Wollongong’s Growth Drives Project, Proposal Surge

There’s a lot going on in the ‘Gong right now, with a slew of development applications and planned developments in the works or in early stages. The city has been growing at a rapid rate, charged by several local government-led growth strategies to drive Wollongong as a thriving, sustainable city. Key plans include managing urban growth, diversifying and growing metro Wollongong’s economy, attracting new business investments while supporting existing ones and housing strategies that focus on balancing development with population growth. NSW Government projections tip that the Illawarra population will grow by more than 90,000 people by 2041. According to a Regional Development Australia report, “these figures indicate we will require more than 40,000 new dwellings by 2041 at what would be historically high completion rates for construction, at a time when materials and tradespeople are both expensive and in short supply”. Translation: There are many opportunities for developers. And the number of applications and plans in the pipeline suggest they’re taking the initiative. For example, TQM Design &amp; Construct’s $18-million, nine-storey shoptop development at 109-115 Church Street. The proposed development comprises nine floors with six one-bedroom, 32 two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom apartments for a total of 45 homes. Nine are designated for in-fill affordable housing. The property, comprised of four allotments with a total site area of 1718sq m, is on a main north-south running street in Wollongong, just 800m from Wollongong Station, and close to shops, entertainment areas, and parks and schools. Already active in the Wollongong area, TQM is also involved in a planned $61.7-million, 23-storey tower just up the road from its planned 24-storey mixed-use tower at 4 Auburn Street . ▲ A render of TQM's planned tower at 4 Auburn Street and, pictured at top, the developer's nine-storey scheme for 109-115 Church Street. BCI indicates that the project at 21 Auburn St, about 400m from the CBD, will deliver 164 homes in a mix of 22 single, 119 two, 22 three-bedroom apartments, and a single five-bedroom apartment. There will be 29 apartments designated as affordable housing. Kenny Street in Wollongong’s CBD is proving a hotbed of planned projects , with new mixed-use and residential projects in the pipeline. Wollongong-based developers Blaq Projects have won approval for construction of a $33-million, 18-storey tower at 24-30 Kenny Street, comprising 68 units, and a 78-key hotel with amenities incuding a café, swimming pool, and gym. The hotel operator remains unconfirmed. At the northern end of the CBD, Belvedere on Keira is planning a seven-story shoptop residential building at 81-85 Keira Street. This project comprises 43 apartments with 1889sq m designated for ground floor retail space. More recently there’s a $58-million development planned for 270-272 Keira Street and 27-29 Kenny Street, which involves the construction of two mixed-use buildings of 6 and 14 storeys with basement parking, ground floor commercial and apartments atop. The applicant is listed as Radebi Pty Ltd trading as PRD Architects. Registered architect Peter Rasa is listed as the owner and company director. The Urban Developer contacted the company. And about 2.5km north of the Wollongong CBD, Homes NSW has a $400-million proposal in play that aims to revitalise the Gwynneville Precinct by increasing housing density and diversity. The project involves rezoning most of the precinct from R2 Low Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential and increasing open space. Existing lots in the area between Madoline Street, Irvine Street, Murphys Avenue and those with Paulsgrove Street frontage will be amalgamated into one of 17 development sites of between 1330sq m and 6200 square metres. ▲ Gwynneville Precinct rezoning would deliver 1250 houses. The changes to the planning controls would enable the construction of 1250 homes, according to Homes NSW. The proposed housing mix includes 50 per cent social and affordable housing and 50 per cent to contribute to the overall housing supply and economic development of the precinct. Within the market housing component, there will be a mix of different home types comprising seniors housing, including independent living units or retirement villages; student accommodation as student apartments or shared houses, and housing for essential workers including healthcare professionals, teachers, and police officers. The proposal is part of a Homes NSW investigation of “potential rezoning to allow for housing renewal and increased density to help meet Wollongong’s urgent need to new diverse housing supply”. Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong has filed an appeal over the refusal of its plan for the Xavier Centre—a $58m multi-storey mixed-use development at 23 Auburn Street .

Wollongong’s Growth Drives Project, Proposal Surge

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