Planning approval has been granted for the first residential development within the Macarthur Gardens North Precinct in Sydney’s south‑west, marking a major step forward in the creation of a new masterplanned community near Macarthur Station.

The approved project, located on the R3 site within the precinct, will deliver 130 apartments across two residential towers. All homes will be dedicated to affordable housing, positioning the development as a cornerstone for housing diversity and accessibility in the emerging suburb.

The site spans approximately 18.5 hectares and is bordered by Goldsmith Avenue, Gilchrist Drive and the Southern Railway Line. Its proximity to public transport and education is a key feature, sitting within walking distance of Macarthur railway station and a nearby university campus. The development is designed to integrate higher‑density housing close to transport while supporting surrounding open space and landscaping.

The buildings will contain a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments to accommodate a variety of household types. Parking and bicycle facilities will be provided within the project to support everyday transport needs while encouraging sustainable travel options.

Beyond housing delivery, the precinct design places a strong emphasis on environmental outcomes. More than half of the site’s tree canopy will be retained, preserving areas of native woodland and helping exceed state canopy coverage benchmarks. This approach aims to balance urban growth with biodiversity conservation and improved urban cooling.

The R3 approval follows earlier concept approval for the broader Macarthur Gardens North Precinct and the completion of civil works across the site. Additional planning controls adopted last year allow for increased building heights in parts of the precinct, paving the way for further residential stages and higher overall housing yield in future developments.

Once fully built out, Macarthur Gardens North is expected to deliver more than 1,600 homes, including a defined proportion of affordable housing. The newly approved project will be the first to set the character for the precinct, playing a key role in shaping a higher‑density, transit‑oriented community in Campbelltown’s growth corridor.

The approval marks a significant milestone for the precinct’s transformation, with construction of the R3 project expected to help catalyse further residential development and investment across the wider area.

Source: The Urban Developer