Liverpool approved more than $1 billion of development applications in 2020 – the fourth consecutive year the total has topped the mark.

The $1.34 billion in approvals for the city was led by more than $800 million of regionally significant buildings.

Mayor Wendy Waller said the momentum was being driven by Council’s decision in 2018 to rezone the 25 hectares of its city centre and Liverpool’s projected population growth to 300,000 by 2030.

“Significantly in 2020, construction of more than $96 million of Affordable Rental Housing was approved, to further contribute to the existing supply of accessible housing for the community,” she said.

The largest developments approved in 2020 were:

• $105 million: 35-storey mixed use development on Elizabeth Street in Liverpool CBD;
• $95.4 million: Multi-storey warehouse complex at Prestons (6km west of Liverpool CBD);
• $93.5 million: Liverpool Westfield entertainment and leisure precinct and office tower on the CBD’s Macquarie Street; and
• $100 million: A mixed use development of 14-storey and 20-storey residential towers on Bathurst Street, also in the CBD.

Work also began in 2020 on the city’s biggest commercial redevelopment, Liverpool Civic Place, a partnership of Council and Built Development.

Council’s $195 million contribution will deliver it:

• New Council offices and Council Chambers;
• A new city library and community hub;
• A childcare facility;
• A new civic plaza; and
• Council and public parking.

Construction completion is scheduled for late 2022 or early 2023.