Sydney Metro’s Crows Nest train station towers defended

Four towers of homes, offices and hotel rooms proposed above the Crows Nest Metro train station would see up to 85 per cent less traffic around the site, according to the state government.

An artist’s impression of the Crows Nest over station development. The shadow buildings are private proposals. Picture: Sydney Metro Authority

Four towers of homes, offices and hotel rooms proposed above the Crows Nest Metro train station would see up to 85 per cent less traffic around the site, according to the state government.

The Sydney Metro Authority, the agency building the underground network of 31 stations, has tried to justify its plans for two 27-storey residential towers (350 homes), a 17-storey hotel and eight-storey office building at Crows Nest.

It is seeking development application (DA) approval from planning authorities for the proposed structures at the Pacific Highway and Clarke St.

The Crows Nest over station development towers are on the right. Picture: Sydney Metro Authority

Work is already under way below ground.

The DA comes as many Sydneysiders speak out against what they claim is “overdevelopment”.

On the north shore, residents have formed lobby group `Overdevelopment — We’re Over It’ to have more say in urban planning.

Protesters at Crows Nest earlier this month. Picture: Rosie Donald

The Metro Authority has outlined huge boosts to the economy and infrastructure funding which would be missed if its plans did not go ahead.

The hotel could provide accommodation for people visiting patients at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Those travelling to the site would be encouraged to use public transport, the Metro Authority said.

There will be no park and ride carparks at the station, and parking will be limited to 150 spaces.

Work is under way on the Crows Nest Metro Station. Picture: Adam Yip

Consultancy Ethos Urban, which compiled the impact statement, estimated about 1035 vehicles travelled to and from the site prior to construction of the station.

The proposed changes could see that figure fall to 141, Ethos Urban said.

This would be “in the order of 75-85 per cent less motor traffic”, according to the consultancy.

The project team is also keen to point out there will be more open space.

North Sydney Council plans to expand nearby Hume Street Park to the east.

The council has acquired land on Hume St to allow for a walkway to Willoughby Rd.

Some residents are wary of the project however.

Sue Wadley from the Overdevelopment residents group said there was almost 3,000 pages of detailed information in the development application to analyse.

She said the project team had a huge budget to try and have its application approved.

Residents had only 28 days to read it and respond, she said.

“We believe the odds have been deliberately stacked against us,” she said.

IN OTHER NEWS

People have until December 13 to view the application and submit comments via the Department of Planning website.

A Sydney Metro spokeswoman said this was the second stage of the planning process, and the second time the community has been able to have their say on the buildings.

The community would again have the opportunity to provide feedback in the next stage of the planning process, according to the spokeswoman.

The first stage of the metro project, linking Chatswood to Rouse Hill, is due to open next year.

The metro line from Chatswood to Bankstown via the city is due to open in 2024.