With the announcement early this week of the approval of the new Local Environmental Plan (LEP143) for the Ryde Town Centre, the City of Ryde is poised to proceed on the next step of an historic journey that will lead to the revitalisation and reinvigoration of the Ryde Town Centre.

City of Ryde Mayor, Councillor Ivan Petch, on behalf of his fellow Councillors said: “This is an historic event for the City of Ryde and will enable a vital rejuvenation of the town centre to occur. By implementing the new Planning Instruments, the City of Ryde will be able to attract investment, business, employment, residents and visitors to a vibrant and exciting new town centre.

“Further, it is envisaged that extensive infrastructure improvements, including the public domain, will deliver better services and facilities to all who work, live and visit the town centre.

“It is befitting that the City of Ryde will once more position itself as a major centre for employment, shopping and leisure.

In acknowledging this milestone, the Mayor paid tribute to all those who had worked so tirelessly in advancing this visionary concept.  “A project of this scope and size can only be achieved through strong leadership, united vision and the thoughtful dedication of committed Councillors and staff.  I pay tribute to all who have worked tirelessly for so many years, in bringing this project to this critical stage in its evolution.”

The Local Environmental Plan introduces new zoning, planning and design provisions for the Ryde Town Centre.  It encourages a mix of land uses as well as high quality design.  That plan, together with the associated Development Control (DCP 56) and Public Domain Plans will provide the framework to embark upon development that will establish an important retail, business, employment, recreational, entertainment, civic and residential centre.

The Plans have been developed by the City of Ryde with care to ensure that sustainable development is encouraged. This has been a journey of many years and the result is a set of visionary planning instruments that will guide the City for years to come. The objective is to provide the enablers for a new, modern, vibrant town centre.

A number of Precincts have been created in the instruments that will develop unique characteristics and provide diversified development across the entire town centre. These include:

• Civic/Mixed Use Precinct that has the potential to have up to 100,000 sqm of nett useable floor space constructed on it.
• Town Core Precinct that will allow the main retail centre to be redeveloped with up to 150,000 sqm of nett useable mixed use floorspace.
• Heritage Precinct that is intended to preserve the charm and history of the Victorian era civic and public buildings.
• Main Street Precinct preserving the early 20th century architectural design as a unique retail experience.
• Commercial Edge Precincts providing a transition from the Town Centre to adjoining residential areas.
• Ryde Park Precinct that has its own Master Plan for this important green space.
• Low Density Residential and Ryde School Precincts.

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Media Contacts:  Lee Kirkland, Media Officer, City of Ryde, T 9952 8083 M 0436306444

Last Updated: 8 June 2006