Channel Nine site: Developer’s propopsal wins support from NSW Department of Planning
THE NSW Department of Planning has backed a developer’s plans to build 460 dwellings on the Channel Nine site at Artarmon Road in Willoughby.
North Shore
Don't miss out on the headlines from North Shore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE MASSIVE redevelopment of the Channel 9 site in Willoughby is one step closer following a positive recommendation from the NSW Department of Planning that it go ahead.
The recommended proposal includes provision for 460 dwellings on the 28,985 sqm site at 6-30 Artarmon Rd, Willoughby. While this is more than the 400 included in the original concept plan, it is fewer than the 495 sought by the developer LEPC9, a partnership between Euro Properties and Lotus Property.
The Department of Planning recommendation, released on October 26, acknowledged the “additional 60 dwellings” but said they were “accommodated within revised building envelopes that maintain the maximum height set by the Planning Assessment Commission and the Land and Environment Court, improve solar access to adjoining dwellings, increase open space and improve the character and amenity of the surrounding area”.
Despite resident concerns about gridlock from extra cars on local roads, the department asserted that the “additional traffic generation associated with the increased density” would “result in the acceptable operation of the Willoughby Road/ Artarmon Road/ Small Street intersection without the need for an upgrade”.
The project — which could generate as much as a billion dollars for the developer — was “in the public interest”, the department said.
Project director David Hynes said it is a relief to have cleared the latest planning hurdle.
“We have worked extensively and collaboratively with the department of planning and Environment to achieve the best outcome for this landmark site,” Mr Hynes told the North Shore Times.
“While there have been differences of opinion throughout the process, we have welcomed discussions with the department and are proud of the scheme that will shortly be presented to the Independent Planning Commission.”
Mr Hynes said that the project would deliver many benefits for the community including “the provision of 1,769 sqm of affordable housing which equates to twenty 80m2 affordable housing units, one of the largest affordable housing contributions made by a developer in Sydney.”
He said the recommended proposal increased the “publicly accessible open space by 164 per cent from what was originally approved, with realigned view corridor and public access from Artamon Road to Walter Street Nature reserve, better serving our neighbours and reconnecting the nature reserve with the Willoughby community”.
He also pointed to the creation of three new landscaped parks and community spaces including the 3000 sqm Village Green, the 3000 sqm Village Lawn and the 350 sqm Village Square.
“The inspired Concept Plan unlocks its potential to create a neighbourhood of streets, parks and a distinctive ‘sense of place’. This imaginative ‘space positive’ scheme creates a robust framework for the proposed high-quality housing as well as enhancing the appeal of the surrounding environment for all to enjoy,” he said.
The plans will now be put before the independent Planning Commission for final approval.
Construction at the site is now expected to get underway in 2020, when Channel 9 vacates the site for its new base in North Sydney.
Willoughby City Council and the local MP, Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who both opposed the scale of the development when it was first proposed, have been approached for comment.