Maryfields

‘Over my dead body’ was exclaimed by a local Councillor in response to a previous attempt by the client to rezone this 4.4-hectare property that defines the southern gateway into the Campbelltown centre. Despite this, and working in partnership with the Franciscan Friars and Innova Capital, BMA successfully negotiated an exceptional urban design solution for the property that has subsequently unlocked significant development potential for our client so they can continue to fund their many charitable services undertaken within the local community and nationwide.

After serval years of careful and methodical negotiation, the Planning Proposal was approved in 2018. Our success came down to balancing the expectations of all interested stakeholders, including the Council and local community groups and exceeding the high environmental, conservation and commercial standards applied to the development scheme.

The project comprises a business hub that capitalises on its prominent position on Narellan Road and future integration capabilities with the expanding tertiary educational campuses of University of Western Sydney and TAFE College adjoining. A precinct within the masterplan was also dedicated to Seniors Living which will serve an increasing number of aged persons living in the local community. Low to medium density residential zones have been proposed adjacent to neighbouring Blair Athol with housing choice being a key objective of the masterplan to address housing affordability challenges in south western Sydney.

Leaving a positive environmental legacy was the highest priority for the Friars, as Saint Francis of Assisi the father of the Franciscan Order preached the ‘world was created good and beautiful by God but suffers a need for redemption because of human sin’. Large areas of significant native woodland hugging natural waterways within the site have been protected and development excluded from the Narellan Road frontage to maintain the green visual presentation of the masterplan when viewed from the public domain.

The property is also now home to Productivity Bootcamp, a charitable organisation established in 2015 for disadvantaged youth with the organisation dedicated to developing the practical skills and values required to succeed in life. Gifting a portion of the property to supporting this cause is the first positive step that this masterplan can offer the local community enabling the Friars to continue their charitable ventures.