Community backlash over plans to rezone Rhodes East for high-rise living
HUNDREDS of family homes on the Rhodes peninsula could be replaced by skyscraping apartment blocks up to 38 storeys high as part of plans unveiled by the State Government.
Inner West
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HUNDREDS of family homes on the Rhodes peninsula could be replaced by skyscraping apartment blocks up to 38 storeys high as part of plans unveiled by the State Government.
As many as 3600 new homes are set to be crammed into a 36ha area at Rhodes East, a Priority Precinct Plan released on Friday shows.
But residents fear the area will become “another Barangaroo” with high-rise apartments dominating the skyline along Brays Bay and the Parramatta River.
There are only 274 existing homes in the precinct, sandwiched between the railway line and Concord Rd.
City planners say the rezoning plan is aimed at boosting housing supply in the inner west and includes a new school, shops and cafes as well as new pedestrian and cycling paths.
Community advocate Ian Inglis said the peninsula “has already done its bit” to increase dwelling numbers with massive apartment blocks already built in Rhodes West, with more on the way.
“The community is very disappointed at the proposed overdevelopment of our suburb,” Mr Inglis said.
“Rhodes doesn’t want its Blues Point Tower. We don’t want to be another Barangaroo with high-rise right down to the river.
“The government just thinks density equals revenue.”
The 733 residents in Rhodes East have existing use rights — no one will be forced to sell, but the proposed rezoning could allow new high, and medium, density development accommodating about 8280 new residents by 2031.
In May last year the Courier spoke to a family living in Cavell Avenue who had already been approached by developers wanting to buy their house. Developers were offered more than $2 million for the home.
The new plan, supported by the City of Canada Bay council, was released by Planning and Housing Minister Anthony Roberts and Liberal MP for Drummoyne John Sidoti at a media conference at Brays Bay Reserve.
The 36-hectare precinct is bounded by the railway line and Concord Rd, to the north of Mary St.
Mr Roberts said the redevelopment will create a “vibrant place to live and work”.
Planners said land east of Concord Rd is not included in the plan until more improvements to public transport and local and regional road networks occur.
“The government’s priority is to address housing supply, but we also want to create lively communities that have good access to transport connections, activities, shops and cafes, as well as jobs and schools,” Mr Roberts said.
“This 20-year plan for Rhodes East is to create a range of housing types to suit different needs, including the delivery of affordable housing for our key workers.”
Mr Sidoti said open and recreational space was a key part of the plan.
“There will be about 3,600 more homes built here and the future contributions levy on development will go towards road and intersection upgrades, bridges, a new school, open space and cycling and pedestrian paths for the whole community to enjoy.”
Up to $5 million in Precinct Support Scheme funding will be used for new infrastructure such as upgrades to parks, developing new community facilities or improving streetscapes.
The plan includes upgrading existing intersections with Concord Rd as well as local road improvements.
The government has already promised to build a ferry wharf at Rhodes within the next three to five years and the number of trains stopping at Rhodes station is being examined, but will not change in the short term.
City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas welcomed the confirmation that the area will be treated as a priority precinct.
“City of Canada Bay approached the Department of Planning and Environment in 2014 to nominate Rhodes East as a Priority Precinct. It is exciting to see the ideas put forward then coming to fruition,” Mr Tsirekas said.
“Our initial request was based on objectives developed in conjunction with the University of Sydney’s Future Cities Collaboration (now Cities Leadership Institute) with objectives seeking to deliver sustainable urban renewal in Rhodes East.”
Mr Tsirekas said the draft plan provides the precinct with a balance between development and urban amenity, providing diverse housing types and infrastructure to support both the existing and future residents.
Residents can attend drop-in sessions to talk to government and council planners.
The sessions are at Rhodes Community Centre on Wednesday, 18 October and Saturday, 21 October from 9.30am-12.30pm and at The Connection on Thursday, 2 November from 4.30-7.30pm.
Community feedback will be taken into consideration before the plan is finalised. The draft precinct plan is on exhibition until November 10.
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