Tallawong Station Interim Activation Area and Placemaking

15 OCTOBER 2019

‘Interim activation’ or ‘meanwhile use’ is the temporary use of land until it is developed for its final purpose.

GLN Planning was engaged by Landcom to obtain planning approval for a recreation area at Tallawong Station, Rouse Hill. The project aim was to provide a space for local amenity, early activation and community engagement opportunities from day one of new Metro services until other development in the Tallawong precinct begins.

The Tallawong precinct is one of the areas of government owned land surrounding the recently-completed Sydney Metro North West stations which will ultimately be sold and developed for higher density, transit-oriented developments. Until then, Landcom is providing play areas, shelters, seating and other ‘meanwhile’ amenities on these sites.

GLN worked with Landcom to submit a Development Application to Blacktown City Council to use the site as a recreation area for up to five years, construct two shade structures and provide children’s play equipment. By carefully investigating exempt and complying development options, consisting of hardstand works for a mobile food and drink cart, signage, landscaping and artistic vinyl panels were delivered as exempt development to support the park.

By working closely with Council to address lighting, landscaping and fixture designs, an approval was granted in just over one month to allow the space to be built in time for the opening of the Metro services.