Proving Westpoint isn't the only big business interested in the future of Blacktown, Wehbe Apartments has lodged an application to upscale its previously approved plan for a highrise development in the CBD.
The group recently submitted a plan to increase the size of its development on the corner of Main Street and Newton Road (the former McDonald's site) from nine storeys to 14.
The amended plan would comprise two levels of commercial-retail space, capped by a 12 level residential block.
There would also be five basement car parking levels to accommodate 182 cars, expected from the businesses and the 82 residential units.
The previous application, which was approved in January this year, allowed for 46 residential units over two levels of basement car parking with 99 spaces.
While not yet discussed by council, the application is permissible in the current zone and requires only council's consent.
Blacktown Council environmental and planning policy director Glennys James said the Main Street development was one of around five similar applications that would soon be before the council.
She said the only other approved highrise mixed development so far was located near the bus interchange on the northern side of Blacktown Station.
It is for two blocks, one 25 storeys and the other 10.
Ms James said the four applications still to go before the council were also located on the northern side.
The largest is an application for a 27-storey development on the corner of First Avenue and Prince Street.
Another application includes three separate 16-storey buildings in Second Avenue.
Ms James said there was a trend towards mixed commercial-residential developments.
The Main Street application will be on public display from August 27 to September 10 and submissions should be lodged with the council prior to the closing date.
