Sydney housing: Debate rages over skinny six-storey housing plan for narrow Alexandria block

A housing tower has been proposed for a block about as wide as the average parking space, prompting critics to warn Sydney is at risk of being turned into Hong Kong.

Development plans for this vacant block of land have ignited debate over Sydney’s housing future.

A skinny multi-storey tower, slated for a narrow block of land roughly the same width as an average carparking space, could be a sign of Sydney’s housing future as development ramps up near the city’s train stations.

Development plans show a six-storey building could soon be added on thin vacant block of land wedged between two other apartment buildings in Alexandria, as part of a $5.8m housing proposal near the new Waterloo Metro station.

The release of the plans has ignited community debate over the types of housing that should be allowed in Sydney, as the state government eases planning laws to encourage higher density buildings to boost the city’s housing supply.

Some residents have described the development proposal as resembling apartments more fitting of highly urbanised Hong Kong or Manhattan, rather than Sydney.

However, developer Blueshore Development Group’s plans stated the five-apartment project amounted to “optimal density” for the narrow 271sq m site and argued the project would help address Sydney’s housing needs.

A concept image of the proposed six-storey development.

The development would be built on this block of land.

“The site’s location near the future Metro station and existing public transport links makes it centrally accessible (and) supports both the current and future population,” the plans stated.

“It will enable the delivery of much-needed housing, alleviating pressure on the NSW housing crisis

“The scale, massing, height and bulk of the proposed building are appropriate for the site and its context.”

A concept image of the proposal.

Since the release of plans last month, the proposal has sparked staunchly different opinions among residents – ranging from strong support to outright opposition.

Those in favour of the proposal say the development could help ease Sydney’s housing demands, with one resident, Abhishek Gupta, saying it should be built even taller.

“It’s an ideal development, located close to the city, Metro, and Alexandria Park (and) it should be approved as quickly as possible,” Kieren Ash wrote in another submission to the City of Sydney.

The development includes communal open space.

“I’d like to move into something like this rather than expensive old terraces with a view of a mouldy wall,” Phillip Balding added.

Critics of the proposal, however, have labelled the design as “disproportionate” to the narrow width of the site, with Sue Beaver writing: “It’s astounding that a six-storey development can be built on such a narrow block.”

“This development adds nothing to public or affordable housing in the residential area of Alexandria, causes immense overshadowing on a narrow block, offers no parking and will set a precedent,” Cynthia Talone wrote in another submission.

Development plans for the site have generated a flurry of public submissions.

“Hopefully common sense will prevail and this outrageous development will be totally rejected,” Ken Caldwell wrote.

Plans for the project stated proposal would be in line with new NSW Government planning changes aimed at supporting density near train stations to meet long-term housing targets.

The five-apartment project would also include communal open space, a rooftop terrace and landscaping works.

The plans are being considered by the City of Sydney.