Omar Drops TOD for 21-Storey Unit Scheme at Strathfield
A 21-storey, 215-home scheme put forward by a family-owned builder-developer in Sydney’s inner west is on exhibition.
The $158-million state-significant project by Omaya would overlook the T9 heavy rail train line and station, and incorporate four retail, two commercial and one childcare tenancies as part of the mixed-use development.
A road widening of Cooper Street, new cycleways and footpaths, and seven levels of basement car parking with 213 car spaces and 232 bicycle spaces are included in the proposal.
The 3116sq m site at 32-42 Cooper Street, in the City of Canada Bay council area, is about 800m from the Strathfield train station and about 12km west of the Sydney CBD.
While the site is within the local Transport-Oriented Development zone, it does not seek the height or floor space ratios of that control, as the developer has been unable to amalgamate the lots required to access that pathway.
Instead, the application proposes a height variation to clause 4.6 of the Local Environmental Plan, while taking advantage of the lack of FSR restriction in that control. However, the proposed height of 73.6m is under the TOD control of 75m, and less than the 132m afforded under a state-led planning proposal for the site.
The application notes that Omaya holds significant land parcels in the vicinity, and is in discussion with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure over a state-led rezoning in the precinct, which may lead to design amendments.
Of the proposed 21,776sq m GFA at FSR of 6.95:1, retail tenancies would be allocated 326sq m and commercial tenancies 607sq m. Communal open space of 786sq m would be included.
Typologies proposed under the DKO design include 20 studies, eight one-bedroom units, 118 two-bedroom units, and 58 three-bedroom units.
Land at 2 Clarence Street was unable to be amalgamated into the site, despite the application describing that lot as “the first and most important land parcel to acquire in any amalgamation process”.
While the proposal puts that lot at risk of “site isolation”, under which the land may not feasibly be developed, the application cites the Karavellas principles (Karavellas v Sutherland Shire Council [2004] NSWLEC 251).
Under that decision, if reasonable attempts have been made to acquire adjoining land, and isolated lots retain practical and feasible development potential, the development may proceed.
Omaya is an area specialist and has a 27-storey tower under construction at 21 Parramatta Road at Homebush. That project builds on the approved eight-storey mixed-use project at that address.
The developer has completed residential projects across Homebush, Strathfield and Newtown during its 35-year operating history.
