Payce plans reveal vision for Melrose Park in Sydney's West

Payce is to buy a 4.5-hectare site in Melrose Park for $160 million from Aqualand.

Payce general manager Dominic Sullivan said Payce had previously purchased the adjoining Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser and Big Sister sites located along Wharf Road.

Council recently identified Melrose Park in its draft Parramatta Employment Lands Strategy 2015 document as an employment lands precinct undergoing significant economic change and “suitable for large scale urban renewal”. 

Payce’s general manager, Dominic Sullivan said its plans included new public roads, electricity, water and services and major upgrades to the surrounding road network.

“Our plan presents a vision for the area that comprises a multi-staged mixed-use development which would result in 1,500 new jobs, new housing (including affordable and key-worker accommodation), commercial office and retail uses, along with a range of new and enhanced community facilities, public parks and other wider community benefits.”

The plan includes a retail village centre, as well as open space totalling 3.8 hectares.

"Sustainability is at the heart of the new Plan, featuring renewable energy generation for future homes, water recycling, sustainable transport initiatives and electric charge points for cars."

“Other facilities outlined in the Plan include an amphitheatre, childcare centres and multi-purpose community centres.

“Surrounding public benefits proposed include a $32 million contribution to the upgrade of nearby George Kendall Reserve, a new community aquatic facility, improvements to local cycleways and the introduction of an electric shuttle bus service to Meadowbank and West Ryde train stations.

“Discussions are also planned with relevant authorities for a private ferry service loop between Melrose Park, Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.”

Mr Sullivan said the proposed community benefits total well over $100 million and would be provided at no cost to Council or its ratepayers.