September 16, 2005
Leading developers Bradcorp and Delfin Lend Lease today announced they have finalised a development agreement to create a $1 billion residential community in south-western Sydney.Bradcorp and Delfin Lend Lease have joined forces at a pivotal time for the Wilton Parklands project, with NSW Planning Minister the Hon. Frank Sartor today confirming that the site has been rezoned from rural to residential uses.
It is one of the biggest land rezonings in the Sydney region for some years and will provide a focal point for a quality lifestyle residential community in the region.
The project involves 1,323 hectares of land at Wilton, approximately 60km southwest of Sydney adjacent to the Hume Highway, at the gateway to the Southern Highlands. The first stage of the proposed development that has been rezoned is approximately 450 hectares and will include 1,165 residential lots, a Championship golf course designed by the world’s No. 4 ranked golfer Ernie Els, a country club, a primary school and approximately 200 hectares of open space.
Wollondilly Council has recently approved a development application for the golf course, with work to begin later this year. Bradcorp CEO Peter Brennan said the rezoning was the culmination of six years of planning.
“We are very pleased that the new Minister and his team not only fulfilled the commitments of their predecessors, but have done so with the enthusiasm and true understanding of the uniqueness of the project,” Mr. Brennan said.
“We believe this will be a model project for growth outside the Sydney metropolitan area in that it reflects the best of city and rural living,” Mr. Brennan added.
Under the State Development Agreement (SDA) finalised with Minister Sartor, the developers will meet the costs of providing regional infrastructure such as roadworks, a primary school and funding for other State services.
Delfin Lend Lease, which has been creating masterplan communities for over 30 years and has over 20 projects across Australia, has a proven track record in partnering existing landowners on major community landmark developments.
The company has been recognized both nationally and internationally as creators of outstanding projects highlighted by three of its projects being awarded the International Real Estate Federation’s (FIABCI) ‘award for excellence’ for its Golden Grove and West Lakes projects in Adelaide and the Twin Waters Coastal Community on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
“We are tremendously fortunate to have a partner of the calibre of Delfin Lend Lease on board,” Mr. Brennan said. “They have an outstanding record in developing first-class projects and understanding the importance of creating unique living environments that benefit the community.”
Delfin Lend Lease CEO, Rod Fehring said that the Wilton Parklands project will deliver a magnificent lifestyle choice for people now living in the south western region of Sydney and a choice that really doesn’t exist in this region at present. “ The site is picturesque and we are delighted to have reached agreement with Bradcorp on this important project as our respective companies share a common aspiration of creating a living environment that delivers real benefits to the region’s economy with minimal impact on the environment and in a way that will enrich the community”, he said.
The Wilton project consolidates Delfin Lend Lease’s positioning within the major growth regions of Sydney and forms part of an enviable portfolio of master-planned communities. Mr. Fehring commended Bradcorp on its patient and thorough approach to securing the planning approvals for the project. He said, “Bradcorp has created a masterplan that will enable us to deliver the quality of development that is synonymous with the both the Delfin and Bradcorp brands.”
The masterplan is based on a philosophy to ensure Sydney’s south-west has housing options that appeal to those seeking an alternative lifestyle on the city fringe. About 75 percent of the allotments to be offered at Wilton Parklands will be sized more than 1,000 square metres with the site located just 30 minutes from the beaches of Royal National Park and Wollongong, an hour from Sydney’s CBD and less than 40 minutes from Sydney International Airport.
Twenty-five percent of lots have golf frontage and a further twenty percent have bushland or reserve frontage. The development has been designed to maximise views of open space and the golf course, so as to enhance residents’ and visitors’ experience of its natural setting. It will incorporate dramatic crossings of sandstone gorges, waterfalls and most golf holes have bushland backdrops. A 4-hectare lake and views of the Razorback ranges will also enhance the experience of playing and walking the course.
An Environment Trust will be established and managed by residents to conserve 120 hectares of bushland – 27 percent of the site.
Mr. Fehring explains: “Our joint environmental approach includes a total site integrated water management system that will reduce overall water consumption by 50 percent compared to conventional development. This is 10 percent higher than that currently required by Government.”
During the past three years, Bradcorp has undertaken extensive community consultation through the Wilton Park Reference Panel, the Wilton Progress Association and the Wollondilly Council.
Mr. Brennan concluded, “With this rezoning and Delfin Lend Lease’s involvement, the Wilton Parklands project now becomes a reality, with immeasurable benefits to the broader community.”