A rapid transit corridor proposed for Liverpool could pave the way for new urban spaces connected to the Western Sydney International Airport.
Liverpool Council recently unveiled its vision for the proposed Fifteenth Ave Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor that will link the city to the new airport in just 20 minutes.
Developed in consultation with sustainable public transport expert, Curtin University’s Peter Newman, the council’s vision proposes a trackless tram service along a 19km corridor on Fifteenth Ave in Hoxton Park.
Liverpool Council chief executive Kiersten Fishburn said the council had already begun detailed design work on the project, which would likely use a similar alignment to the already established Parramatta to Liverpool T-way.
Property Council of Australia’s western Sydney regional director Ross Grove said Fifteenth Ave will “reorient the city from east to west”, attracting residential and commercial development.
“Fifteenth Ave is the sort of place companies looking to locate large workforces close to an airport will shortlist as they plan for the future,” he said.
“The 20-minute connection is a huge draw card. You can expect a range of commercial and residential built form outcomes, along with educational opportunities and parklands interspersed along the way.
“Council has pitched the corridor as a gateway for Sydney’s visitors so it’s important the area be both efficient and visually appealing.
“The corridor has some strong natural assets such as the Parklands, so with the right planning it’s possible for this part of the world to be both beautiful and economically productive.”
Mr Grove said western Sydney will be connected to the new airport from day one.
“Before day one, Fifteenth Ave will be a vital connection for construction workers in western Sydney.
“When combined with the existing T-way, residents from Green Valley to Miller will have a high-frequency connection to the airport, providing opportunities for residents without cars to take advantage of the trade training and up-skilling opportunities available at the airport.”
He said the Property Council supported Liverpool Council’s commitment to a corridor that reflected the region’s assets.
“Liverpool City Council has identified a need for the corridor to be ‘uniquely southwest Sydney’ with a commitment to vegetation, open space, walk-ability and building that urban design that is both water-sensitive and reduces the overall contribution to urban heat. We’re supportive of this direction.”
Article originally published in the Liverpool Leader October 24, 2019.