$2 Billion deal struck for Blacktown CBD redevelopment

Blacktown is on the cusp of securing some huge future growth, with reports that council has struck a $2 billion deal to redevelop the city centre, mirroring the recent growth of other newly-developed town centres like Parramatta.

The deal is likely to add 5,000 permanent jobs in the area when complete, as well as an additional 1,000 roles during construction. It is expected to host a number of buildings and facilities including hotels, restaurants and commercial areas, as well as a state-of-the-art health precinct featuring a private hospital and medical research centre.

That precinct could also include the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute (BSSI), campaigned for by Professor Charlie Teo many years before the sale had been properly discussed, or Teo had become subject to a disciplinary hearing before the Health Care Complaints Commission. Council claims the BBSI would become a world leader in medical research, with facilities able to attract world-leading specialists from overseas to western Sydney.

"It will revitalise the Blacktown City CBD," Mayor Tony Bleasdale said, per ABC.

"This is the time for Blacktown City to become another Parramatta in terms of creation of jobs, the support of the local business community, retail industries and the like.

"We don't need any further $2 shops in Blacktown. We need to have an image of Blacktown with plazas, restaurants, open-space areas for our communities where they can go with their family and enjoy." 

Blacktown is currently the most populated LGA in New South Wales, with over 400,000 residents and growing. Though reports of the new development will likely arrest concerns the town was being left behind, the decision has not been without its fair share of scrutiny.

In recent weeks, former Blacktown Mayor and current State MP Stephen Bali raised questions about the sale and the lack of consultation throughout the process, suggesting council should defer any decision. There are still question marks lingering over the decision, with a lack of clarity over how much council will receive from the sale. Those question marks have likely been heightened by council's decision to hold all meetings related to the deal in confidence.

Mayor Bleasdale has rejected any suggestions that council had failed to be transparent regarding the matter.

"There's been massive community consultation, and it's had enormous support," Bleasdale told ABC.

"To suggest otherwise is not correct. We have been transparent all the way through and really resent any allegation that this has been a rushed job."

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