Exciting plans to develop site

A proposal to redevelop the 5.9 hectare State Government site at 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive, Lidcombe, for a mix of health, education, and residential uses, has been endorsed by Cumberland Council and forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment for a Gateway Determination.
The plan could include a 1000-student primary school – however the State Government has not given a firm commitment to the type of educational establishment or timing for delivery, almost 70 new homes and the replacement of the Multiple Sclerosis facility which a council report says “is 30-years-old, in a dilapidated state and not fit for purpose”, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the site to Leila Street.
Several councillors voiced their concerns about the development which were mostly related to traffic, parking and noise.
Cr Sabrin Farooqui said that while she supported the proposal – as did most of the nearby residents she had spoken to – there were concerns about how heavy traffic is already in the area and how much of a “bigger problem” it would be.
She said there’s still a long way to go but didn’t want to delay the process and “we should get it underway as soon as possible so residents can get the benefits”.
Cr Helen Hughes had called for council to delay its decision for further consultation, saying there are massive issues with traffic and parking, and newly elected councillors hadn’t been involved from the start.
She said the works could create chaos in the area and more consultation should have been done.