West Street Umina shop top development approved

The modernisation of the Umina Beach CBD will continue with the approval this week of its first true mixed use residential-commercial multi-storey development.

Corner Perspective of the five storey shop top development that will be built at Umina.

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Why Central Coast Council said yes

The modernisation of the Umina Beach CBD will continue with the approval this week of its first true mixed use residential-commercial development.

Central Coast Council has approved plans to construct a five storey mixed use building at 211-213 West Street which will have 20 units above, two shops below and basement carparking.

The $7.5 million project by developers Sans Filter Pty Ltd was first lodged in July 2017 and the plans were amended four times after public consultation.

Street view of the West Street Umina development.

Many submissions objected to the height and scale of the building which fell outside height and floor space rules for the location by about 10 per cent.

However, Central Coast Councillors decided that the variations were worth it for the right development.

Cr Richard Mertens said he noted the exceedences but said “it was the kind of development I want to see more of in our town centres”.

Existing buildings at 211 to 213 West Street Umina Beach.

He said the development would “contribute positively to the streetscape” and replace buildings that were “dilapidated and old”.

“I want to see development that encourage people to live where they don’t have to drive, close to shops, the beach and facilities,” Cr Mertens said.

Central Coast urban design consultant, Matthew Wales, who acted for the developer has welcomed the approval.

Street view of the West Street Umina development.

“We have spent the last 18 months liaising with Central Coast Council planning staff leading up the council meeting on Monday ensuring that we achieved the best possible urban outcome for the site,” Mr Wales said.

“It was important that a high quality design outcome was obtained so that the development of the key corner site set a high benchmark for future development in the Umina Beach town centre,” he said.

Street level view of the West Street Umina development.

“I was particularly pleased that the Councillors acknowledged the need for good quality residential accommodation within our town centres where it is close to shops, services, medical facilities and public transport.

“The West Street development achieves all these things and will be a catalyst for the ongoing urban revitalisation of the town centre.

Aerial view showing location of mixed use development in West Street Umina Beach.

“We acknowledge that the application had a number of variations to Council’s development standards but as the Council highlighted, the variations have led to a much better design outcome than would otherwise have been the case should strict compliance been enforced.

“The owner of the property intends to proceed to the construction phase as quickly as possible with site works to commence by mid-year”.