A landmark proposal to transform two adjoining blocks in the heart of Burwood’s CBD has moved one step closer to realisation with a major endorsement from New South Wales planning authorities.
The proposal made by Holdmark Property Group involved merging the block on either side of Wynne Avenue and fronting Railway Parade, and constructing a new residential precinct.
The precinct is proposed to include around 1,000 apartments divided in to four residential towers, ranging from 20 to 42 levels and an A-grade commercial office building.
The project would also create a state of the art retail centre which features an open fresh food market at ground level plus other supporting speciality retail outlets and dedicated entertainment and leisure facilities, all focused around a new sun-filled public plaza.
The vision for central Burwood has been positively received by the Greater Sydney Commission and the Department of Planning and Environment, with the planning proposal achieving a supportive Gateway Determination.
Holdmark Property Group sold the idea on the basis of creating opportunities for affordable housing and thousands of new jobs.
Economic modelling as part of the proposal indicates the impact of the new development could result in over $40 million more in annual income to local workers through the creation of new job opportunities.
Holdmark Property Group Head of Development Gavin Carrier said the approvals were a terrific outcome for the growth and advancement of Burwood, and Burwood Council should be congratulated on their future-thinking attitude to the project.
"We believe this project will be the making of Burwood for generations to come and, as the community’s representatives, Council has a very important role to play in shaping that opportunity,” he said.
Holdmark lodged the Planning Proposal with Burwood Council in September 2015.
Council voted for the Planning Proposal to move ahead to the Gateway planning process in May last year. Since then, Holdmark’s team including two of Australia’s leading architectural firms, Cox Architects and Architectus, have liaised with Council to refine the concept.
“The involvement of not one, but two outstanding, multi-award-winning architectural firms has resulted in a magnificent and dynamic design that is not just visually stunning, but we believe really captures the aspirational spirit of the people of Burwood,” Mr Carrier said.
“It will be an iconic new landmark to signify the growing importance of Burwood as one of Sydney’s key strategic socio-economic hubs.
"We are now looking forward to continuing to work closely with Council, the community and our existing tenants to put all the necessary approvals in place for the delivery of this fantastic development,” he said.
The project will now move through further consultations and approvals.
“Whilst the realisation of this vision is still subject to several more stages in the consultation and approval process, the positive Gateway Determination is a very important initial milestone to achieve,” Mr Carrier said.
