‘What the Crag?!’ Quad consultation ‘inadequate:’ residents
Community consultation sessions on the development of the former Quadrangle site at 100 Edinburgh Road in Castlecrag were described as ‘inadequate’ and ‘underwhelming.’ Over 200 Castlecrag residents attended four sessions on 12 November, organised by developer Conquest, to discuss the $250 million, 11-storey, 150-dwelling development.
Craig McCarthy from local campaigners 100 Action Group told NL that Conquest did not have a delegate present that planners Principle Planning + Urban Design were ‘bombarded with questions’ they could not answer, instead referring people to the concept drawings displayed on two easels.
“There was no scale, no accompanying shadow diagrams, landscaping or other standard components of a professional presentation,” said Mr McCarthy. “There were no discussions (regarding) public toilets, coffee shops, or whether there would be grease traps,” he added. “The planners just kept on referring to the concept boards that were on display. If this is the extent of the community consultation, it’s totally and utterly inadequate.”
Former site owner Greencliff had approval for a five-storey shop-top build with 38 dwellings, but sold it in May to Conquest for $68 million, which is proposing a larger development.
Residents have voiced concerns about traffic, overshadowing and the impact on the heritage aspects of Castlecrag, an area established and designed by Australian architect Walter Burley Griffin almost a century ago.
Willoughby councillor Roy McCullagh said the session he attended was ‘underwhelming.’ “There was no Q&A, just a little art gallery with two boards on easels at either end of the room,” Mr McCullagh told NL. “It was more of a subtle sales pitch.”
Mr McCullagh said the voices of many people who did supported the development were not being heard. “If people keep objecting, nothing will ever happen,” he said. “That’s the catch 22.”
A spokesperson for Conquest told NL that it ‘was a privilege to hear from those who attended.’
“The attendees shared what they liked and what they saw could be improved on the new options. Traffic is always going to be a challenge on any new development, and I’d say this was the main concern across the sessions,” the spokesperson said.
“The mixed-use retail will offer bespoke experiences and cafe and dining options with plenty of public space to meet and socialise, with living options in the residential zones including affordable housing.”
For more information, see 100edinburgh.com.