Major Wollongong Development Receives Court Approval
The Land and Environment Court has given the green light to a significant five-tower residential development that will replace the Illawarra Leagues Club in Church Street, Wollongong. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the city's urban landscape, with developer Themisto planning to construct 204 apartments across the prominent site.
Development Details and Planning Process
The ambitious project, known as the Five Islands development, will occupy the Church Street frontage and extend into two lots on Burelli Street. The development application was originally lodged with Wollongong City Council in August 2024, with Themisto initiating proceedings in the Land and Environment Court after experiencing what's known as a deemed refusal.
During June, the court facilitated a conciliation conference between the developer and council representatives. This process was temporarily adjourned to allow Themisto to create revised plans that addressed council concerns. The modified designs included creating internal access from one building to communal open space and activating street frontage through additional glass windows.
The revised plans resulted in slight height increases for three buildings due to changes in laneway levels between structures, ultimately adding two extra apartments to the original 202-dwelling proposal. One building now stands at 25.57 metres, slightly exceeding the 24-metre maximum height limit, necessitating a variation request submitted to council.
Addressing Height Variations and Community Response
The court judgment explained that the height variation resulted from increased site levels along the eastern edge to facilitate future through-site connection between Burelli Street and Stewart Street. The raising of site levels lifted the building and resulted in a minor exceedance to the height control for the southern portion of the roof form, the judgment noted.
These amended plans underwent public exhibition, with no submissions received from the community during this period. The court ultimately found the variation request acceptable, noting that the council had approved the application. As part of the settlement, Themisto has been ordered to pay the council $7000 in costs.
This approval represents one of Wollongong's most significant recent urban development projects, transforming a key city centre location while adding substantial residential capacity to the area. The project's progression through the Land and Environment Court demonstrates the complex planning processes involved in major urban redevelopment projects across New South Wales.
