The NSW Government has approved a $330 million residential development next to Hills Showground Metro Station. This decision supports Sydney’s strategy to increase housing supply in well-connected areas, promoting high-density, transit-oriented growth.
The Showground Station Precinct East project, led by Deicorp Project (Showground East) Pty Ltd, will deliver 873 apartments across five buildings at 3 Andalusian Way, Castle Hill. The development is part of a broader transformation of Castle Hill, integrating new housing with the Sydney Metro network to support population growth while reducing car dependency.
The project is expected to set a precedent for future high-density developments in Sydney’s northwest. As Castle Hill transitions from a traditional suburban community to an urbanised metro hub, effective planning, infrastructure investment, and public space integration will be critical.
Current Site and Development Plan
The site at 3 Andalusian Way, Castle Hill, previously served as a Sydney Metro North West construction compound. It remains vacant, with remnants of past construction activities, temporary site infrastructure, and hardstand areas.
Under the Showground Station Precinct Concept Plan (SSD-9653), this area has been designated for high-density residential and mixed-use development. This plan supports the precinct’s transition from industrial and transport-related uses to a residential community, aligning with Sydney’s housing strategy.
The Hills Showground Station Precinct is undergoing a major transformation, with new developments expected to deliver up to 9,000 homes and 2,300 jobs over the next two decades. The precinct is planned as a metro-linked urban hub, providing a mix of residential and commercial spaces to accommodate Sydney’s growing population.
What Has Been Approved
The $330 million project will be built in multiple stages and includes:
- Five residential buildings, ranging from 3 to 16 storeys
- 873 apartments, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units
- 927 basement parking spaces, allocated for residents, visitors, and car-share vehicles
- Publicly accessible pedestrian connections, improving walkability and metro access
- Landscaped open spaces, stormwater infrastructure, and sustainability measures
- Five percent of apartments reserved for affordable housing
The project aims to support transit-oriented development, where high-density housing is located near public transport hubs to improve accessibility and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The Hills Showground Metro Station, located next to the development, will provide fast and frequent rail connections to key employment and retail centers, including Norwest, Chatswood, and Sydney CBD.
Artist impression by Turner & GroupGSA
Planning and Public Consultation Process
As a State Significant Development (SSD-62802207), the project was subject to extensive assessment by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). The planning process included impact assessments, agency reviews, and public consultation to ensure the development aligns with local and state planning objectives.
The public exhibition period ran from March 14 to April 10, 2024. During this time, the project received 15 formal submissions from government agencies, local councils, and residents. Key stakeholders included:
- The Hills Shire Council, requesting refinements to building heights, setbacks, and public space provisions
- Transport for NSW (TfNSW), reviewing traffic impacts and pedestrian access
- Sydney Metro, ensuring the development does not interfere with underground rail infrastructure
- The State Design Review Panel (SDRP), assessing architectural design and public space integration
- Local residents, expressing concerns about density, traffic congestion, and infrastructure capacity
Community concerns focused on potential traffic congestion, overshadowing, and public amenity impacts. The development’s integration with the surrounding area, particularly regarding transport links and pedestrian safety, was a key focus for planners.
Key Design Adjustments
To address concerns raised during the consultation process, Deicorp made several key refinements to the project. These included:
- Redistributing building heights to reduce overshadowing on public spaces and neighboring properties
- Enhancing pedestrian pathways and crossings to improve safety and accessibility to Hills Showground Metro Station
- Providing additional transport analysis to justify parking provisions and road network impacts
- Refining building façades, landscaping, and open spaces to improve the precinct’s urban character
The State Design Review Panel (SDRP) reviewed these modifications and endorsed the revised design. The panel noted that the adjustments strengthened the project’s public space integration, pedestrian safety, and architectural quality.
Following these updates, the Department of Planning and Environment granted final approval, concluding that the project:
- Aligns with Greater Sydney’s housing and transport planning objectives
- Meets the requirements of the Showground Station Precinct Concept Plan
- Incorporates sustainability measures and infrastructure upgrades
- Responds effectively to key community concerns through design refinements
Castle Hill’s Changing Urban Landscape
Castle Hill is evolving into a high-density, mixed-use precinct as part of Sydney’s broader metro-driven growth strategy. The approval of Showground Station Precinct East represents a significant shift from traditional suburban development patterns.
The project will increase the local population, attract new businesses, and support economic growth. However, ensuring infrastructure, transport, and public services keep pace will be essential.
Artist impression by Turner & GroupGSA
Key considerations for future growth:
- Managing transport demand as population density increases
- Expanding public services such as schools, healthcare, and parks
- Monitoring the long-term impact of affordable housing provisions
- Balancing Castle Hill’s urban transformation with existing community needs
As further developments progress in the Showground Station Precinct, Castle Hill will continue playing a key role in Sydney’s urban renewal strategy. The area will serve as a model for high-density, well-connected, and sustainable residential communities.
Project Team:
- Developer: Deicorp Project (Showground East) Pty Ltd
- Architects: Turner & GroupGSA
- Urban Planner: Sutherland & Associates Planning
- Landscape Architect: Land & Form Studios
- Traffic Consultant: JMT Consulting
- Structural & Civil Engineers: Mott MacDonald
- Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Logic
- Heritage Consultant: Urbis
- Sustainability Consultant: E-Lab Consulting
For more details, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/hills-showground-precinct-east.
