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Background
Macquarie Park Employment Area began life as an industrial area in the mid 1960's with the rezoning of 'Green Belt' land to allow for industrial activities. During the same period, development Macquarie University began on adjacent land. Initially the industrial area was based on the idea of a similar industrial area surrounding the Stanford University in San Francisco, which provided for the interaction between industries and the University.
Early development, during the 1970s, saw companies such AWA Limited, Beiersdorf, Racal and Universal Press locate their corporate headquarters in the area.
The current reputation of Macquarie Park is that of the leading high-tech industrial area in Australia, attracting electronic, scientific, computing, medical, communication and pharmaceutical companies. Many of these businesses have their headquarters outside the area, with the majority being overseas.
Major attractions to the area are:
- the prestige factor
- well located in relation to the CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood and Parramatta
- access (M2 and other major roads)
- university and CSIRO
- an environment to develop substantial relationships with other businesses in the area
- corporate character
- an aesthetically pleasing environment
The impact of these high-tech businesses on the area has been to transform an industrial based employment area into a successful green business park.
Since its inception the area has seen a steady growth in the floor space, with an average annual increase of 22,000 m². Demand for floor space in the area is expected to continue the long-term growth trend.
Council and the State Government entered into a partnership as part of the Living Centres Program to maximise the opportunities offered by the recently opened rail line. The future of the area is guided by a suite of planning document, including:
- Macquarie Park Structure Plan
- Transport Management and Accessibility Plan
- Macquarie Park Corridor Master plan
- Local Environmental plan 137
Vision Statement for Macquarie Park Corridor
- A premium location for globally competitive businesses with strong links to the university and research institutions
- Accessible and vibrant station areas
- A high quality, well designed, safe and liveable environment that reflects the natural setting
- Better integrated residential and business areas
- An enhanced sense of identity for the area
- Better lifestyles for all those who live, work and study in the area
Facts about Macquarie Park Corridor
- A 340 hectare business precinct adjacent to Lane Cove River National Park.
- Only 12km to the Sydney CBD and 13km to Parramatta.
- Three new railway stations opening 2008, as part of the new Epping to Chatswood Rail Link.
- Bus priority lane under construction along Lane Cove Road and plans for a new bus interchange at Macquarie Shopping Centre.
- A nationally significant research and employment centre specialising in IT&T, pharmaceuticals, medical & services communications.
- Head office location for some of Australia’s leading companies such as Optus, Siemens, Foxtel and Microsoft.
- Location for Macquarie University, a leading research and teaching institution.
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Revising the Planning Frame work within Macquarie Park Corridor
During 2007 a multi disciplinary team within Council undertook a program to revisit elements of the planning framework and controls applying to land within the Corridor. This process was triggered by issues raised during the exhibition of the draft development control plan for the Corridor (draft DCP no. 55) and a statutory requirement that the provisions of LEP 137 be reviewed within 2 years of it gazettal.
The key tasks undertaken included:
- A review of the draft DCP document and format, to ensure compliance with State Government’s LEP/DCP framework.
- Preparation of a new Structure Plan to refine open space, infrastructure and urban form.
- Rationalization and clarification of some sections of the road network
- Clarification of set backs and the relationship of buildings to the public domain
- Refinement of floor space ratios and heights
- Identification of 'pecial precincts' particularly around the stations, and development of holistic “special precinct master plans”, in consultation with land owners, which take account of issues such as:
- street location and legibility
- visibility and accessibility to rail stations
- the need for active street frontages
- appropriate building height and form
- open space and landscaping
- pedestrian and cycle access
- Development of appropriate building envelopes and generic controls to achieve “best practise” sustainable development e.g. solar access, water conservation, energy efficiency, accessibility, 'safe' design.
- Exploring controls to achieve buildings of environmental excellence.
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Development Control Plan
The planning documents prepared as a result of revising the planning framework are part of the City of Ryde Development Control Plan, under Section 4.5 Macquarie Park Corridor DCP 2006:
The DCP provides a framework to guide the future development of the Corridor. The plan specifies built form controls for development within the Corridor and sets in place urban design guidelines to achieve the vision for the area.
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Macquarie Park Public Domain Technical Manual
The Manual is a comprehensive guideline for designing and constructing public domain works on private and public land throughout the Corridor. It recommends design treatments, materials and finishes for the full suite of public domain elements, ranging from light poles and pavers to street furniture and trees.
For a hardcopy of the Manual please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9952 8222.
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Macquarie Park Traffic Study (Final Report)
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Some features of the Macquarie Park Corridor Revised Planning Frame Work
Improved transport
- Major transport investment will improve access to the Macquarie Park Corridor for workers, shoppers, students and residents.
- Up to 11 kilometres of new roads are proposed to improve circulation and reduce congestion. New cycle ways and pedestrian links are planned throughout the precinct to connect with the three new rail stations and the new bus priority lane and bus stops.
Buildings of Environmental Excellence
- The Macquarie Park Corridor will become a showcase for environmentally sustainable commercial building design and operation.
- The planning controls require new buildings to achieve a certified four star Green Building Council rating. An incentive is program is being explored to encourage buildings of environmental excellence.
- This means that state of the art energy, water and waste management practices will be implemented throughout the Macquarie Park Corridor, both in public and in private areas.
State of the art workplaces
- Proposed changes to floor space ratios and height controls will promote design excellence in new buildings and communal spaces and provide landowners with economic incentives and greater flexibility to redevelop their sites.
- The controls allow for a mix of “campus-style” commercial buildings as well as taller buildings with smaller footprints in clearly defined areas, particularly around the stations.
- A broader range of commercial spaces will also be available, including street level units for cafes, shops and service outlets to meet the needs of a growing workforce and student population.
Better public spaces
- Public open space in the Macquarie Park Corridor will be enhanced to meet the needs of a growing population.
- The controls propose more than three hectares of new parklands and an enhanced system of inter-connected creek corridors, “green streets” through landscaped areas and parklands, cycle ways and footpaths.
- The centrepiece of the plan is a new one hectare “Central Park” on Waterloo Road that will be available for a range of recreational activities and community occasions.
- Many new community facilities will be funded through the redevelopment process, including a multi purpose library, meeting places and several child care centres.
Vibrant station precincts
- Train and bus commuters will stroll through new public plazas past cafes, bars and shops on their way to and from work.
- Each station precinct will have its own special character, offering safe, welcoming, well designed streets and communal spaces.
- The station precincts will become attractive and lively destinations for workers, students, shoppers and residents throughout the day and into the night.
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