New developments for Ku-ring-gai town centres revealed as council ramps up legal fight against rezoning changes

The skyline of three upper north shore town centres could soon be reshaped by new multi storey housing projects as a local council continues its fight against increased density in local suburbs.

The skyline of three upper north shore town centres could soon be reshaped by new multi storey housing projects as a local council continues its fight against increased density in local suburbs.

A range of new development proposals have been released for new residential and commercial projects in Gordon, Turramurra and Lindfield in a move developers say is partly aimed at addressing a shortage of local housing.

One of the largest developments has been earmarked for the Turramurra town centre on a block of land currently occupied by businesses including the Fan Inn Modern Chinese restaurant.

The development at 1364-1396 Pacific Hwy and 1,1A and 3 Kissing Point Rd would stand nine storeys tall and include a supermarket, 181-units, open space and 414 on-site carparking spaces.

Other new proposals earmarked for the Ku-ring-gai regions include a 15 storey building at 345 Pacific Highway in Lindfield on the site of the Lindfield Medical Practice.

A concept image of the Turramurra development.

If approved, the current proposed height of the tower would stand five times above the 11.5m height limit for the site.

Developer Bellpen Pty has described the tower as a “landmark” project for Lindfield and was in line with NSW Government planning strategies aimed at delivering new developments near public transport.

Other developments planned in Ku-ring-gai include a 27-unit building with ground floor shops at 7-9 Merriwa Street in Gordon.

New developments – including this proposal for Turramurra – are in the planning stages for suburbs in Ku-ring-gai.

The proposal, by developer Mecone, would also have rooftop terraces, landscaping works and basement carparking

The development proposals come amid increased community concern over current NSW Government zoning changes that encourage increased density near train stations including at Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville.

Ku-ring-gai Council has opposed the changes, partly due to concerns it could decimate the character of heritage conservation areas.

An artist’s impression of the Lindfield development.

The council says the level of rezoning earmarked for Ku-ring-gai is also “disproportionate” with other parts of Sydney and could have “extensive impacts” on the community if implemented.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Sam Ngai said the council was also expecting to see more planning proposals in areas earmarked for increased density in coming months.

He said some residents have also been reportedly pressured to sell their homes to developers.

This new development is also planned for Gordon.

“Real estate activity has been on the rise with some developers actively targeting individual lot owners with high-pressure tactics and attempting to secure options for land at below-market prices,” he said.

“This has been creating angst among portions of the community, especially when some residents have succumbed.

“Other residents who are not keen to be exploited by developers have banded together and are attempting to sell as a group.”

Ku-ring-gai Council is currently taking legal action against the government’s housing reforms – claiming there is “ambiguity inherent in the new planning controls”.