Seven projects, funded by NSW Government grants, will get underway across the city providing support to the community. Funding for the projects was announced in February 2023.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “Blacktown City is the largest council by population in NSW and the fastest growing. The transformational projects will provide new and upgraded community infrastructure and will provide support to people with economic and social disadvantages in Blacktown.
“With one in 65 Australians calling Blacktown City home, our Council is committed to delivering for the rapidly growing population and ensuring residents have the best facilities and services they need now, and into the future.
“These transformational projects are an important component of the future management of our city and the needs of our residents,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
For years now, Council’s ambition has been to transform Blacktown City and to form partnerships to attract employment and investment.
“We are seeking to build the foundations of a modern city for our population, as it grows to reach 600,000 residents,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
In March 2023, a shared vision was announced for a transformed Blacktown city centre, underpinned by an agreement between Blacktown City Council and Walker Corporation.
This investment is expected to generate $920M economic value every year, creating a huge boost to the local economy.
Residents will benefit directly too from 1,000 construction jobs over five years in the Blacktown City centre, and 4,500 permanent new jobs. This builds on the 10,000 existing jobs in the City Centre.
Funding has been granted for the following projects:
Shalvey: $25M for a new and expanded Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC) facility for Mount Druitt and the broader community of Shalvey, Lethbridge Park, Bidwell, Blackett, Willmot, Tregear and Whalan. The project will have numerous social benefits for the local community by fostering health, inclusivity, and wellbeing for young people in the area. Completion date: mid 2028.
Blacktown: $77M for the expansion and modernisation of the much-loved Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Council will create a modern leisure centre with high quality fitness facilities for the community. The expansion includes a new park and it will offer more recreational facilities than at present designed to suit the needs of the local community.
Completion date: mid 2028.
Mt Druitt: Blacktown Council respect the Darug community as the traditional custodians of the land on which Blacktown City is located.$20mwill be invested in a First Nations Community Centre at Mount Druitt, that responds to Aboriginal cultural values and provides a place for connection to Country. The Centre will be designed in consultation with First Nation communities. Completion date: 2029.
Blacktown: $40M for a new Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, to meet the growing demand from the community, providing a state-of-the-art hub for local artists, creative communities and audiences of all ages. The new centre will feature gallery, workshop and performance spaces and will ensure access to space for all age groups to engage with and participate in cultural activities. Completion date: mid 2028.
Mt Druitt: $41M for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre that will modernise an ageing local facility to meet current and future demand for year-round swimming and learn to swim programs. The upgrade will ensure access to an Olympic standard swimming pool that will bring the community together, encouraging an active lifestyle both now and for future generations. Completion date: mid 2028.
Seven Hills: $36M for a new Seven Hills Community Resource Hub, creating a focal point for government and non-government agencies to provide critical services to the whole community. The Hub will support all residents through library and play spaces, meeting and activity areas, heat refuge and disaster recovery facilities. Completion date: Mid 2028.
