Pollie warns against Campbelltown CBD overdevelopment
Macarthur federal MP Dr Mike Freelander has warned against the overdevelopment of Campbelltown’s HJ Library site. He says the city would soon mirror Liverpool if too much green space is lost.
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With a massive Campbelltown block, which includes the existing HJ Library, offered up to developers to launch the next phase of council’s ‘Reimagine Campbelltown’ project, one leading local politician has urged caution.
Macarthur federal Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander told the Macarthur Chronicle he was fearful the Hurley St site would be overdeveloped and mirror the mistakes of nearby Liverpool.
The 3ha block was recently offered to market through a long-term lease, with a 10-page council document titled ‘Hurley St development opportunity’ describing it as a “rare and valuable opportunity to be a part of our city’s thriving future”.
The site could feature buildings up to nine stories tall and include a mix of apartments, office or retail space.
Dr Freelander said he wasn’t convinced high rise development was the best fit for the land.
“It just seems to me that it could be a fantastic greenfield site,” he said. “It could be a green area as you come into Campbelltown, that could complement Koshigaya Park. The library may need some improvements but I think that’s the perfect site for the library.”
The Labor politician said the Hurley St site could transform into a family-friendly community oasis, featuring an upgraded library, new restaurant or cafe and green space.
“I’m not convinced there should be high rise on the site,” he said. “If you want more development, you need more green space. We don’t want Campbelltown to be turned into another Liverpool.”
Details of how the library and child care centre could continue operating in the “short to medium term” is required in all expressions of interest, which close on June 15.
Campbelltown Council director of city growth Rebecca Grasso said options were being explored for all of council’s CBD landholdings as part of ‘Reimagine Campbelltown’, which aims to attract investment and generate jobs.
However the Dumaresq St Cinemas site, one of council’s biggest CBD assets, is set to remain in tact.
“There are currently no changes planned for the site that is operating as the Dumaresq St Cinemas as it is under a lease agreement,” a council spokesman said.