The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has released a draft master plan to transform a 40ha industrial area in Camellia into a vibrant riverside community, complete with vast green open spaces, restaurants and shops.

Prepared in consultation with the City of Parramatta Council, the draft master plan for the proposed Camellia town centre will help shape the town’s future character as the focal point for a new community on the banks of the Parramatta River.

The plan encompasses the development of shops, offices and commercial spaces, cafes and restaurants, entertainment hubs, a potential future primary school for up to 1,000 students, library and community hub as well as new homes close to the Parramatta Light Rail station, all of which will provide for up to 5,000 new jobs in the Camellia Town Centre.

The Department’s Deputy Secretary of Growth, Design and Programs, Brendan Nelson, says the plan will transform an industrial area into a vibrant, connected community with open green spaces, waterfront parks, and a riverfront promenade.

According to Nelson, the public open space on 13ha will make up one third of the town centre’s transformed industrial land, including a riverfront park spread over more than eight hectares, and stretching over 1.7km.

Housing will be provided to suit a variety of budgets, and there will be sufficient tree canopy and new open spaces throughout the town centre including plazas, parks and playing fields, and public access to the river.

Additionally, the Parramatta Light Rail with a new stop in the heart of the town centre will connect residents to jobs in Parramatta, the health and education knowledge hub of Westmead, and eventually Sydney Olympic Park as part of its Stage 2 extension.

Also planned is a new bridge crossing over Duck River to Silverwater as well as the potential of another bridge crossing over Parramatta River to Rydalmere at the eastern end of the town centre.

Local member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee says the plan would breathe new life into the Camellia precinct and stimulate job creation, adding that residents will have all the conveniences of city living with up to 10,000 new homes close to education, recreation, shops and entertainment, as well as jobs in key centres.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson says it will create a healthy, connected community and protect and enhance the natural environment by unlocking the Parramatta River foreshore for the public with pedestrian and cycle access and links to the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.