Shoptop Redevelopment for Western Sydney RSL Site

Shoptop plans have been green lit for a site belonging to the Fairfield Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) club. 

The site at 1 to 9 Dale Street, and part of 14 Anzac Avenue, houses the current RSL.

While the club itself will be preserved, current onsite buildings, a range of one-to-two-storey commercial buildings, will be demolished to make way for a mixed-use development.

The application to Fairfield City Council proposes the construction of a four-storey building with five commercial tenancies, with gross floor areas (GFA) ranging from 94 to 140 square metres.

Twenty residential units will be built on levels one and two, which is being project-managed by Global Project NSW.

It will also involve the reallocation of carparking within the adjacent Fairfield RSL carpark. 

The development will present to Dale and Vine streets as a three-storey building with a set back fourth storey that provides access to a rooftop area of communal open space. 

The front facade has been modulated with recessed balconies “which help to break down the bulk and scale of the building,” the development group said.

The development could be a precursor to further development, according to the application, with opportunities to extend the development height to up to 12 storeys.

▲ Indicative plans by Altis showing additional floor levels that be added to the scheme, subject to any future applications

According to developers, the proposal will contribute to the urban renewal within Fairfield City Centre through the redevelopment of an underutilised site. 

“The proposed ground-level commercial tenancies will support the wider community whilst also activating both the Dale Street and Vine Street frontage providing an improved urban design outcome,” it said.

RSL Clubs, given their position at the heart of communities, have proven to be hotbeds for redevelopment in recent years. 

Opportunities are currently available with Cronulla RSL, while Castle Hill RSL is undertaking a $340-million seniors living development, and Richmond RSL in Melbourne is planning a four-storey shoptop development similar to Fairfield’s.

However, others have struggled with the fast-changing planning landscape.