‘Outrageous’: Division amongst Sydney locals over proposal of skinny new Alexandria apartment block

Locals of a high-priced suburb are fired up over an “outrageous” new building proposal on their street. But not everyone is baying for blood.

A Sydney suburb is buzzing with debate over a proposal to squeeze a six-storey building onto a block of land barely wider than a single car space.

Blueshore Development Group is behind the controversial $5.8 million project in Alexandria, in the city’s inner south. It aims to transform the 271-square-metre site into five apartments, arguing that it offers “optimal density” as the city grapples with skyrocketing property prices and rent.

If approved, the building will be seven storeys and dwarf nearby family homes in all directions.

But not everyone is sold on the idea. A chorus of frustrated residents have lodged angry submissions to the City of Sydney Council, blasting the development for a myriad of reasons.

“This development adds nothing to public or affordable housing in the residential area of Alexandria, causes immense overshadowing on a narrow block, offers no parking, and will set a precedent,” Cynthia Talone wrote in a searing critique.

Some even went so far as calling the proposal “outrageous”, while others claimed that high-density developments belong in places like Hong Kong or Manhattan and not their precious Alexandria.

“Hopefully common sense will prevail and this outrageous development will be totally rejected,” she said.

A Sydney suburb is buzzing with debate over a proposal to squeeze a six-storey building onto a block of land barely wider than a single car space.

Others pointed out that apartment buildings built on a single block of land often make secure parking impossible, meaning more congestion after multiple new residents move into the street.

“There is an extremely high likelihood that three bedroom apartments will house families, who often have at least 1 car per household,” the local wrote.

“I implore the council to require at least 1 car parking spot for each apartment, and a provision for two or more visitor parking spots too.

“This area is very difficult to park in, and this will only add further congestion and illegal parking if not addressed.”

Those on the other side of the debate see the proposed building as a much-needed boost to the city’s housing market.

Housing supply, especially in the city’s inner suburbs, has become a hot topic in recent years. While the idea of turning old terrace houses into high density apartments may seem unappealing to stalwart locals, it may be the only option to bring the rents down long term as demand continues to climb.

“It’s an ideal development, located close to the city, Metro, and Alexandria Park. It should be approved as quickly as possible,” Kieren Ash said in his submission.

Another local saw it as a breath of fresh air compared to the high price tags on older properties.

Blueshore Development Group's plans said the five-apartment project (pictured) would provide 'optimal density' for the 271sq metre site and would help tackle the city's housing crisis

“I’d like to move into something like this rather than expensive old terraces with a view of a mouldy wall,” he said.

Others said they liked the idea, but thought the current proposal was far too high and recommended lowering it by a few stories.

“I am fully supportive of increasing residential density near the new Waterloo station, and of replacing single family houses with small apartment buildings,” Ben Hutchinson wrote.

“However, the height of the proposal is disproportionate to nearby apartment blocks, including not just on Wyndham but also 11 Power Ave.”

The location, just 120 metres from the new Waterloo Metro, has been a key selling point for the developer, who argues that the central accessibility of the project will help relieve Sydney’s ongoing housing crisis.

“It will enable the delivery of much-needed housing, alleviating pressure on the NSW housing crisis,” Blueshore Development Group said.

If given the green light, each of the five single-floor apartments would feature three bedrooms, with the top floor featuring its own private rooftop.

The other four units would share access to a rooftop communal space, along with a landscaped open area at the rear of the lot.

news.com.au has reached out to Blueshore for additional comment.