Tower plan for Crows Nest station in Sydney Metro criticised

Four towers proposed to stand above an underground train station at Crows Nest would overshadow the Willoughby Rd shopping strip and do not fit the area, say North Sydney Council staff.

Artist’s impression of the towers proposed above Crows Nest station. The shaded objects are private proposals. Picture: Transport for NSW

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Four towers proposed to stand above an underground train station at Crows Nest would overshadow the Willoughby Rd shopping strip and do not fit the area, say North Sydney Council staff.

The two 27-storey residential towers (350 homes), a 17-storey hotel and eight-storey office building would stand above the station, which is being built between the Pacific Highway and Clarke Lne.

The Sydney Metro network will have 31 stations, from Rouse Hill in the northwest to Bankstown in the south.

The state government has proposed towers above the Crows Nest station.

It said there could be huge boosts to jobs and trade.

Artist’s impression of the proposed towers. The shaded objects are private proposals. Picture: Transport for NSW

However two planning officials at the council, while giving advice to councillors, have outlined a raft of problems.

Executive planner Geoff Mossemenear said: “There is a real concern that the proposal will enable buildings that are out of scale with the fine grain nature and village atmosphere of Crows Nest.

“(The proposed development) overshadows Ernest Place and Willoughby Road and brings limited employment and public benefits to the area.”

There is concern the towers proposed for Crows Nest station will overshadow the Willoughby Rd shopping strip. Picture: Damian Shaw

The government’s plans show there would be overshadowing at certain times of the year, due to the position of the sun.

Mr Mossemenear’s colleague, urban design team leader Emma Booth, had similar concerns.

She said the buildings would not match the character and community aspirations for Crows Nest.

Ms Booth was also concerned the government did not intend to provide financial contributions for surrounding infrastructure.

Developers are required to do this so drains, footpaths and roads can meet demand.

An artist’s impression of the Crows Nest station. Picture: Transport for NSW

The funding shortfall to meet this at Crows Nest would be more than $12.5 million, according to Ms Booth.

A spokeswoman for the Sydney Metro Authority said it was committed to protecting and enhancing the village feel of Crows Nest.

She said the proposed buildings provided an appropriate transition between the taller buildings and those under construction at St Leonards, and the low-rise character of Willoughby Rd.

An artist’s impression of the Crows Nest station. Picture: Transport for NSW

Sydney Metro also considered overshadowing impacts.

The proposal met Department of Planning requirements by not adding overshadowing to Willoughby Rd prior to 2.30pm at any time of year, or to Ernest Place prior to 3.45 pm at any time of year, according to the spokeswoman.

The spokeswoman for residents lobby group `Overdevelopment — We’re Over It’, Genia McCaffrey was also critical of the government’s handling of the project.

The government lodged a development application for the towers while still finalising the rezoning of the site.

Ms McCaffrey said the planning was chaotic and “ad hoc”.