Turramurra shops set for apartments under GSW Property plan

Turramurra’s main shopping strip on the Pacific Highway could be set for dramatic transformation under plans for a five-storey building of shops and homes.

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Turramurra’s main shopping strip on the Pacific Highway could be set for dramatic transformation under plans for a five-storey building of shops and homes.

Developer GSW Property has lodged a development application for 54 units over four storeys, and three ground level shops at 1319-1333 Pacific Highway.

A car wash, dentist and drapery are among the businesses currently trading at this address.

The buildings slated for demolition are highlighted

Most of the shops near the train station are in two-storey buildings, but changes to planning laws in recent years have encouraged more homes to be built above the shops.

Ku-ring-gai Council is leading the efforts with its planned community hub. This would stand behind the Pacific Highway proposal.

The council is liaising with Coles, which has a supermarket there, to encourage new buildings with homes, shops and a library.

An artist’s impression of the Turramurra Community Hub

These buildings could stand a maximum five storeys. The project is still in its early stages.

GSW said its block would stand 21m at its highest point.

While this would be three metres above the height limit, the developer says its design meets all the objectives of the local centre zoning.

This zoning encourages mixed use buildings that combine business and residential use, according to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan.

Some of the buildings which would be demolished on the Pacific Highway. Picture: Google Maps

Vehicles would access the site via Forbes Lane.

The developer has proposed 74 underground parking spaces. Residents would have 53 of these.

GSW Property’s projects include building homes above the Manly Leagues club.

A representative for GSW said it had a robust discussion with the council about the Turramurra plans and he believed both sides were happy.

The building would be the gateway to the community hub, he said.

A spokeswoman for the council said the DA was being assessed and the public feedback period was still to be set.

The Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel is likely to determine the application.