Overview
Thanks to a fast-track approval pathway instated by the NSW Government, a number of hospitality groups and operators have submitted proposals to develop multimillion-dollar multi-storey housing developments on suburban sites that are home to pubs and clubs, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. While coming at an opportune time amidst ongoing housing shortages across the country, some parties are concerned that the developments threaten heritage sites.
The proposals were submitted to the Housing Delivery Authority, a state government initiative that allows developers to circumvent local council approvals for major residential developments that can begin construction within a year. Since its establishment, the HDA has approved over 300 major developments, all bypassing councils and going directly to the state government for approval.
Trent van der Jagt
While a number of proposals submitted to the HDA are revisions of previously rejected proposals (now reworked with the density that they need for HDA approval), several original proposals are coming from the hospitality sector, with high-density housing now earmarked on land previously exclusive to local RSLs and pubs.
Proposed sites for the mixed-use developments include a two-tower, 440-unit development on the Cabramatta Hotel site, a 15-storey tower above the Narwee Hotel, 190 apartments above the heritage Strathfield Hotel and 291 apartments on the Palms Hotel site in Chullora — all of which are owned by Iris Capital, which has submitted 10 proposals to HDA, totalling almost 2500 apartments.
Trent van der Jagt
In Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches, the Dee Why Hotel, which just completed a $3 million makeover last year, has submitted a proposal for 115 apartments and community facilities to be built on neighbouring land — while the owners of the Castle Hill Tavern and Forest Hotel are reportedly exploring redevelopment options.
One of the largest proposals submitted is in Sydney's south, where Mortdale RSL has proposed a 20-storey development that would see a neighbouring apartment block demolished to make way for the project, which includes 233 apartments, a supermarket and a rebuilt club.
Speaking in support of the HDA as an approval pathway for housing projects, Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout told SMH, "Local council planning systems have failed to deliver sufficient housing because [controls] particularly around height and density meant [proposals] were no longer commercially feasible."
Images: Dee Why Hotel
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