Hamlyn Terrace: Plans for $35.8M, 160-unit development at 94 Sparks Rd referred to planning panel

Plans to turn a vacant block at Hamlyn Terrace into a set of four, two-storey buildings housing 160 units worth more than $35.8 million have been referred to the regional planning panel.

A development application (DA) has been referred to the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for a $35.8 million proposal to build 160 dwellings off Sparks Rd, Hamlyn Terrace.

The owners of the site at 94 Sparks Rd, Raj & Jai Construction, lodged a DA with Central Coast Council in December last year with the proposal now referred to the regional planning panel for determination.

Under the plans the 23,380sq m site, located about half way between the M1 Motorway and Gorokan, would be cleared to make way for four two-storey residential flat buildings to house 160-units.

Artist's impression of the two-storey residential flat buildings proposed for 94 Sparks Rd, Hamlyn Terrace, as part of a $35.8 million, 160-dwelling development. Picture: supplied

The units would range from one-bedroom studio to three-bedroom apartments with extensive basement parking to cater for two cars for every dwelling along with a mix of private courtyards and rooftop terraces.

The site is part of a larger allotment that was part of a subdivision which was lodged in 2017 and approved by council in February last year.

The subdivision included the creation of 88 lots, earth works, retaining walls, stormwater drainage and associated roads.

Artist's impression of the two-storey residential flat buildings proposed for 94 Sparks Rd, Hamlyn Terrace, as part of a $35.8 million, 160-dwelling development. Picture: supplied

“To provide a high-quality residential development, and maximise the site’s development potential, the applicant has engaged award-winning architecture firm, Rothelowman, to formulate a development design for the site,” the DA states.

The four, two-storey buildings have a proposed maximum height of 7.2m, which is slightly above the 7m limit of the existing planning controls.

The site straddles three zonings being general residential, low density residential and environmental, however the buildings would be wholly located within the general residential zoning.

Under the existing planning laws the 160 dwellings would require 187 carparking spaces with 32 extra for visitors.

The DA, with its secure basement parking plans, would accommodate 277 residential parking spaces with 25 visitor spaces.

“The site is well located within proximity to key transport nodes, including the Pacific Motorway, Pacific Highway, Warnervale Train Station, and local bus services providing future residents will ample access to transport opportunities,” the DA states.

Artist's impression of the two-storey residential flat buildings proposed for 94 Sparks Rd, Hamlyn Terrace, as part of a $35.8 million, 160-dwelling development. Picture: supplied

“The objectives of the precinct include providing high quality and varied residential environment, provide attractive streetscapes, and provide opportunity for a variety of housing types. The proposed development provides a high quality of architectural design, which presents more affordable residential housing in a location central to major transport nodes.”

The DA states the proposed two-storey height was consistent with the scale of other residential development in the area.

The proposal is expected to go before the regional planning panel on June 15.