THE NEW URBAN VILLAGE

The soon to be abandoned site of Sydney Markets is at the centre of plans for a significant urban renewal project, with a green focus. Located close to Parramatta, a growth corridor in Sydney’s west, the site could be turned into an enterprising urban village thanks to plans revealed by Urban Taskforce from Sydney architect Tony Owen.

Sydney Markets is one of the largest fruit, vegetable and flower wholesale markets in Australia and has been located at the central Flemington site since 1975. Earlier this year, the Markets announced they will be relocating to the new Aerotroplis site further west of the city.

“With Sydney now planned to have three city centres, the announcement that Sydney Markets will move further west to be part of the third city at the Aerotropolis completes their move to the areas of growth,” explains Chris Johnson, Urban Taskforce CEO.

“The massive markets site at Flemington is an ideal opportunity for an urban redevelopment at the scale of a mini city.”

Dubbed Flemington 2036, Owen’s plans include a mix of urban agriculture, commercial opportunities, high-density residential, and a new marketplace. With 90 percent of the land surface developed as parks, paddocks, and agriculture - supplying 30 percent of the needs of the residents - the development will not only promote commercial agriculture but will also help counter the urban heat island effect in the area and catch stormwater runoff.

“Buildings are dripping in greenery and lower height buildings have green roofs that are used for agriculture that could include cows grazing and free range chickens,” Johnson said.

The project will be a self-sustained venture that could support up to 10,000 new residents and 4000 workers if fully realised. In addition, a proposed new station on the Metro West line will provide increased access to this area, with a direct connection to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.

Images Tony Owens