Lindfield: Library to be become unit block near Pacific Highway
Plans to turn Lindfield library into a seven storey unit complex have taken a new step forward amid a string of other major development projects set to transform the town centre. SEE THE PLANS.
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A decision is set to be handed down on contentious plans to turn community facilities in Lindfield into a seven storey unit complex as Sydney’s development boom encroaches further into the upper north shore.
The Lindfield Library and six community tennis courts are among facilities set to be demolished to make way for 130 apartments, shops and a private swimming pool.
The $66.2 million project – located just south of Lindfield Station – would have four separate buildings and include a new road linking the Pacific Hwy to Tryon Lane along with 153 basement carparking spaces and rooftop terraces.
The existing library – along with tennis courts, the Lindfield Seniors Centre and carparks – would be bulldozed and relocated into a new facility partly bankrolled by the sale and redevelopment of the site.
Ku-ring-gai Council, which has lodged the proposal, said the project was part of long-term plans to “activate” the town centre through a string of major developments including the nearby nine-storey tall Lindfield Village Hub project on the other side of the Pacific Hwy.
Early feedback from residents has been met with concerns the “bulk” of the building would cast shadows over surrounding homes and could exacerbate existing peak hour traffic gridlocks in the area.
There are also objections to the loss of 45 trees on the site and fears the development would be “out of character” with the town centre.
Plans, lodged to the Sydney North Planning Panel, state the site was “ideally located” for apartment living due its proximity to local shops and Lindfield Station.
The council added the existing library, built in 1958, was “at the end of its economic life and not viable to refurbish”.
The council has informed residents the library will continue to operate while a new library at the Lindfield Village Hub is built.
“Council will manage the process of bringing new community facilities into existence, based on the assessed needs and demands of the Lindfield area. As such, the proposal is not considered to be contrary to the public interest,” the council said.
The planning panel is due to determine the application next Tuesday.
The Lindfield Village Hub project – including 153 units – was lodged to the Department of Planning for determination earlier this month.