Wests Group propose $5.8m townhouse DA at New Lambton

The powerful Wests Group is proposing to demolish four homes across the road from its New Lambton headquarters and replace them with 10 two-storey townhouses in a major redevelopment worth more than $5.8 million.

Wests Group has proposed a new 10-townhouse development across four adjoining blocks on corner of Rugby Rd and Lambton Rd, New Lambton. Artist impression: EJE Architecture

The powerful Wests Group is proposing to demolish four houses across the road from its New Lambton headquarters and replace them with 10 townhouses in a major redevelopment worth more than $5.8 million.

A development application is now in front of Newcastle City Council for the two rows of five two-storey townhouses, which will take out four existing blocks and single storey homes adjoining Rugby Rd, Lambton Rd and Hobart Ln.

An environmental effects statement as part of the proposal, which exceeds height limits by less than a metre in some areas, said the development would add to the changing look of the western suburb of Newcastle.

“The proposal will provide 10 townhouse style dwellings in proximity to the New Lambton local centre, adding much-needed housing choice and diversity to the locality,” the report, authored by Williams Planning and Property Services, said.

“ The design, density and style of the proposed development is consistent with that of new townhouse developments near the site ... and is in keeping with the surrounding low-density residential environment.

The overall site is rectangular in shape and has a combined area of approximately 1891 square metres with frontages to Hobart Lane to the north-east, Rugby Road to the south-east and Lambton Road to the south-west.

“The proposal has been carefully designed to enhance the site and surrounding area and mitigate potential impacts upon neighbours and the streetscape.

“A number of sustainability measures have been incorporated into the design, in addition to a comprehensive landscaping regime. In these ways, the proposal will respect residential amenity, the evolving character of the surrounding area, and the quality of the environment.”

The proposal would see two rows of five two-storey townhouses across four adjoining blocks on the corner of Rugby Rd and Lambton Rd, New Lambton. Artist impression: EJE Architecture

The report said each townhouse would be of three bedrooms and nine of them will have an attached garage while the other with have a detached garage.

Some 25 trees on the site would be removed and replaced under the proposal, while one row of the attached townhouses would sit above the other.

Each townhouse would boast three bedrooms on the upper level along with two bathrooms and an open-plan combined kitchen, dining and living areas on the ground floor.

They would also each have a 16 square metre private outside area.

The estimated cost was reported as $5,882,653.

“The units would predominantly be constructed of lightweight metal cladding with sheet metal roofing. Various facade treatments including face brickwork and horizontal cladding at ground level and vertical aluminium battens at level 1 serve to ‘ground’ the development,” the proposal said.

“These treatments, along with alternating lighter and darker colours, provide visual interest and articulation to the overall development.

“The materials and finishes for the proposal conceptually show a neutral palate of complementary materials.

“The scheme does not seek to rely on an excessive use of colours or variation in materials in an attempt to give the design interest.

“The materials and finishes proposed will allow for architectural merit of the proposal to shine, without being overbearing or dominant.”

The proposal comes as construction continues on the high-end “boarding house” for Newcastle Knights players at a price tag of nearly $2.5 million.