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A new plan for the revitalisation of the Merrylands CBD

8 June 2017 – Media Release
8 Jun 2017 - Archive

8 June 2017 – Media Release

The revitalisation of the Merrylands CBD has been put on hold after Council received the findings of an independent review it commissioned by JLL Australia, which raised concerns regarding the project’s feasibility.

A number of risks and challenges were identified which ultimately led to JLL recommending Council halts the proposed development of a Merrylands City Square, as well as upgrades to McFarlane Street and Merrylands City Car Park on Memorial Avenue. Stormwater works and upgrade of some Merrylands roads will go ahead unaffected.

Cumberland Council Interim General Manager, Malcolm Ryan clarified the decision:

“This doesn’t spell the end for the revitalisation of the Merrylands CBD. Rather, further work is needed before additional money was spent on the development of any property sites or the acquisition of land.”

“There is no doubt the Merrylands CBD needs to be revitalised, it is the largest town centre in Cumberland and deserves heavy investment. That is exactly why Council has reviewed the former Holroyd City Council project; we needed to know it was fully funded, on track and feasible.

“The independent review found this wasn’t true. There are real issues with the project and it poses a risk to Council.”

The risks and challenges associated with the project include:

  • No adequate funding model and doubts surrounding the financial feasibility of the project
  • Lack of an overarching strategy and associated documents
  • Alignment with recently released State Government planning policy which affects the area and current/future development in Merrylands.

“In order to continue the project as soon as possible Council will be creating a master plan that outlines the most suitable and feasible way to revitalise the Merrylands CBD to deliver a modern cultural and economic hub that the community can embrace,” Mr Ryan said.

“To achieve this we need to make sure the project is fully funded and has a secure future. We also need to take into account the fact that Merrylands is growing quickly due to local and regional planning changes. This project will take a number of years to complete so it needs to be suitable now and in the future.”

“It’s important to note that the report did find that there was due diligence and considerable costing behind the Stormwater upgrades. Due to a risk of flooding if this project isn’t completed, Council will progress the stormwater works and has already set aside $11 million in the proposed budget to do so.

“The proposed budget also sets aside $5 million for upgrades to pavements, street furniture and lighting on Merrylands Road between Terminal place and Memorial Avenue.

Moving forward Council will undertake a more detailed analysis including the development of a thorough business case that is economically feasible, strategic and addresses more recent issues associated with planning and development in the region.