Five Ways Crows Nest: Deicorp takes new step for Falcon Street, Pacific Hwy skyscraper

Developers behind a skyscraper planned on a major Sydney intersection have called on the state government to support the project after councillors warned it could ‘destroy the character’ of the suburb.

Developers behind a major skyscraper planned on the corner of one of the north shore’s busiest intersections have called on the state government to support the project after a majority of local councillors refused to give it the green light.

A planning proposal for a 16 storey mixed-use tower on the corner of the Pacific Hwy and Falcon St in Crows Nest is set to be determined by the Department of Planning after property giant Deicorp submitted a rezoning review application for the development last week.

The rezoning review application was lodged just one day after a majority of North Sydney councillors rejected supporting the proposal due to fears it would drastically change the shape of the suburb.

The development – located on a site known as “The Five Ways” in reference of the five major roads it surrounds – would have 129 apartments, shops, 247 carpark spaces and would stand 63.5m tall – four times taller than the height limit currently allowed under the council’s local planning laws.

Deicorp said the project would create a “vibrant new public domain that will complement and extend the Crows Nest village”.

An early concept plan of the development.

Increased density on the site was also supported under the state government’s 2036 St Leonards Crows Nest plan which earmarked 6700 new units in the two town centres across next 15 years – a target which would see the local population reach about 30,000.

North Sydney mayor Zoe Baker, speaking at last week’s council meeting, said the development could strain an already congested local traffic system, overshadow a school and two heritage conservation areas, and turn surrounding streets into wind tunnels.

“The proposal may meet the height (limit outlined in) the 2036 plan but the scale of the development is not consistent with the urban design principles in the plan,” she said.

“The scale of this development is going to destroy the character of Crows Nest (and) will create a terrible precedent.

“It will trigger a domino-like effect at this end of the precinct allowing much greater height and bulk.”

Deicorp, in its plans, said the project would create 295 jobs and contribute $39.4 million to the local economy each year.

In a statement, a spokesman said the lack of housing supply on the north shore would “not be resolved if reasonable proposals that are consistent with planning controls and close to transport continue to be refused.”

The proposal would be located on the Five Ways site – which is named after the convergence of five main roads at the adjoining intersection.

Deicorp said the development would have a “high standard of amenity”

“We recognise that North Sydney Council has a different opinion on our planning proposal for the site and their refusal reflects this,” a spokesman said.

“Our proposal entirely complies with the St Leonards Crows Nest 2036 Precinct Plan in terms of height, setback, overshadowing and our latest proposal was endorsed by council’s planning staff and the independent local planning panel, but unfortunately rejected by elected councillors.

“We believe the application should be approved, given its compliance with the controls and the common-sense planning principles of transport-oriented development”.

An early concept plan of the development

Plans show the project would involve the demolition of 19 separate lots which have been acquired by Deicorp.

A report to last week’s council meeting by the council’s planning department had recommended councillors support the project proceeding to a gateway determination – stating that “on balance, it is considered (the proposal) demonstrates strategic and site specific merit.”

Councillor Jilly Gibson was the sole councillor in support of the recommendation, saying she had “trust in the council’s planning department.”

“This is more political game playing – we all know very well that if the staff have recommended it, it will happen,” she said.

The rezoning review lodged by Deicorp means the proposal will now be assessed by a NSW Planning delegate before a gateway determination will be decided on.