$70 Million Question: One Development toTransform Wentworth Point’s Future?
In the rapidly evolving suburb of Wentworth Point, residents find themselves at a crossroads as they consider the proposed Block H development. The amendment, which would add approximately 600 new apartments to the area, comes with a significant differentiator—a $70 million Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for community facilities.
Development Context in Wentworth Point
Wentworth Point has seen substantial growth in recent years, with several major developments reshaping the suburb’s landscape. Sekisui House is developing approximately 2,500 new apartments, while City Freeholds is adding another estimated 500 units. Additionally, Landcom has plans for around 500 units on land, part of which was previously designated for public use, including a marina site and portions of what had been earmarked as parkland.
These developments have raised concerns among residents about infrastructure keeping pace with population growth. Many locals point out that while the suburb has transformed into one of Sydney’s most densely populated areas, community facilities have lagged behind.
The Block H Proposal
The Block H amended proposal from Billbergia involves an increase in residential gross floor area of approximately 60,000 square meters, which would add about 600 apartments to the suburb. What distinguishes this development from others in the area is the accompanying VPA, which commits $70 million toward community infrastructure.
According to information from Billbergia, the VPA includes:
- A $36 million Wentworth Point Indoor Sports Centre with facilities for basketball, netball, futsal, badminton, and spaces for various other activities
- A $9 million council-run 90-place Early Learning Centre
- A $7 million Urban Park connecting the town center to the waterfront
- An $18 million all-electric Baylink Shuttle Service funded until 2031
- An active foreshore and entertainment precinct with waterfront promenade, dining options, and community spaces
Community Perspectives
For many residents, the Block H proposal represents a significant opportunity to secure much-needed infrastructure. Local community members have expressed frustration that previous developments have not delivered comparable community benefits.
Some residents have calculated that the VPA represents approximately $116,000 in community benefits per additional Block H apartment—a return on density they claim no other development in the area has matched.
Council Division
The proposal has created division among local councilors. Some oppose the development, citing concerns about increasing density in an already populous area. Others view the VPA as an unprecedented opportunity to secure substantial community infrastructure that might otherwise take decades to materialize through conventional funding channels.
Critics of those opposing the development point out the apparent inconsistency in approving other large-scale developments with minimal community benefits while questioning the one that offers significant infrastructure investments.
The Decision Ahead
As the decision on Block H approaches, the community’s attention is focused on whether the addition of 600 apartments is an acceptable trade-off for securing $70 million in community facilities. For residents who have witnessed the approval of over 4,000 new units across other developments with minimal infrastructure gains, the Block H proposal represents what many see as their best opportunity to obtain the facilities their growing community requires.
The decision will likely set a precedent for how infrastructure agreements are negotiated in high-density areas across Sydney, particularly in suburbs experiencing rapid transformation similar to Wentworth Point. As Sydney continues to grow, the relationship between development approval and community benefit will remain at the forefront of urban planning conversations.
DISCLAIMER: This article presents an overview of development proposals in Wentworth Point based on publicly available information. All figures regarding apartment numbers, gross floor area measurements, and monetary values of community benefits are approximations and may be subject to change as development plans evolve. The dollar values attributed to specific facilities are based on estimates provided by the developer. This article represents the journalist’s interpretation of the current situation and should not be considered a definitive assessment of the merits of any particular development proposal. Readers are encouraged to consult official planning documents for precise details.
