Developer pushes ahead with north shore tower development after council backlash
A developer has lodged a fresh bid to build the tallest unit building in the St Leonards town centre after the proposal was knocked back by north shore councillors
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A surge in high rise apartments on the lower north shore has renewed calls for employment land to be given higher priority, throwing in doubt a 330 unit development in the St Leonards town centre.
Lane Cove councillors have rejected plans by Grocon to build a 182m tall building opposite St Leonards Station on the grounds it was “incompatible” with the council’s aim of encouraging job growth in the area.
The proposal, incorporating the existing Telstra building at 524-542 Pacific Hwy, would have 366 apartments, a childcare centre and 160 carparks.
There would also be public laneways, a gym and two retail tenancies fronting on to the Pacific Hwy.
Councillors rejected the project on the grounds it would “constrain the town centre’s ability to provide for the long-term projected employment growth.”
A council report found Lane Cove had already exceeded its housing targets for 2020 from other developments including the St Leonards Square tower, due for completion this year.
“Permitting residential development on this site would represent a lost opportunity for the future provision of high quality commercial floor space in this strategic location,” the council said.
“The proposal appears to be shortsighted and market driven.”
Grocon said the project was warranted as St Leonards and Crows Nest “could not compete” with North Ryde, Macquarie Park and Chatswood as strategic centres and commercial space would therefore be “a negative return on investment.”
A company spokeswoman said Grocon would refer the planning proposal to the Sydney North Planning Panel for an independent review.
“Grocon had spent years seeking to work with Lane Cove Council and the decision not to approve the development proposal was particularly disappointing as it would deliver strong economic and community benefits,” the spokeswoman said.
“We believe our proposed development would positively contribute to the area, providing the missing link within the emerging mixed-use precinct and enhanced public amenity.”
Lane Cove Mayor Pam Palmer said the project would hinge on the 2036 St Leonards and Crows Nest plan, which has yet to be finalised by the State Government
The Pacific Hwy location was outlined as a “significant site” within the plan that would include job, infrastructure and open space targets over the next two decades.
“Council has a vision for whole of St Leonards and we want to make sure there are jobs near all the new apartments in the area,” Cr Palmer said.
“To date any development covered in the 2036 plan has been deferred until (the plan is) finalised – I’m sure the planning panel will take that into account.”
Grocon said the development would employ more than 300 people during construction and provide employment space for approximately 500 people.
The company would also pay Lane Cove Council $13.2 million in a “voluntary planning agreement” to fund community infrastructure in the surrounding area.