Lidcombe: 12-14 Birnie Ave apartments under review

A twin tower 27-storey complex with more than 400 apartments could be provide more accommodation in a Sydney community but the blinding sun and wind has thrown a spanner in the works.

Joanne Vella

@Parramatta_News

2 min read

March 3, 2021 - 6:00AM

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A plan for a $174 million, two-tower residential complex for 419 units at Birnie Ave in Lidcombe is being re-examined by a state government planning panel after it deemed the wind and sun would be dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.

The blocks are 27 storeys high.

SLA Developments lodged plans for the 27-storey towers with Parramatta Council in September 2019 and the Sydney Central City Planning Panel refused the application in

December when documents stated the proposal would result in “adverse wind outcomes that will affect the comfort and safety of residents and those using the adjoining public domain”.

Sun glare is also proving a setback for the ambitious project, after the application failed to demonstrate how the design would avoid adverse glare on residents.

However, a study that Inhabit conducted for the developers assessed the impacts of the glare on Edwin Flack Ave, the M4, Shane Gould Ave, Birnie Ave and Carter St, and concluded that it met the criteria for the development.

Some recommendations, such as glazing and frosted glass balustrades were also put forward.

Now the Sydney Central City Planning Panel is reviewing the refusal before a final outcome is determined on the complex, which would contain four levels of a basement carpark and construction of a road.

A study was undertaken into the impact of solar rays from the apartment blocks to drivers and pedestrians.

The red section marks where the units could be built.

If it does proceed, the development would spring up near the high-density enclave of Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Point and Carter Street — a community crippled by infrastructure shortfalls.

The state government has failed to commit to the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail, which was initially promised to link Parramatta to the rapidly growing Sydney Olympic Park precinct and while the Sydney Metro West is proceeding, it won’t operate for another 10 years.

The apartments would add to the soaring population in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.

Residents suffered another blow in December when the government axed the $140 million off-ramp from the M4 to Hill Rd in Sydney Olympic Park, leaving drivers travelling west from the city to endure “NSW’s worst roundabout” at Australia Ave and Underwood Rd.

The government scrapped the roundabout for safety reasons and said $100 million was being invested to upgrade Homebush Bay Drive and Australia Ave.

Meanwhile, the population continues to explode. The Carter Street precinct will have 6200 dwellings once completed but business chambers have implored the government to have more than one entry and exit into the “masterplanned” community.