WE LISTENED: A CULTURAL HEART
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.
You told us Blacktown’s cultural diversity should be celebrated in the city centre.
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.
CELEBRATION SPACES
SPACES
PLAY AREAS COMMUNITY
WE LISTENED: A CONNECTED CBD
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.
BETTER
CONNECTED CBD TOURISM BOOST ACCESSIBILITY
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
