Plans for hundreds of apartments in dual skyscrapers in Hornsby CBD
PLANS for a 23-storey skyscraper in Hornsby’s Westside have shocked residents who say local infrastructure would ‘crumble under the might of the development’.
Hornsby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hornsby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PLANS for a 23-storey skyscraper in Hornsby’s Westside have shocked residents who say local infrastructure would ‘crumble under the might of the development’.
Lyon Group Australia, the developers behind the controversial vision for high-rise towers on Hornsby’s Eastside, revealed plans for a $170 million shop top housing development that would see a supermarket, childcare centre and 249 apartments introduced to the corner of Dural St and Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby.
The development proposes the demolition of existing structures as well of the relocation of heritage buildings and retention of heritage facades at the site.
But residents are fearful that Peats Ferry Rd and other local streets will not be able to cope with further strain of the proposal.
Hornsby resident Gordon Griffiths fought a similar development application at the same site several years ago.
“This development came up very left of field and has shocked residents,” Mr Griffith said. “The whole process has changed since we last fought a proposal, we were able to go to council in the past, but now we feel like we will have no say to fight this development.
“My real concern is that this will increase the bottle necking that already exists at the site, every morning peak hour is a nightmare — the whole Westside comes to a standstill, so if we were to add more than 200 dwellings, a supermarket and childcare centre to this intersection, we are going to have some major issues.
“This is a major thoroughfare for the shire, so to me it is the traffic that will be a major concern.”
Cheltenham resident, Barbara Davis, said facilities such as a town centre an cultural space were required before towers were approved.
The development proposes three levels of commercial floor spaces which is earmarked to include a childcare centre and retail space.
Residential towers consisting of 21 storeys and 13 storeys would eclipse surrounding buildings.
The development will consist of 61 one, 165 two, and 23 three-bedroom apartments.
Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said the Hornsby Shire Development Control Plan was changed to allow greater high-rise development across areas of the Westside.
Cr Ruddock said he did not want to see developments that detract from Hornsby’s future vision proceed.
“Decisions will be taken out of our hands, but I will seek to ensure the broader community interest is considered,” he said.
“We want to take into account the needs of the community and their vision for the future.
“I don’t see any urgency behind large scale residential development because council has reached levels of accommodation required.”
“I do have views of what desirable high-rise looks like for the future of the shire,” Cr Ruddock said.
“That is one of the reasons why we have been pursuing a planning proposal for Hornsby East and what happens in Hornsby West needs to reflect what we are seeking for the future masterplan for Hornsby.”
Lyon Group Director Mike Milliken said no relocation of heritage buildings would occur and that the application was in line with Hornsby Council’s Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plans and vision.
“Our Site is the Northern entry gateway into the Hornsby Town Centre and we have worked in consultation with Council to ensure that it is a development that meet’s Council’s rejuvenated vision for this area,” Mr Milliken said.
“Hornsby Council undertook substantial community consultation and supporting studies, including traffic and infrastructure, when determining the LEP and DCP for the western part of Hornsby’s Town Centre.
“We are proud of the Development Application that has been lodged and believe that it will become a hugely successful mixed use development that provides a range of housing, retail, commercial offices, food outlets and employment opportunities for the local area.”
IN OTHER NEWS
