An ambitious masterplan to revitalise Hornsby Town Centre will facilitate thousands of new homes and jobs and strengthen Hornsby’s role as the major centre of the Bushland Shire, according to Hornsby Shire Council.
Endorsed for exhibition at last night’s Council meeting, the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan was prepared by a multidisciplinary consultant team led by Sydney architects, Cox Architecture.
The masterplan reflects the Council’s vision to create a thriving town centre that embraces its bushland setting, is economically diverse, excellently designed, liveable and sustainable.
“Hornsby is the heart of the Shire where thousands of people live, work, learn, shop, and relax,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
“It’s our major transport hub. We’re excited that our new masterplan outlines a framework to revitalise and elevate its town centre, transforming it into a thriving destination. This masterplan will facilitate the creation of 4,500 new homes and 5,000 new jobs by 2036,” he said.
“By concentrating future development in the Hornsby Town centre, we can revitalise it and meet our long term dwelling targets set by the state government which in turn makes sure we can better protect our local neighbourhoods and the bushland setting of our Shire.
“We are focused on creating a sustainable, healthy and liveable town centre.”
Some of the key features of the masterplan include:
- Residential towers to provide 4,500 new homes including around 470 affordable homes;
- Low emissions buildings to support Council’s target of net zero emissions by 2050;
- Support for employment to create 5,000 new jobs;
- A new multi-purpose community facility including a library;
- A network of green and connected public spaces that reinforce the Bushland Shire identity. including a new town square next to Hornsby Mall (near the water fountain); a new open space park on the corner of Burdett and George Street; an expanded and reconfigured Cenotaph Park; a new plaza on rail land in Jersey Street.
- A revamped transport hub and improved traffic, parking and a second pedestrian link across the rail corridor;
- A hotel and seniors housing at Hornsby RSL
- Better connections for walking and cycling to support active transport including improved links to Hornsby Park.
Mayor Ruddock said the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan aligned with the priorities of North District Plan which identifies Hornsby Town Centre as a strategic centre.
“It is also consistent with our local strategic plans to create a connected centre, facilitate future housing, promote design excellence, reduce urban sprawl, promote active transport and create new public places and spaces,” he said.
“In preparing this masterplan we consulted extensively with the community and key stakeholder groups to make sure it reflects their needs and priorities.
“We’re now looking forward to hearing what the community thinks. I encourage everyone to read the masterplan on our website, attend a drop-in session at Hornsby Library, ask us questions and give us your feedback,” the Mayor said.
The Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan will be on public exhibition from 20 July – 30 September 2022.
