Urban Digest

Celestino Plans Subdivision in Western Sydney Aerotropolis

January 23, 2026

Landscape design plan for the subdivision at 121 Willmington Road, Luddenham.

A major Torrens title subdivision spanning more than 55 hectares in Luddenham, within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, is now on public exhibition. Celestino Developments leads the $36.2 million proposal, notable for its scale and its location just 2.5 kilometres west of the under-construction Western Sydney Airport. The plan would divide the existing poultry farm into eight lots, including a dedicated lot for stormwater infrastructure to be acquired by Sydney Water. This marks a shift from intensive agriculture toward a future-focused agribusiness precinct.

Subdivision Scope and Site Works

The application seeks consent to subdivide 121 Willmington Road into eight lots: three development lots, two residue lots, two within the Willmington Road reserve, and one for stormwater infrastructure. The 55.65-hectare site would undergo bulk earthworks, dam decommissioning, new road and intersection construction, integrated water management works, and significant landscaping. The plan calls for the removal of 97 trees and the planting of 376 new ones. The estimated development cost is $36,246,935.

Planning Timeline and Approvals

Redevelopment of the site began with Penrith City Council’s approval of DA24/0421 in March 2025, which allowed demolition and remediation of the existing poultry farm structures. This preliminary consent enabled site preparation ahead of the current State Significant Development application. The current proposal is the first major subdivision for this land under the Western Parkland City SEPP, reflecting the Aerotropolis’ push for employment-generating agribusiness uses. The Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) were issued in November 2024, mandating a comprehensive review of environmental, social, and infrastructure impacts.

Flooding and Water Management

Flood risk and water management are central concerns, given the site’s location within the South Creek Catchment and its exposure to 1% AEP flood extents. The proposal includes decommissioning existing dams, constructing new stormwater infrastructure, and delivering both interim and ultimate water management solutions in line with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Precinct Plan. A works-in-kind agreement with Sydney Water is proposed for regional stormwater infrastructure. Technical studies argue that flood and water impacts can be managed, but the adequacy of these measures and their integration with broader Aerotropolis drainage networks remain under scrutiny.

Remediation and Agribusiness Shift

The site’s current use as an intensive poultry operation presents challenges for land remediation and future compatibility with agribusiness objectives. Previous studies have identified contamination requiring remediation, and a Remediation Action Plan has been prepared. The proposal states that, subject to these works, the site will be suitable for future agribusiness uses. The assessment will examine whether remediation and land preparation are sufficient to support the intended employment and innovation outcomes, and how the subdivision layout aligns with the Aerotropolis’ vision for integrated logistics, food production, and value-added industries.

Tree Removal and Green Strategy

The removal of 97 trees and broader vegetation clearance is justified by the proponent on the grounds that most of the site is biodiversity-certified, urban-capable land, with only minor non-certified areas. A BDAR Waiver was granted in October 2025 for the excluded areas, with studies concluding that significant biodiversity impacts are unlikely. The assessment will weigh the loss of existing vegetation against the proposed planting of 376 new trees and the overall landscape strategy, particularly in the context of urban heat mitigation and green infrastructure targets for the Aerotropolis.

Landscape design plan for the proposed subdivision at 121 Willmington Road, Luddenham. — Landscape design plan outlining proposed green spaces and tree planting for the subdivision at 121 Willmington Road, Luddenham.

Transport Access and Upgrades

Access to the site is currently limited, with no public transport or pedestrian infrastructure nearby. The proposal includes new internal roads, a new intersection on Willmington Road, and upgrades to essential services. The site’s future connectivity is tied to planned bus corridors and the broader Aerotropolis road network. The adequacy and timing of these upgrades, especially given the site’s proximity to major state roads and the airport precinct, will be closely watched.

Bushfire and Airport Safeguards

The site is identified as bushfire-prone land and lies close to the Western Sydney Airport. The proposal includes bushfire mitigation measures and claims compliance with Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019. An aeronautical impact assessment concludes there will be no adverse effects on airport operations, with additional wildlife and lighting management plans prepared. The robustness of these safeguards, particularly as the area urbanises, will be under review.

Public Exhibition Period

The application is on public exhibition, with submissions invited before assessment and referral to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.