LINK TO LANCER BARRACKS FLY-THROUGH VIDEO FOR MEDIA:
David Borger, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney and Chair of the Housing Now! Alliance, has welcomed today’s bold move by the Commonwealth to open historic Defence sites in Sydney and Parramatta for housing and public use. He is available to speak to media today in Sydney.
Mr Borger — a long-term advocate for opening up Parramatta’s Lancer Barracks to help create a network of green and civic spaces in the Parramatta CBD — said the decision represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to both honour Australia’s military history and unlock extraordinary public benefit.
“This is about giving some of our most significant historic sites a new chapter,” Mr Borger said.
“By sensitively opening these places up, we honour the service and sacrifice they represent, while ensuring they continue to serve the nation in a contemporary way.”
Other Western Syndey Defence sites listed today include Timor Barracks in Dundas, RAAF Glenbrook and also Londonderry Transmitting Station and Penrith Training Depot where divestment is already underway.
Victoria Barracks: housing, open space and reviving Oxford Street
Mr Borger said Victoria Barracks in Paddington presents a rare opportunity to deliver much-needed inner-city housing alongside new public spaces and greenery, close to jobs, transport and services.
“Victoria Barracks sits at the doorstep of the CBD, yet it remains largely closed off from public life,” he said.
“With the right approach, this site could deliver new homes, open space and renewed energy for surrounding precincts — including Oxford Street.”
“Opening the gates doesn’t diminish its history; it allows far more people to engage with it.”
Lancer Barracks: a long-awaited win for Parramatta and Western Sydney
The announcement also confirms the inclusion of Lancer Barracks in Parramatta, an outcome Business Western Sydney has been advocating for since 2020.
“Lancer Barracks is one of the greatest untapped public assets in Parramatta and in Western Sydney,” Mr Borger said.
“In a CBD dominated by towers and hard surfaces, this site offers a rare chance to introduce greenery, shade, breeze and breathing space right in the heart of Parramatta.”
Less than one per cent of Parramatta’s CBD currently has accessible open space. Opening Lancer Barracks to the public could significantly improve conditions for workers, residents and visitors, while strengthening connections between Parramatta Square, St John’s Cathedral and surrounding civic spaces.
“For years, this beautiful and deeply historic site has been largely fenced off and accessible only for limited hours,” Mr Borger said.
“Giving it a new civic role would allow Parramatta’s community to connect more deeply with its military heritage — not lose it.”
Respecting history, expanding access
Mr Borger emphasised the need to work closely with Defence, local councils, heritage experts and the volunteers who care for on-site museums.
“These places matter because of their history,” he said. “The goal should be to protect that history, make it more visible, and allow many more people to experience it as part of everyday city life.”
Business Western Sydney looks forward to engaging with the Commonwealth and local stakeholders to help realise the full potential of these important sites.
Please contact Anna on 0422891189 to arrange an interview.
Anna King
Media and Communications Advisor
David Borger, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney and Chair of the Housing Now! Alliance, has welcomed today’s bold move by the Commonwealth to open historic Defence sites in Sydney and Parramatta for housing and public use. He is available to speak to media today in Sydney.
Mr Borger — a long-term advocate for opening up Parramatta’s Lancer Barracks to help create a network of green and civic spaces in the Parramatta CBD — said the decision represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to both honour Australia’s military history and unlock extraordinary public benefit.
“This is about giving some of our most significant historic sites a new chapter,” Mr Borger said.
“By sensitively opening these places up, we honour the service and sacrifice they represent, while ensuring they continue to serve the nation in a contemporary way.”
Other Western Syndey Defence sites listed today include Timor Barracks in Dundas, RAAF Glenbrook and also Londonderry Transmitting Station and Penrith Training Depot where divestment is already underway.
Victoria Barracks: housing, open space and reviving Oxford Street
Mr Borger said Victoria Barracks in Paddington presents a rare opportunity to deliver much-needed inner-city housing alongside new public spaces and greenery, close to jobs, transport and services.
“Victoria Barracks sits at the doorstep of the CBD, yet it remains largely closed off from public life,” he said.
“With the right approach, this site could deliver new homes, open space and renewed energy for surrounding precincts — including Oxford Street.”
“Opening the gates doesn’t diminish its history; it allows far more people to engage with it.”
Lancer Barracks: a long-awaited win for Parramatta and Western Sydney
The announcement also confirms the inclusion of Lancer Barracks in Parramatta, an outcome Business Western Sydney has been advocating for since 2020.
“Lancer Barracks is one of the greatest untapped public assets in Parramatta and in Western Sydney,” Mr Borger said.
“In a CBD dominated by towers and hard surfaces, this site offers a rare chance to introduce greenery, shade, breeze and breathing space right in the heart of Parramatta.”
Less than one per cent of Parramatta’s CBD currently has accessible open space. Opening Lancer Barracks to the public could significantly improve conditions for workers, residents and visitors, while strengthening connections between Parramatta Square, St John’s Cathedral and surrounding civic spaces.
“For years, this beautiful and deeply historic site has been largely fenced off and accessible only for limited hours,” Mr Borger said.
“Giving it a new civic role would allow Parramatta’s community to connect more deeply with its military heritage — not lose it.”
Respecting history, expanding access
Mr Borger emphasised the need to work closely with Defence, local councils, heritage experts and the volunteers who care for on-site museums.
“These places matter because of their history,” he said. “The goal should be to protect that history, make it more visible, and allow many more people to experience it as part of everyday city life.”
Business Western Sydney looks forward to engaging with the Commonwealth and local stakeholders to help realise the full potential of these important sites.
Please contact Anna on 0422891189 to arrange an interview.
Anna King
Media and Communications Advisor