LOCAL LIFE
Riverstone Town Centre future set for more homes and jobs
Riverstone is set for a major transformation, with the Minns Labor Government finalising a rezoning that will pave the way for thousands of new homes, local jobs and a revitalised town centre.
The long-awaited plan is expected to unlock up to 2,850 new homes, support around 1,200 jobs and deliver a vibrant new main street, all while improving flood resilience across the precinct.
At the heart of the rezoning is a vision to create a more connected and liveable town centre, with new housing focused close to Riverstone train station and a mix of retail, dining and community spaces designed to bring the area to life. Importantly, the northern end of the precinct will retain its existing low-scale character, balancing growth with the area’ s established identity.
The new planning controls allow for building heights ranging from two to 15 storeys, creating the opportunity for a mix of housing types while also increasing employment land to support local jobs. A new town centre will feature shops, cafés and dining options, alongside upgraded public spaces and more than 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
Residents can also expect better connectivity, with improved walking and cycling links designed to make it easier to move around the town centre and access key services and transport.
A key focus of the rezoning has been addressing Riverstone’ s long-standing flood challenges. The plan is backed by significant infrastructure investment, with the NSW and Australian Governments jointly committing $ 276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and a further $ 720 million for upgrades to nearby Richmond Road.
These upgrades, combined with enhanced stormwater management, new laneways, additional open space and targeted flood mitigation measures, are aimed at improving evacuation routes and increasing overall flood safety for the community.
The final plan has been shaped by detailed technical studies and extensive community feedback. Changes made during the process include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, strengthening flood planning measures and expanding the open space network.
In a move to further support evacuation capacity, the number of proposed homes has also been scaled back from an earlier projection of 3,600 to around 3,400 dwellings, which includes approximately 550 existing homes already in the area.
The rezoning has been developed in close consultation with the NSW State
Emergency Service and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, with flood planning levels set to account for extreme events, including those with a one-in-500 chance of occurring in any given year.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the rezoning marks an important step forward for Riverstone.“ This rezoning enables a pipeline of much-needed new homes, jobs and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone, while mitigating flood risks,” he said.
“ This is a significant milestone for the community and will help deliver a safer, more resilient and more vibrant Riverstone.”
Local Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said the announcement delivers on a long-standing community vision.
“ This rezoning delivers the plan our community has been calling for over many years,” he said.
“ We know flooding has been a major issue in Riverstone and one of the key reasons previous proposals couldn’ t
Artists Impression of the new town centre
proceed. These new controls take that into account, unlocking growth while keeping residents safe.
“ I’ m proud of this vision for Riverstone’ s future, with improved shopping and dining, more green space, and better walking and cycling connections creating a stronger sense of community.”
Mr Kirby also thanked residents and stakeholders who contributed to the planning process, saying their input had helped shape a balanced and practical outcome.
For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 62 // MAY 2026 9