Major development plans for St Leonards in doubt over suburb masterplan
Uncertainty over a masterplan for St Leonards and Crows Nest has thrown a development proposal for the district’s tallest building into doubt.
North Shore
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A plan to build the tallest skyscraper in St Leonards remains in limbo amid uncertainty over a State Government masterplan for the rapidly changing suburb.
One of the last strip of low-density shops surrounding St Leonards Station would be demolished to make way for the 195m tall tower at 524-542 Pacific Hwy.
The project, lodged by developer Grocon, would become the tallest building in St Leonards and would include 366 apartments, a childcare centre and 160 carparks.
Concept plans show the development could also bring a slice of Melbourne to the north shore through the development of public laneways lined with coffee shops and restaurants.
But question marks remain over whether the scope of the plans would be supported under a 20 year masterplan for St Leonards and Crows Nest which has yet to be finalised by the Department of Planning.
Lane Cove Mayor Pam Palmer said the Pacific Hwy site was among a list of areas earmarked for “development potential” but plans by Grocon were “at odds” with the council’s preference for commercial development as opposed to units.
“The site was picked out a significant site but we still don’t know what scale of development would be supported in the final plan,” Cr Palmer said.
“There are a lot of other developments proposals (in St Leonards and Crows Nest) and at this stage the Department of Planning is asking all applicants to wait until the masterplan is finalised.
“Part of our vision is to have housing close to jobs that would hopefully feed off each other. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all walk to work.
“It’s got to be a plan that works for the community or nothing will happen.”
Development plans state the project would include ground level shops above a mix of one, two and three bedrooms units, of which 18 would be offered to renters at “affordable” rates.
A strip of shops at the site would be demolished, however the Telstra Exchange building on the site would be retained due its classification as “critical infrastructure” for the supply of internet and the NBN on the north shore.
If approved, the building would tower over the recently opened 115m St Leonards Square development along with the 138m New Hope development.
Grocon would also pay Lane Cove Council $13.2 million in a “voluntary planning agreement” to fund laneways and public squares in the surrounding area.
The State Government’s draft masterplan proposed creating 16,500 jobs in Crows Nest and St Leonards by 2036.
Other developments planned in the area include a 180m building at 617-621 Pacific Hwy and a 137m tower at 100 Christie St.