Goodman Plans $913m Mascot Data Centre

Goodman Plans $913m Mascot Data Centre

January 13, 2026

Architectural render of the proposed Project Duke Data Centre at Mascot.

A $1.18 billion data centre proposal in Mascot marks a significant expansion of Sydney’s digital infrastructure, reflecting the city’s growing demand for secure, high-performance data storage and processing. The project, now approved with conditions by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, is set to deliver substantial economic and technological benefits within the Bayside LGA.

Project Overview

The Project Duke Data Centre, led by Goodman Property Services (Aust) Pty Limited, will occupy a 22,923 m² site at 2 and 10–22 Kent Road and 685 Gardeners Road, Mascot. The four-storey facility will comprise nine data halls with a gross floor area of 26,052 m², a maximum height of 40 metres, and a total power demand of 120 MW. The scheme includes ancillary office space, 35 car parking spaces, 32 bicycle racks, extensive landscaping, and robust backup power systems featuring 72 diesel generators and lithium-ion batteries. Construction is expected to generate up to 600 jobs, with 30 ongoing operational roles.

Strategic and Policy Context

The Department’s assessment found the proposal aligns with the Greater Sydney Region Plan, Eastern City District Plan, and the State Infrastructure Strategy, all of which prioritise digital readiness, economic productivity, and the retention of employment land. The site’s E3 Productivity Support zoning under the Bayside LEP 2021 supports its use for essential digital infrastructure, and the project is expected to reinforce Mascot’s role as a technology and employment hub.

Planning History

The original application was lodged in late 2024 and publicly exhibited from November to December 2024. No community submissions were received. Following feedback from Bayside Council, Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and State agencies, the applicant amended the scheme in July 2025, incorporating an adjoining property to increase setbacks, improve landscaping, and optimise vehicle access.

Design and Architectural Intent

The design adopts a rectilinear, four-storey form with setbacks of at least 9 metres to all street frontages, enabling deep soil zones and landscaped buffers. The building is articulated into distinct volumes for data halls, offices, and plant, with façade modulation, tonal variation, and recessed acoustic screening to reduce perceived bulk. The Kent Road frontage is treated with finer detailing to address the residential interface, while the Gardeners Road and Ricketty Street façades maintain an industrial character. Landscaping integrates endemic species and water-sensitive urban design, with over 110 new trees proposed. Security fencing is set back to allow for public domain improvements.

Architectural render of the proposed Project Duke Data Centre in Mascot. — Architectural render illustrating the proposed Project Duke Data Centre in Mascot, highlighting its design features, landscaped buffers, and integration within the Bayside LGA industrial precinct.

Community and Stakeholder Response

No submissions were received from local residents or landowners during exhibition. Bayside Council raised concerns about building bulk, landscaping, tree management, flooding, stormwater, and traffic impacts, recommending increased setbacks, improved façade articulation, and enhanced landscaping. TfNSW objected to the initial vehicle access strategy, citing impacts on traffic flow and pedestrian safety, and required revised driveway designs and movement restrictions. Sydney Water highlighted the need for network upgrades to meet water and wastewater demand. Other agencies, including the EPA, Fire and Rescue NSW, and Heritage NSW, provided technical advice and recommended conditions. Sydney Airport and CASA noted that construction cranes may require separate approvals due to proximity to flight paths.

Impacts and Assessment Findings

The Department’s assessment focused on urban design, water servicing, and operational noise. The amended scheme was found to achieve design excellence under the Bayside LEP, with increased setbacks, façade modulation, and integrated landscaping addressing Council and SDRP concerns. Overshadowing and visual impacts on nearby apartments were deemed minor and consistent with permissible development in the industrial precinct. Water demand remains substantial, but the proposal incorporates rainwater harvesting, recirculation, and staged network upgrades, with Sydney Water’s requirements to be addressed through the Section 73 process. Operational noise is mitigated through acoustic treatments, plant layout, and generator enclosures, with conditions restricting generator testing to weekdays and requiring ongoing monitoring. Flood risk is managed through on-site detention, swales, and a 4.1-metre flood barrier. The Department concluded that, subject to conditions, the environmental and amenity impacts are acceptable.

Determination Outcome and Reasons

The Director, Industry Assessments, approved the application with conditions. Decisive factors included the project’s strategic alignment, design response to the urban context, and the adequacy of mitigation measures for noise, water, and traffic impacts. Key conditions require compliance with detailed architectural and landscaping plans, implementation of TfNSW’s traffic and access requirements, staged water and wastewater servicing agreements with Sydney Water, and ongoing noise and environmental monitoring. The Department found the proposal to be in the public interest, delivering critical infrastructure and economic benefits while managing impacts on the surrounding area.

Statutory Pathway and Next Steps

As a State Significant Development, the project was determined under delegation by the Director, Industry Assessments, following no objections from Council and no community submissions. The applicant must obtain further approvals under the Roads Act 1993 for works on state roads and secure a Section 73 Compliance Certificate from Sydney Water. Detailed design and management plans must be submitted prior to construction and occupation.