A $1.36 billion data centre is proposed for Macquarie Park and is now on public exhibition. Goodman Property Services (Australia) Pty Ltd has lodged the application, known as Project Apollo (SSD-74069708), with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
The project would transform 4–10 Talavera Road into a five-storey data centre, operating 24 hours a day. The development includes 29,668 square metres of gross floor area and a power capacity of 135 megavolt amps (MVA). This level of energy use qualifies the proposal as State Significant Development under the Planning Systems SEPP 2021.
The facility will contain four levels of data halls, with office space, car parking, and support infrastructure. The design also includes vehicle and pedestrian access from Talavera Road, along with landscaping on the eastern and northern boundaries.
Artist impression by HDR
Strategic Location and Planning Framework
The site lies within the Macquarie Park Corridor, a major technology and employment hub in Sydney’s Northern District. It falls within Availability Zone 1—Australia’s highest demand area for data centres—due to its proximity to enterprise clients and critical infrastructure.
Zoned E3 Productivity Support under the Ryde Local Environmental Plan 2014, the site permits data storage uses. The proposal seeks to use incentive provisions under Clause 6.9 of the LEP, which allow additional building height and floor space if specific public benefits are provided. The proposed height of 45 metres and floor space ratio of 1.18:1 both sit within the allowable incentive limits.
Voluntary Planning Agreement and Contributions
To access these incentives, Goodman has offered a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) to the City of Ryde. The agreement includes a financial contribution of $1,328,092. This figure reflects the gross floor area exceeding the base FSR, charged at $305 per square metre.
In addition, the VPA proposes several public domain improvements. These include new pedestrian links, landscaping, and street furniture along Talavera Road. Together, these upgrades aim to improve the site’s connection with its surroundings and support broader plans for the Macquarie Park Innovation Precinct.
The project will also be subject to Section 7.11 development contributions under Council’s contributions plan.
Economic Impact and Employment
The data centre is expected to generate around 400 full-time construction jobs over a two-year period. After completion, approximately 60 people will work on-site in roles spanning property services, security, and digital infrastructure.
By locating the facility within Macquarie Park, the project supports continued growth in one of Sydney’s most important employment centres. It also adds to the region’s capacity to meet growing demand for cloud and data services across Greater Sydney.
Public Exhibition and Community Involvement
Goodman engaged with local businesses, landowners, and community groups during the project’s planning phase. The Environmental Impact Statement and supporting documents are now publicly available. The exhibition period provides an opportunity for community members to make submissions.
Project Team
Developer: Goodman Property Services (Australia) Pty Ltd
Urban Planner: Urbis
Architectural and ESD Services: HDR
Landscape Design: Geoscapes
Traffic and Transport: Ason Group
Civil Engineering: TTW
Contamination and Risk: AECOM, RiskCon
Environmental Assessment: SLR Consulting
Fire Safety: Core Engineering Group
Heritage and Cultural Heritage: Artefact
Waste and Emissions: Linesight, SLR
Building Code and Accessibility: MBC Group
Surveying: LTS
For more information, search the application number SSD-74069708 on the NSW Planning Portal website:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/project-apollo-data-centre-macquarie-park
