Tension ran high during a heated public meeting attended by billionaire developer Harry Triguboff regarding a proposed construction of a 90-meter tower in Zetland, as local residents and community leaders joined forces to voice concerns about what they perceive to be “inadequate project infrastructure.“
Meriton, the development company owned by Triguboff, submitted plans to modify the approved designs for the former Holden Suttons car dealership on Epsom Rd and South Dowling St. The proposed modification seeks to increase the height limit, allowing for the construction of a towering 25-story building.
As a result, the height of surrounding structures on the site would be reduced. The ambitious project aims to deliver 784 apartments and 30 townhouses.
Despite the development site falling within a neighboring local government area, Randwick Council unanimously passed a resolution during a recent meeting, urging the City of Sydney to reject the modified plans put forth by Meriton.
The proposal has sparked a wave of backlash from worried residents in Zetland and West Kensington. Over 60 residents, along with Heffron state Labor MP Ron Hoenig, gathered at Rosary Primary School’s Jubilee Hall to rally against the construction of the 90-meter tower.
Hoenig urged residents to submit “reasonable” objections to the City of Sydney, emphasizing that the zoning of the site would inevitably lead to high-rise developments, regardless of Meriton’s involvement.
The primary concern voiced by residents revolves around the potential impact of the proposed tower on local infrastructure and parking availability. There is a prevailing fear that the City of Sydney residents, once occupying the new development, would flood into West Kensington, burdening the already limited parking options.
At an earlier inquiry into Randwick Council’s objection to the development, Triguboff defended Meriton’s adherence to regulatory requirements, pointing out that the site falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Sydney. He dismissed the concerns raised by Randwick Council, asserting that Zetland offered an array of amenities for its residents, including shops, childminding centers, and supermarkets.
However, Randwick Councilor Andrew Hay vehemently rejected Triguboff’s remarks, warning that if the proposal were to proceed, West Kensington would be reduced to a mere parking lot for the new residents. Hay argued that the number of parking spaces proposed by Meriton was insufficient and called on the City of Sydney to be a “good neighbor” and incorporate additional parking spaces into the plan.
Another Randwick Councilor, Alexandra Luxford, echoed Hay’s sentiments and emphasised the urgent need for improved public transportation in the area. She highlighted the scarcity of bus routes, pointing out that the 370 bus route had been voted the worst in Sydney.
Despite the mounting pushback, Triguboff remained firm in his stance, declaring a necessity for high-rise apartments in the area. He defended his long history in the housing industry, stating that he had been building for 60 years and that a few more apartments would not make a significant difference. Triguboff also contended that Zetland was already teeming with apartment buildings.
Published 9-June-2023
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