Hornsby Town Centre, following a public exhibition, will be transformed under a new draft masterplan with the overall goal to better reflect sustainability and support liveability with major housing and job projects.
The Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan aligns with the priorities of North District Plan which identifies Hornsby Town Centre as a strategic centre.
The Masterplan reflects Council’s vision to create a thriving town centre that mirrors its bushland setting and the new strategic heart, is economically diverse, excellently designed, liveable and sustainable.
Endorsed for exhibition at a recent Council meeting, the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan was prepared by a multidisciplinary consultant team led by renowned Sydney architects, Cox Architecture.
Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock, said Council was excited that the new Masterplan outlines a framework to revitalise and elevate its town centre, transforming it into a thriving destination.
“Hornsby is the heart of the Shire where thousands of people live, work, learn, shop, and relax. It’s our major transport hub,” Mayor Ruddock said.
“This Masterplan will facilitate the creation of 4,500 new homes and 5,000 new jobs by 2036.
“By concentrating future development in the Hornsby Town centre, we can revitalise it and meet our long term dwelling targets set by the State Government, which in turn makes sure we can better protect our local neighbourhoods and the bushland setting of our Shire.
“We are focused on creating a sustainable, healthy and liveable town centre.”
The Masterplan is also consistent with the local strategic plans to create a connected centre, facilitate future housing, promote design excellence, reduce urban sprawl, promote active transport and create new public places and spaces.
“In preparing this Masterplan we consulted extensively with the community and key stakeholder groups to make sure it reflects their needs and priorities,” Mayor Ruddock said.
Some of the key features of the Masterplan include:
- Residential towers to provide 4,500 new homes, including around 470 affordable homes
- Low emissions buildings to support Council’s target of net zero emissions by 2050
- Support for employment to create 5,000 new jobs
- A new multi-purpose community facility including a library
- A network of green and connected public spaces that reinforce the bushland shire identity
- A revamped transport hub and improved traffic, parking and a second pedestrian link across the rail corridor
- A hotel and seniors housing at Hornsby RSL
- Better connections for walking and cycling to support active transport, including improved links to Hornsby Park
The Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan will be on public exhibition from 20 July –30 September 2022.
Feature concept image of the Hornsby Mall, the multipurpose community facility and Hornsby Square, courtesy of the City of Hornsby.
