A significant parcel of land on the edge of Wollongong's central business district is poised for a major transformation, with plans unveiled for apartment towers reaching up to 15 storeys in height.
State Significant Development Proposal
The ambitious proposal targets the prominent corner of Throsby Drive and Foley Street, encompassing the former University of Wollongong-owned Weerona student accommodation complex. The scale of the project has led the NSW government to classify it as a state significant development, moving its assessment to a higher planning level.
According to a recently submitted scoping report, the development would feature multiple residential towers ranging from six to fifteen storeys across the site. While the final design is still being determined, the report indicates the project could yield approximately 300 new dwellings. These would be offered in a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom configurations to cater to a diverse range of residents.
Mixed-Use Vision for Housing and Community
The development's stated goal is to provide housing for a broad cross-section of the community. The scoping report outlines an intent to supply homes for permanent households, students, sports-related visitors, and key workers from nearby facilities like the Wollongong Hospital.
"The proposal would seek to provide housing for students or similar given the site's proximity to the University of Wollongong and the adjacent sporting complexes which hold numerous invitational amateur and semi-professional events," the report stated.
While the focus is predominantly residential, the plans also allow for the potential inclusion of a shop-top housing component. This element is envisioned to address food and beverage demands generated by the extensive recreation facilities at neighbouring Beaton Park.
Planning Process and Key Questions
The site, which was purchased by Realta Enterprises for $22 million in October 2021, currently requires rezoning for the proposed high-density use to proceed. The NSW Department of Planning has now directed the project proponents to prepare a full environmental impact assessment.
In its response, the department highlighted several areas requiring further clarification. It noted that the current documentation suggests only 6 per cent of the dwellings would be designated as affordable housing, which falls short of the 10 per cent target initially indicated in an Expression of Interest process.
The department also requested more precise details regarding the proposed housing models, which currently list a wide variety of potential uses. These include market-rate dwellings, affordable and social housing, short-term rentals, build-to-rent schemes, key worker and student accommodation, as well as commercial, retail, and community facilities.
The progression of this large-scale proposal will be closely watched, as it promises to significantly alter the streetscape at a key entrance to the Wollongong CBD while addressing pressing needs for diverse housing options in the region.
