What’s next?

The high level of response to the exhibition reflects the strong level of community interest in planning for Hornsby Shire’s key strategic centre and how Council seeks to accommodate population growth in the years to come. The feedback received will help Council decide on the next steps, including potential changes to the proposed development in the town centre and/or whether to support the progression of the Masterplan.

Implementation of the Masterplan is currently being considered with two options for future progression. One option is for Council to prepare a planning proposal to amend planning controls within the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013. This would require further consultation with the community and assessment and final approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

The alternative option is to seek endorsement from Hornsby Council to finalise the Masterplan and allow proponentled (property owners) planning proposals to be lodged that seek to develop sites within the Hornsby Town Centre in line with the proposed intention of the Masterplan. This may result in better outcomes for Council and the community by creating a viable environment for property owners to actively work together to facilitate development outcomes within the town centre. This option would also require further consultation with the community and consideration by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Successful delivery of the key outcomes of the Masterplan will require partnership and collaboration throughout the life of the project. The progression of the Hornsby Town Centre Review project to completion involves a body of work above and beyond changes and finalisation of the Masterplan.

Further work and next steps include:

 Further consultation with State agencies, in particular Transport for NSW

 Review of feasibility testing in response to changes in market conditions

 Review of infrastructure costs in response to changes in market conditions

 Preparation of Infrastructure Funding Strategy and Contributions Plan

 Preparation of planning controls for the town centre

 Preparation of an Implementation Plan to set out the approach to realising the Masterplan.

Given the strategic importance of the Hornsby Town Centre project, Council will continue to consult with the community on any recommendations that are decided to be carried forward.