Rhodes

Rhodes is an important Strategic Centre in the Eastern City District Plan, with significant opportunities to create a great new place to live, work and visit.

In 2015 the City of Canada Bay Council nominated Rhodes as an area for potential renewal and has been collaborating with us and state agencies on plans for the area.

The precinct is made up of land to the east and west of Rhodes train station, between the rail line and Concord Road.

What’s happening now

The draft Rhodes place strategy was exhibited for feedback between 31 August and 9 October 2020.

We received about 3,000 submissions. Almost 90 per cent of submissions were form letters. 

The issues raised included:

• ensuring infrastructure is delivered in line with new development; 
• managing traffic impacts and providing the right amount of car parking; 
• distribution of dwelling density across the character areas; 
• proposed heights of buildings; 
• the total number of dwellings proposed; 
• view sharing; and 
• the importance of open space.

We are analysing all submissions received and considering how the final Rhodes Place Strategy can be improved based on this feedback. 

If the final place strategy is endorsed by the Minister, a State Environmental Planning Policy will amend the Canada Bay Local Environmental Plan 2013 to give effect to the place strategy and the Department may proceed with rezoning.

Rhodes Place Strategy

The draft Rhodes place strategy outlines how the precinct will provide opportunities for residential and other uses supported by infrastructure and public benefits.

Features of the draft place strategy include:

• great new public spaces including a foreshore promenade along the Parramatta River at Leeds Street;
• a site for a new primary school;
• improved access to Rhodes train station and supporting mixed-use precincts with shops, restaurants and cafes; and
• prioritising active transport and improved connections for walking and cycling.

The draft place strategy builds on the 2018/2019 exhibition and 2017 exhibition.

We are continuing to lead the master planning process in collaboration with City of Canada Bay Council, Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders.

Rhodes Character Areas

The Rhodes Precinct is made up of four character areas. The draft place strategy sets out the height, density and design of buildings in each character area and transitions between the areas.

Station Gateway West

Station Gateway West will connect Rhodes Station to Parramatta River in a landmark development delivering new jobs, homes and shops. New residential and commercial opportunities will be accompanied by a new public space on Marquet Street and improved access to Rhodes Station while ensuring existing open space has good solar access throughout the day.

Station Gateway East

Station Gateway East captures the opportunities created by its position next to Rhodes Station. A Station Bridge Plaza with a pedestrian bridge and shops will connect across Concord Road and into McIlwaine Park. Future development will ensure McIlwaine Park remains a key public open space area in the precinct.

Cavell Avenue

Cavell Avenue is the residential heart of the Rhodes Precinct, home to a genuine community close to amenities and services. Cavell Avenue will be focused on community and residential uses, with a human-scale built form creating a balance between public/private amenity and an active and safe pedestrian environment.

Leeds Street

Leeds Street will be focused on Parramatta River and include a new ferry wharf, a new public park of at least 7,500 sqm and shops and cafes. Low to mid-rise buildings with a range of ground-floor uses will front the foreshore park, along with waterfront promenades, water transit plazas and pedestrian green links.

Want to know more?

You can read our frequently asked questions [PDF, 154KB].

Register your details to receive email updates on Rhodes.