Crows Nest Metro skyscrapers developments, ‘fast-track’ plan
A proposal to build 350 units and a 17-storey hotel — part of a plan for three high-rise towers — above the Crows Nest Metro station will be handed down in the coming days after attracting almost 680 submissions from residents.
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A decision will soon be handed down on contentious plans to build three-high rise towers above the new Metro station in Crows Nest after attracting more than 600 submissions from residents.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes has confirmed the $177 million development is among a list of major proposals to be “fast tracked” as part of the State Government’s economic response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The proposed development would include three buildings including a 27 storey tower with 350 units and a 17 storey hotel with 250 rooms.
There would also be an eight storey building with offices, 150 carparks, landscaping works and public artworks.
Sydney Metro said the hotel could provide accommodation for people visiting patients at Royal North Shore Hospital while residents and workers at the site would be encouraged to catch public transport, as opposed to using cars.
But the proposal has sparked concerns among residents due to “overdevelopment” of the site with the vast majority of 677 submissions opposed to the project.
North Sydney Council has also urged the government to “take on board” concerns about the size, height and overshadowing onto surrounding sites.
If approved, the development would be in line with other “integrated station developments” approved to cover the cost of the Metro project including over-station towers at North Sydney and Pitt St in the CBD.
The Department of Planning said the project would generate in $177 million in economic activity and support 354 jobs.
The government has determined 67 projects through the fast-tracked approval scheme since it launched in late April including more than 400 units and a 120 bed aged care home in St Leonards and Lane Cove.
“The fast-tracked assessment program is a key part of the government’s COVID-19 recovery plan as we continue to get shovel-ready projects out the door to keep people in jobs and keep the economy moving,” Mr Stokes said.
A decision on the Crows Nest development will be handed down by August 14.