A large-scale industrial development is set to transform 130 Wentworth Avenue, Banksmeadow. ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Ltd has submitted an application for a state significant development (SSD-73846459), which is now open for public exhibition from 20 February 2025 to 19 March 2025. The estimated development cost is $160 million.
Project Overview
The proposed development aims to replace an existing industrial facility with a two-storey warehouse complex. This facility will include office spaces, parking, and landscaping. It seeks to address the growing demand for industrial space within the Banksmeadow Industrial Park.
The warehouse will accommodate six tenancies, featuring:
- 37,029.2 square metres of warehouse space,
- 3,496.3 square metres of office space, and
- 52.8 square metres of end-of-trip facilities.
Additionally, the plan includes a four-level parking structure with 239 spaces. To manage traffic flow, the design incorporates five vehicle access points on Moore Street. These entry and exit points will serve different vehicle types, including both light and heavy vehicles.
Planning and Development Details
The site falls within an E4 General Industrial zone, which permits warehouse developments. However, the proposal exceeds the 25-metre height limit specified in the Bayside Local Environmental Plan 2021 (BLEP 2021), reaching 27 metres instead.
To justify this variation, the developer has submitted a Clause 4.6 variation request. The submission argues that the additional height is necessary for operational efficiency while remaining consistent with planning and environmental standards.
Strategic Considerations
The proposal aligns with key state and local strategic planning policies, including:
- Greater Sydney Region Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities, which encourages the retention of industrial land near transport hubs.
- Eastern City District Plan, which supports business investment and job creation in industrial precincts.
- Bayside Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020, which prioritizes trade gateway growth and industrial land retention.
Since the site is close to Port Botany and Sydney Airport, the warehouse has been positioned to enhance logistics capacity in the area.
Artist impression by Nettletontribe Architects
Environmental and Social Considerations
The development team has conducted several environmental assessments to ensure compliance with planning requirements. These reports address a variety of factors:
- Traffic and Transport: The design includes specific vehicle access points and pedestrian infrastructure modifications to support efficient movement.
- Sustainability Measures: The project incorporates energy-efficient design elements, waste reduction strategies, and landscaping improvements.
- Tree Removal and Landscaping: The proposal includes the removal of 521 trees, with plans to replace them using indigenous species suited to the local environment.
- Flooding and Water Management: A stormwater management system will be implemented to reduce potential flooding risks.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The developers have engaged with multiple stakeholders throughout the planning process. These discussions included:
- Bayside and Randwick Councils,
- Transport for NSW,
- Sydney Water and Ausgrid,
- Heritage NSW and local Aboriginal groups, and
- Businesses and property owners in the surrounding area.
Feedback from these consultations has influenced aspects of the design, particularly in areas related to traffic, noise mitigation, and landscaping.
Project Team
A group of industry professionals has been engaged in the development process, ensuring expertise across different fields. The project team includes:
- Developer: ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Willowtree Planning Pty Ltd
- Architect: Nettletontribe Architects
- Environmental Consultant: JBS&G
- Traffic Consultant: JMT Consulting
- Landscape Architect: Paddock Studio
- Structural Engineer: Costin Roe Consulting
- Noise and Vibration Consultant: Renzo Tonin
- Waste Management Consultant: Arcadis
Public Exhibition and Next Steps
The proposal remains open for public comment until 19 March 2025. Residents, businesses, and other interested parties are encouraged to review the development plans and provide feedback.
For further details, search for SSD-73846459 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website.
