The Minister for Planning Pru Goward announced on 1 August 2014 that the NSW Government will partner with The Hills Shire Council and the community to create three new vibrant centres for homes and jobs along the $8.3 billion North West Rail Link, as part of a major urban renewal program.
The NSW Government will undertake detailed planning, investigations and consultation for three precincts around the new Bella Vista, Kellyville and Showground railway stations, now The Hills Shire Council has nominated them as Urban Activation Precincts.
Key features of the vision for the three new Urban Activation Precincts are:
- Bella Vista: A mixed employment and residential precinct with capacity for up to 4,400 additional homes and 10,500 jobs across 472 hectares. The precinct will build on existing office and warehouse space with shops, cafes and restaurants near the new station. Public parks and streets will be improved and Bella Vista Farm will remain a key conservation and heritage area.
- Kellyville: A vibrant, active centre focused around the new station providing greater choice for people with different housing needs. The precinct has capacity for up to 4,400 new homes and 800 jobs with the majority of new development proposed to be concentrated close to the new station. The precinct will feature conservation areas to protect endangered species, and enhanced walkways and cycle routes between the station and nearby centres.
- Showground: A vibrant mixed use precinct with shops, cafes, restaurants and new office buildings centred around the new station. The precinct has capacity for up to 3,600 new homes and 7,700 jobs across 271 hectares. A green corridor will be maintained around Cattai Creek and Castle Hill Showground will be upgraded as an essential recreational space for the community.