Traffic fears rejected, height increased
A developer has slashed the amount of car parking proposed for a 22-storey mixed-use residential tower at the ‘triangle’ block opposite the Crows Nest Hotel, following concerns about oversupply.
The $140.9 million proposal for 188 apartments by Deicorp Projects borders Alexander and Falcon streets and the Pacific Highway at an area known as the Crows Nest junction. It is under assessment by the NSW Government as of ‘state significance.’
After two public exhibitions this year, including one in September, Deicorp has decided to reduce commercial/retail parking from 130 to 20 spaces following concerns from Transport for NSW and North Sydney Council. Deicorp said it expected less commuting due to the nearby Crows Nest Metro.
Council already rejected a 16-storey local environment plan amendment for the site in December, 2023. Following State Government changes to housing regulations in 2024, Deicorp made changes to its plan and raised the tower from 78.6 metres to 80.3 – well above the 16-storey cap for the area (58.5 metres).
Council said in its June, 2024 objection to the development: “The advancement of this scheme offends both proper strategic and statutory planning and established urban design principles for the site.
“The excessive floor space ratio, sought along with the provision of a central void space, results in an excessive level of bulk, overshadowing and extreme visual impact with expansive, dominating façades on what is a visually prominent site.”
It is expected that the mixed-use ‘Five Ways’ tower, which will have retail, commercial and 15 per cent affordable housing, will take two years to build. Excavation alone will take six months. The Wollstonecraft Precinct, which opposes the development, estimates that 85,000 cubic metres of waste will need to be removed during excavation to construct a seven-level basement. Deicorp said there will be at peak 50 trucks a day needed, with Alexander Street the only road to be used for set-down.
The site is known for its enormous billboard on top of the corner block – in previous years even hosting election advertisements from Clive Palmer – but Deicorp has decided because of objections that it will not keep a similar wraparound sign.
There were 45 out of 51 submissions against the May proposal, with 18 out of 24 against the revamped September version, with most concerns on height, bulk and traffic. Deicorp said the response to submissions report had ‘thoroughly addressed community and authority concerns, including those related to height (and) traffic impact.’
“The development will foster vibrant communities and positively contribute to Crows Nest’s socio-economic landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the area’s future.”