Newcastle-based EXP Capital has lodged a Development Application (DA) for Dalmore Park, a $1.5 billion Business and Innovation Precinct in Maitland.
The project is set to be the single largest economic and employment precinct in New South Wales and the most substantive in the Hunter Region’s history.
The independent property group says the precinct will support more than 10,000 jobs, both directly onsite and indirectly, and contribute around $1 billion annually to the Hunter Region’s economy once operational.
Construction is expected to generate more than 8,370 jobs over a 20-year development program, backed by a construction investment of over $1.5 billion.
The 150-hectare site sits within Maitland’s Western Precinct and will be developed as a mixed-use estate.
Planned uses include commercial, health and research, industrial and advanced manufacturing, retail, hotel, and sports and leisure, creating a place where people can work, connect and relax.
Maitland is one of the state’s fastest-growing regional areas. Its population of more than 100,000 is forecast to exceed 160,000 by 2046, with annual growth of around 2.6 per cent.
Dalmore Park is intended to complement that growth by providing critical job opportunities, services and infrastructure.
The precinct will build on the Hunter’s resource and industrial heritage while making room for the next generation of industries, from advanced manufacturing and technology to clean energy.
EXP Capital Development Director Gavan Reynolds said the project marked a new phase for the region.
“Dalmore Park is about creating the next chapter of the Hunter’s economic story,” he said.
Image courtesy of EXP Capital.
Reynolds said the locally owned company was committed to working closely with Council, industry and the community, and was ready to move quickly once approval was granted.
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said having a local organisation involved made a real difference, and that EXP Capital’s commitment went beyond delivering a development to investing in the Hunter for the long term.
“Projects like this are how we make sure our growth translates into real jobs, services and opportunities for local families, now and for decades to come,” he said.
Sustainability is central to the vision.
EXP Capital is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Communities v2 rating, prioritising environmental initiatives that also deliver practical economic benefits for the development and its occupiers.
These include on-site energy generation and storage to provide greater power security, supply certainty and long-term resilience for the precinct.
A central green corridor designed by Moir Studio will include the restoration of Stony Creek, enhancing local biodiversity, strengthening the natural landscape and providing a high-quality public realm with a strong connection to Country.
Moir Studio Managing Director Jason Cuffe said the approach treats green infrastructure as the organising framework of the precinct rather than an afterthought, with parks, gathering spaces and natural systems shaping the site from the ground up.
Works are expected to begin on site within three months of DA approval, with a start anticipated in Q4 2027.
Completion of stage one, which includes upgrades to the New England Highway, is expected in Q3 2029.