Lindfield: plans for 153 units, supermarket gain traction
Contentious plans to build more than 150 high-rise apartments in Lindfield have taken a new turn, as two companies including Woolworths launch negotiations to build the multimillion-dollar development. SEE THE PLANS.
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Major plans to increase building heights and allow more than 150 new units in the Lindfield town centre have taken a new turn after meeting a mixed response from local residents and shop owners.
A public carpark and strip of single-storey homes would be demolished to make way for the “Lindfield Village Hub” that would accommodate up to 442 residents on a 1.1ha block of land 75m west of Lindfield Station.
Plans lodged to the Department of Planning on Friday show the project would include two nine storey buildings, one six storey building, a library, 60-space childcare centre and 544 carparks.
There would be a total of 153 units along with a public park and a “destination street” lined with outdoor dining areas, shops, restaurants and a supermarket.
Ku-ring-gai Council, which has developed the project, said the high-rise development would create up to 140 jobs and address State Government housing targets for 4000 new homes in the LGA.
The council has already entered into negotiations with two construction firms willing to build the hub including Aqualand and Fabcot – the commercial development arm of Woolworths. A council spokeswoman said a report on the negotiations was due to be presented to councillors by October.
The lodgement of plans comes as residents continue to debate the pros and cons of the project, with those opposed raising alarm bells at increase density, height and impacts on traffic and overshadowing.
New building height limits across the LGA would also allow the strip of existing shops directly east of the site to be redeveloped into eight storey buildings.
“If council succeeds in this outrageous over development in Lindfield it will set a precedent for other villages in our area – Gordon and Turramurra will be the next to fall if we don’t act now,” a petition states.
But not everyone is opposed, with an online campaign in support of the project calling on the council to “seize this opportunity and make the Lindfield Village Hub happen”.
Ku-ring-gai Council said the project would focus housing growth near public transport and shops – as opposed to low density suburban streets in the LGA.
“The planning proposal recognises the continued growth and significant urban renewal of the Lindfield local centre towards a medium density residential and mixed-use urban hub, centred around the train station,” the plans state.
“The intent is to provide a high quality community asset … that will provide for the existing and emerging population of residents and visitors to the area.”
Traffic studies show the project would add up to 667 cars on local residents in afternoon peak hour periods, and up to 446 in the morning rush hour.
The plans will undergo a “gateway process” involving further community consultation before NSW Planning Minster Rob Stokes hands down a determination.