Leppington Town Centre, located 40 kilometers from Sydney’s CBD, has struggled due to poor planning and a lack of coherent vision from the start. Initially zoned as a business park, plans changed when Sydney’s second airport was confirmed at Badgerys Creek. The area was then left in limbo, with the NSW Department of Planning eventually handing control over to Camden and Liverpool councils in 2019. A draft plan for the town center was assembled in 2022 but has yet to be finalized or endorsed.
The fragmented ownership of land in Leppington Town Centre has also contributed to the lack of development. With multiple land parcels under varied ownership, it has been difficult to consolidate for progress. In contrast, successful developments like Edmondson Park saw success due to the involvement of state-owned developer Landcom in stitching together deals such as major sales to developers. Without a lead developer to establish a town center, development has been hindered.
Town centers are notoriously difficult to develop, and Leppington is no exception. Despite plans for higher-density residential zones and mixed-use spaces near the station, progress has been slow. Developer ALAND has submitted plans for a civic center with apartments and shops, and Byron Development has plans for apartment buildings, but progress is still pending. The NSW Planning Department is working with the councils on rezoning, with hopes for completion by early 2024.
Business owners in the area, like florist Naim Safi, are feeling the impact of the slow progress. With the uncertainty of investments and the lure of new developments like Bradfield at the aerotropolis, there is concern that Leppington will be left behind. While developments are ready to move forward pending the endorsement of the master plan, the wait for progress has been challenging for those invested in the area.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by Leppington Town Centre stem from poor planning, fragmented land ownership, and a lack of decisive action in establishing a clear vision for development. While plans for higher-density residential zones and mixed-use spaces are in the works, progress has been slow and businesses are feeling the pinch. As the area looks towards a more community-focused approach to development, it remains to be seen if the town center will be able to kickstart growth and attract residents and businesses in the future.
