Kensington to Kingsford rezoning plan moves ahead
Plans for 18-storey towers in the eastern suburbs have been pitched as a proposal to rezone the areas has moved ahead. It could make the area the next megacity if a $300 million draft goes ahead.
Residents will have another say on whether 18-storey plans for Kensington and Kingsford are pragmatic, or will encourage developers to seek greater building heights.
Randwick councillors on Tuesday voted to progress the $300 million Kensington to Kingsford (K2K) draft planning strategy, also known as a rezoning, to public exhibition for feedback.
The changes would allow towers of up to 18-storeys at Todman Square, Kensington, and Kingsford mid-town. Towers of up to 17-storeys would be allowed around the Nine Ways at Kingsford. Developers had lobbied for more than 20-storeys.
However, towers of up to nine-storeys would be the limit for the majority of properties in both town centres. The current limit is seven-storeys.
Kensington resident Rosemary MacKenzie was concerned about the sites chosen for 18 and 17-storey buildings.
She wanted to know why some sites were designated for taller buildings than others.
“Todman Ave is the wrong site for high-rise,” she said.
“It seems foolish to put towers at that intersection.
“We just can’t see the arguments to favour some sites for more height.”
Ms MacKenzie said she was concerned those who owned land next to the proposed 18 and 17-storey sites would still seek the greater height limit.
The many people expected to arrive at Kensington and Kingsford by the fledgling light rail route has been a catalyst to rethink the town centres.
Four councillors argued that the plans be deferred until the impact of light rail services could be assessed.
However most councillors voted to continue.
Cr Murray Matson was one of them and said the council needed to have its own planning strategy, or developers would appeal to the government for greater heights.
“If we don’t play this card now, we will never get to play it,” he said.
The Kensington to Kingsford (K2K) draft planning strategy will be put on exhibition for feedback over six weeks.
The State Government has so far endorsed the K2K strategy but will have the final say.
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