Bennelong Cove, Wentworth Point development to go on public exhibition
Plans for a swanky waterfront complex boasting two towers, at 50 and 40 storeys, and a $20 million swimming pool could be scrapped if transport for potential residents isn’t up to scratch.
Parramatta
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A waterfront Wentworth Point development could accommodate 1000 residents over a two-tower complex with a $20 million swimming pool and childcare centre but developers’ ambitions might be thwarted if transport demands are not met.
Parramatta Council recently gave Billbergia’s Bennelong Cove project the green light to go on public exhibition for feedback into “scenario two’’ - which includes a 40-storey and 50-storey tower.
FJMT and Martha Schwartz Architects have submitted designs for the bold project.
Billbergia development director Rick Graf said the project was ready to progress because the State Government had pledged its commitment or completed transport projects including the Metro West, extra free shuttle bus services, more public buses, WestConnex and additional T9 train services for rapidly-growing Wentworth Point.
Under its $70 million voluntary planning agreement with the council, Mr Graf said Billbergia also planned to upgrade the Hill Rd and Bennelong Parkway intersection with traffic lights to improve traffic flow.
“In summary, Billbergia has worked closely with the community for over 12 years at Wentworth Point and delivered vital community infrastructure,’’ he said.
But Parramatta Liberal councillor Steve Issa said the development could only get the green light if the council and Transport for NSW supported Billbergia’s plans.
“They’re (Billbergia) saying they’re satisfied the whole infrastructure’s there, we’re saying it’s not that easy,’’ Cr Issa said.
The council’s preference is to have the second stage of the light rail — which the government has failed to promise will be built — as well as the Metro.
Other preferences include bus links to Lidcombe station, and a bridge over the Parramatta River, initially planned as part of the light rail.
“I’m a big advocate for the bridge over Parramatta River not just for Melrose Park but Wentworth Point,’’ Cr Issa said.
“If we’re not going to have the light rail I still think a bridge would be beneficial like Billbergia built for Rhodes (Central complex).
Stage two of the light rail is seen as imperative to connect Parramatta with Sydney Olympic Park and serve booming suburbs such as Wentworth Point and Melrose Park.
READ MORE: Business chamber calls for light rail stage two
State one replaces Carlingford line
The swimming pool is also a point of contentious because the council would not operate the facility, and the $20 million allocated towards it would take away from a public park planned for the site.
Wentworth Point community representative Clement Lun favoured a swimming pool over the indoor courts, which would be a “duplication” of facilities under development for Peninsula Park.
“I think the swimming pool would be quite beneficial to the community because there’s no pool for this area,’’ he said.
“There is a pool at Olympic Park but not for this suburb with 12,000 (residents) and growing. It’s on the wish list.’’
However, Mr Lun did support the council’s push for the government to commit to the light rail’s second stage.
He was a member of the government’s light rail stakeholders’ group, which has not met since he learned it was “taking a break’’ in January.
Billbergia has not yet lodged development application for Bennelong Cove, with the immediate priority to gauge public benefit of the project.
Plans will go on public exhibition with Parramatta Council in July.