Castlecrag residents ready to fight their corner
Castlecrag residents are poised for battle with developer Conquest over its proposed $250 million 11-storey shop top development with 150 luxury apartments on the former Quadrangle site.
Former site owner Greencliff had already mostly demolished the site, but sold the 100 Edinburgh Road lot to Conquest in May for an alleged $68 million.
The Castlecrag Progress Association (CPA) hosted a meeting on 30 July where up to 400 residents united to oppose the new proposal and formed the 100 Action Group.
CPA secretary Tim Donohoo told NL that residents were bitter and upset by what he described as the ‘underhanded way’ Conquest had acted. Mr Donohoo said Conquest had not informed ‘anybody’ about submitting an expression of interest to the Housing Development Authority to have the project declared a State Significant Development, bypassing Willoughby Council.
“If they wished to amend the (existing) development application, why not come out with it and say, ‘Well, this is what we’re thinking. Can we talk with the community? Let’s have a discussion,’” said Mr Donohoo.
“The proposal is grossly oversized for the block and for the area. We’re not against development. We’re happy to take our share and proceed with the (already) approved plan.”
The approved DA was a five-storey shop-top development with 38 dwellings.
Residents raised traffic and overshadowing concerns and the impact on the heritage aspects of Castlecrag. Renowned Australian architect Walter Burley Griffin established Castlecrag, designing distinctive houses in the area almost a century ago. “We’re unique because of the Griffin legacy,” said Mr Donohoo. “The contrary appearance of an 11-storey modern design would be out of character.”
Willoughby councillor Roy McCullagh said he was opposed to the new proposal and had been helping residents advocate on the development for years. “What they are doing is not illegal, but it does not pass the pub test.”
A spokesperson for Conquest told NL that it was ‘responding to the state’s critical need for more housing.’ “We are working closely with the state planning department to explore refinements to the approved plan,” the spokesperson said. “Our vision for a thoughtfully curated, high-quality development that enhances the area remains unchanged.”
Conquest said it would ‘hosting workshops and forums to listen to your ideas, understand your needs, and work together to shape the final design.’ “Your voice is essential to this process, and you will have your say.”
Conquest has launched community website where the community can ask questions and register for updates: 100edinburgh.com