Toukley affordable housing development application lodged
Twenty-three objections and two petitions have already been lodged on a new plan to build an affordable housing block at Toukley which would be the tallest building in the suburb.
Central Coast
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Twenty-three objections and two petitions have already been lodged on a new plan to build a six storey affordable housing development at Toukley.
The $9.1 million six-storey block in Dunleigh St would be the tallest building to date in the suburb which currently consists of single story homes.
The 40-unit building would contain a mix of one and two bedroom units, car parking and other facilities on just over two hectares of land.
Three existing homes at 6-10 Dunleigh St will have to be demolished to make way for the development which would be just a block from the Beachcomber Resort, restaurants and a bus stop on Main Road.
The site has been given a “high” overall crime risk rating in documents that are part of the development application process. The documents record that from July 2015 to June 2017 the most common crimes in the Toukley area were vandalism, assault, domestic violence, thefts from retail stores and thefts from cars.
Despite the crime issue, the majority of objections to the proposal are from residents who are opposed to the height and scale of the building.
Other objections include traffic and parking impacts and noise concerns. Residents have until May 24 to make a written submission on the plan.
Slow development
The development of Toukley has remained slow for decades and took another blow when long-term developer Rustrom Pty Ltd decided to pull the plug on its long awaited Lakeside Gardens development.
The future for the 11-storey DA approved apartment block which would be Toukley’s tallest building is now in limbo, with Rustrum’s director Morris Wheeler, deciding that it was time to retire. This comes after a ten year legal battle with NSW Land and Environment Court.
Selling agent Jaimie Woodcock, Principal of McGrath Terrigal, said that Mr Wheeler did always intend to go ahead with the build, but after a long journey, it was time to sell.
“It took so long for Rustrom to get the project approved, and Mr Wheeler is now ready for retirement.
“The site is also part-owned with a London company that is family-owned, but have had less to do with their Australian investments in recent times.
“It is a big project and does require a sizeable company to take it on.”
Mr Woodcock said that he could not disclose a ballpark figure for the sale, but said that there was an $80 million resale value on the apartments.
The site at 222 Main Rd, Toukley would include 71 residential units, 38 tourist accommodation units, commercial premises and underground parking and would be built on 5300sq m on Main Rd between the Toukley CBD and The Beachcomber hotel, with views of Budgewoi Lake and the ocean.