New Development Application Aims to Break Windang's Longstanding 'Curse'
A notorious block of land in Windang, situated just metres from Lake Illawarra, has once again become the focus of development plans after resisting construction for more than two decades. The vacant parcel on Windang Road, sold by Wollongong City Council in 1993, has seen multiple proposals fail over the years, earning it a local reputation as a 'cursed' site.
A History of Failed Attempts and Council Rejections
The site's troubled development history includes several notable setbacks. In 2001, plans for four townhouses were approved but never built. More recently, proposals in 2018 for four two-storey townhouses were rejected, followed by a multi-dwelling housing application knocked back in 2019. The most recent refusal occurred in 2024 for a dual occupancy plan, with council citing concerns about building height, setbacks, and inadequate on-site stormwater detention.
Now, the current owners who acquired the property in 2017 have submitted a new development application to Wollongong City Council for dual occupancy units. Their submission argues the proposal represents a high-quality, contemporary residential outcome that would enhance the local housing mix while maintaining streetscape character.
Environmental Concerns and Site Challenges
The development application includes a report highlighting several site-specific challenges that have complicated previous proposals. These include:
- The presence of asbestos on the property
- Unknown fill material believed to be linked to the construction of Windang Bridge
- Potential contamination requiring remediation before development can proceed
The environmental effects statement notes that "if the site is determined to be contaminated, it could most likely be rendered compatible for the proposed development by remediation." This suggests that while challenges exist, they may not be insurmountable with proper environmental management.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
The development application is currently on public exhibition until February 6, allowing community members to review and comment on the proposed plans. The submission emphasises that the design remains consistent with other dwellings in the street and the broader residential precinct's character.
Located just 20 metres from Lake Illawarra's shores on the northern side of the Windang Road bridge, the block represents a prime residential location that has remained undeveloped through changing property markets and council policies. Whether this latest proposal will finally break what locals have called the 'curse' of the Windang block remains to be seen as it moves through the council approval process.
