High-density office and housing precincts proposed for north-west Sydney

The Hills Shire Council has proposed three high-density precincts that would see new offices, housing and public spaces built near train stations in Sydney's north-west.

Draft precinct plans for Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill envision lively mixed-use developments that would bring more jobs to the area and provide housing close to public transit.

"By concentrating high-density developments within walking distance of a world-class train line, we can preserve our existing residential character whilst providing a mix of housing options for future generations and more places where people can set up a business, such as a retail outlet or café," said The Hills Shire Council general manager Michael Edgar.

The Norwest plan calls for a commercial office development around Norwest Station, west of Cattai Creek and along Carrington Road that would accommodate 18,100 homes and a new park alongside Norwest Lake.

The Castle Hill plan would create dedicated areas for commercial office development within and around Ring Road, including an education precinct with a new university, and would include up to 7,400 homes. It also proposes extending Main Street and Arthur Whitling Reserve and reimagining McDougall Lane as a restaurant strip with al fresco dining.

Finally, the Rouse Hill proposal would see offices built around the planned Rouse Hill Hospital, adding up to 2,750 homes and a new central open space and plaza in the undeveloped lands north of the town centre.

"This is our vision to create more opportunity for the people of the Hills, including jobs close to home, more housing, new public spaces and vital new infrastructure connections," Edgar said.