Merrylands: 228 extra units for McFarlane St-Merrylands Rd proposal
Developers set to change the face of a western Sydney suburb with a multi-million dollar swanky development have, in a shock move, added an extra 200 units to plans which already include an ‘eat street’, shops and a childcare centre.
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A development set to transform Merrylands has lobbed an extra 228 apartments for the suburb’s main shopping hub, bringing the total number of units close to 800 in a project labelled “overkill”.
The Merrylands Court complex — which is now in the hands of Coronation Property after developers Stockland sold the McFarlane St and Merrylands Rd site for $41 million in January — proposed 562 apartments when plans were first lodged in 2016 but that number has now climbed to 790 in a development application submitted in April.
The propoal would see five towers, with the tallest standing at 25 storeys - up from 17 - with 936 carpark spots, an “eat street” in a laneway, a supermarket, a childcare centre, 21 retail units and 11 commercial spaces earmarked for the 12,418sq m site, opposite Stockland shopping mall if approved.
Merrylands resident Gillian Kirby disagreed with the proposed mix of units — 50 per cent are one-bedroom apartments and two per cent have three bedrooms.
This was despite only 15.6 per cent of Cumberland residents living in single households and 40 per cent living in homes with four or more people.
Ms Kirby also objected to the number of shops planned and wanted more space allocated for recreation instead.
“Do we need another supermarket? We already have three,’’ she said.
“Why not provide something other than more retail if they want to provide a vibrant space for people. Perhaps bring back the movie theatre that was promised — when it was removed years ago.”
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Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou agreed the number of one-bedroom units proposed was at odds with the community demographic.
“Fifty one-bedroom units is overkill,’’ he said.
“The majority of people moving into the area are young families.”
Cr Christou said he would be advocating for extra infrastructure including public transport, footpaths, and green space.
“I am constantly lobbying the State Government and liaising to ensure Cumberland City residents receive the necessary infrastructure,’’ he said.
“Infrastructure upgrades are not just limited to council alone. They involve the help of the State Government.”
However, Coronation Property spokesman Aras Labutis said the additional units complied with the council’s control plans for Merrylands Town Centre.
“It’s in line with council’s controls,’’ he said.
“We’re not seeking to go above those controls. We’re excited about what we can deliver out there.”
Subject to approval, the complex would be completed by 2023.
Cumberland Council is exhibiting the plans for public feedback until June 5.
● haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au