‘All this next to our bus stop? I don’t think so’: Anger over plan to build $22.5m complex near Paradise Interchange

A SUBURBAN councillor has hit out at plans to build a four-storey, $22.5m apartment complex — that’ll have a supermarket, gym and medical centre — next to a major bus interchange. What do you think?

A $22.5m apartment complex near the Paradise Interchange would include a supermarket, gym and medical centre.

A FOUR-storey, $22.5 million apartment complex — including a supermarket, gym and medical centre — is planned for land next to Paradise Interchange.

But at least one Campbelltown councillor has labelled Barrio Developments’ plan for the 4500sq m site as “diabolic”.

Barrio last week presented its plan to demolish seven houses between Gameau Rd and Woodmere Ave to make way for 25 townhouses, 28 apartments and 75 student accommodation studios.

The development would also include a small supermarket, medical clinic and gym.

Barrio Developments director Glen Vollebregt told the meeting the complex would be a significant benefit to the community.

“It is really an opportunity for a benchmark project that could be one of the best transport-orientated developments in Australia,” Mr Vollebregt said.

An artist’s impression of the apartment complex planned for Gameau Rd, Paradise.

“Existing residents will receive an uplift in their property values because of the development’s potential.

Last year, Campbelltown amended its development plan to restrict residential buildings in Paradise, Magill and Rostrevor to two storeys.

However, as the Barrio project is worth more than $3 million, it will be assessed by the State Government’s Development Assessment Panel, bypassing the council planning approval process.

Mayor Simon Brewer was frustrated the complex did not fall in line with the council’s development restrictions.

“We are quite powerless to do anything meaningful,” Mr Brewer said.

An artist’s impression of the multi-million development planned for next to the Paradise Interchange.

“It is up for other people to decide as it seems we have been ruled out of the mix.

“When we set up a development plan, we think we are setting up reasonable compromises of what the community wants and what the needs are of the state for development.”

Cr Marijka Ryan was concerned the development would ruin the suburb’s amenity.

“I am very disappointed that you have not chosen to incorporate and include the community at hand, but just plough ahead and make this presentation to annoy us further,” Cr Ryan told the meeting.

“To impact the small pocket of the suburb, is just diabolic.

“It appears to me this is going to be a done deal.”

A councillor has described plans for a $22.5m apartment complex on Gameau Rd as “diabolic”.

ulie Tilbrook, who lives on Woodmere Ave, said the complex would increase traffic congestion and parking issues in the suburb.

“This small pocket of Paradise just cannot sustain a development of that kind as we are land locked and river locked,” Mrs Tilbrook said.

“It is a small residential area with our only exit along Gameau Rd and a development like that is going to put incredible pressure on traffic and parking.”

Mrs Tilbrook said residents were organising a public meeting to protest against the development.

The plan was lodged with the commission earlier this month and a decision was expected by the end of the year.