Plans to rezone the former Hydro Aluminium site at Kurri Kurri and Gillieston Heights for housing will go on public exhibition this week.
Developers Jeff McCloy and John Stevens have teamed up to take over the redevelopment of the 2000-hectare site which will be created into a new suburb called Loxford Waters.
They plan to develop 2000 new homes, an industrial estate and a commercial business park at the site.
The planning proposals, which cross into both Cessnock and Maitland local government areas, seek to rezone the former smelter and surrounding buffer land to permit employment, industrial and residential development.
Related: Iconic stacks come down at former Kurri Kurri smelter
The rezoning proposals received new gateway determination subject to conditions earlier this month, as gateway approvals granted in 2016 were set to lapse at the end of the year.
The new gateway determination was part of a focused work program the NSW Department of Planning has implemented to finalise planning proposals that have been under consideration for four or more years.
A spokesperson for the department said the proposals were updated in November 2020 to reflect contemporary information on flooding hazards and biodiversity legislation, along with advice from agencies.
They also included some changes to the proposed development, such as reserving land for a regional sportsground.
Despite receiving prior gateway determination, the proposals have not proceeded to community consultation before, heralding a new step for the expansive project.
"It is a small step forward," project manager Shane Boslem said. "There's still a number of conditions that need to be addressed."
Both Maitland and Cessnock councils are set to place the planning proposals on exhibition for community feedback on Tuesday.
The Department of Planning spokesperson said following the public exhibition period, the proposals will go back to the department for a "comprehensive assessment".
It is a small step forward. There's still a number of conditions that need to be addressed.
Shane Boslem
Once the rezoning is approved, a development application can be lodged for the project before construction commences.
"There's a bit of a journey still to go before we're on the ground," Mr Boslem said.
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