89 John Whiteway Drive: Decision made on controversial unit block development at former quarry site

The NSW Planning Department has made its decision on the controversial $100 million `resort style’ development of four unit blocks at the former Gosford quarry on John Whiteway Drive.

A decision has been made on a massive apartment block complex overlooking Gosford, which was touted to play a key role in the revitalisation of the city, three years after the plans were first lodged.

The NSW Department of Planning approved a scaled-back version of the development at 89 John Whiteway Drive on Thursday.

The plans were first lodged in 2018 and included five buildings ranging from five to 12 storeys with 262 apartments with a basement carpark.

The plans were re-lodged last year for four buildings ranging from six to 12 storeys, 260 apartments and a 400 space basement carpark.

The plans received 28 submissions with most concerned about the building height, density, amenity impacts, bulk and scale, traffic, removal of trees and construction impacts.

The applicant, JWD Developments, revised the plans, which were again publicly exhibited in April of this year and included a reduction of heights to between five and nine storeys, 204 apartments and basement level parking for 305 vehicles.

An artist’s impression of the development looking south from John Whiteway Drive, Gosford. Picture: supplied

The project is estimated to be worth $98.3 million and would generate up to 472 construction jobs.

The plans include a publicly accessible elevated walkway and viewing platform overlooking Gosford and a public pocket park.

The Planning Department approved the revised plans on the grounds it achieved “design excellence in accordance with the Gosford SEPP (state environment planning policy)”.

The department said views of Rumbalara ridge line would not be obscured. Picture: supplied

In its determination the department also said it approved the plans because the development maintains views to the Rumbalara ridge line from key vantage points along Gosford waterfront, the loss of trees would be offset by tree planting and traffic could be adequately accommodated within the existing road network.

“The department is satisfied the proposed development would result in a positive contribution to the Gosford city centre,” the determination states.

“The department supports the modified design of the proposal and considers the height noncompliance to be acceptable, as satisfactory levels of amenity will be achieved for future residents, and the development will make a positive contribution to the neighbourhood character.”

The sight has been an eyesore for decades ever since the old quarry ceased operating in 1974. Picture: supplied