Developer sets out to create upscale multigenerational community
LONDON: A developer has set out to create an upscale multigenerational community from scratch on a regeneration site.
A group of landowners are pushing ahead with a proposal to create a “European-style boulevard” with 15-storey buildings – and more than 700 units – in a busy suburban shopping strip.
The Georges River mayor fears a proposal to create 15-storey buildings with 700 apartments in a suburban shopping strip will result in a major Beverly Hills road becoming similar to the notoriously-congested Canterbury Rd.
The Beverley Hills Land Owners Association has lodged a planning proposal with Georges River Council for mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, which could include between 726 and 777 dwellings along 407-511 King Georges Rd.
“It presents a significant opportunity to commence transformation of the town centre into a vibrant, liveable, and attractive place which can better meet the needs of existing and future residents,” the proposal says.
The developers seek to increase the height from 15m to 44m and 50m along the western side of the road, as well as increase the floor space ratio.
That would increase the building height to 15 storeys on the entry and exit points on the road, and 12 storeys in the middle.
The association – which comprises local landowners who advocate for the renewal of the western portion of the town centre – has requested a rezoning review with the Department of Planning and Environment.
The Sydney South Planning Panel will assess the planning proposal and evaluate if the proposal should progress to gateway determination.
The council does not support the proposal, which seeks to change planning controls to allow for “feasible redevelopment of the western side of King Georges Road”.
An association spokesman said they wanted to transform the Beverly Hills Town Centre into “a European-style boulevard complete with new residential options, restaurants and night-time entertainment”.
“Urgent consideration is needed given Georges River Council’s own draft masterplan for the precinct has been stuck on hold since 2020,” he said.
“Development facilitated by the proposal would deliver more than 750 new dwellings, provide over 750 construction jobs and result in more than 250 permanent jobs, meeting local employment needs for the foreseeable future.
“The proposal has significant urban design and community benefits including minimal overshadowing, active street frontages set back from the main road to ensure footpath widening and increased site through links.”
The spokesman said the association members would continue to work with the council to ensure the revitalisation of the town centre by utilising the best mix of residential, commercial and retail space.
The planning proposal would see the redevelopment of 52 lots within walking distance of the Beverly Hills railway station and would contribute towards achieving the council’s dwelling targets, on a site that is significantly less constrained than the eastern part of the town centre.
Georges River mayor Nick Katris said the proposal was “very high density” in “very tall buildings”.
He said a proposal for the area should be “realistic and sensible in balancing the need to provide housing and the impact on the local neighbourhood”, noting the current proposal “doesn’t do that at all”.
“King Georges Rd has problems because it has become an expressway through a suburban shopping centre and I fear it will end up like Canterbury Road where the shops will die,” Cr Katris said.
“The council would really like to see urban renewal which would be a good retail centre with new shops supported by a reasonable number of apartments.”
The rezoning review comes after Georges River councillors opted to not proceed with the exhibited Beverly Hills Local Centre, which included the western and eastern sides of King Georges Road.
Mr Katris acknowledged the delay in creating a masterplan.
“The council has attempted to work to get the best favourable outcome for local residents and the local community,” he said. “But that hasn’t happened yet and the developers are entitled to apply for a rezoning review.
“My only fear, which is shared by people in the community, is whatever happens on the western side may end up being reflected on the eastern side.”
