Rozelle Village, mixed use development with affordable housing.

I would favour sandstone over brick for the lower facade section of the development.

Sandstone has been the building block of Australian architecture for more than two centuries, having the strength and durability to outlast many other construction materials.
In many areas, such as Balmain, Rozelle and Hunters Hill in Sydney, sandstone was readily available and virtually quarried on-site.
Sandstone serves as the foundation of many heritage villas, cottages, and contemporary houses across Australia. It has a history as rich and golden as its colour. Some of the first convicts to arrive in Australia hewed sandstone (then known as Yellow Block) to build simple housing for themselves and others.
Bricks became cheaper than stone in the 1900s, and sandstone became a luxury reserved for the front of the house.
By the time of federation in 1901, sandstone buildings for commerce and trade were an expression of the new nation’s confidence and independence.
Post-World War II, sandstone fell from favour as architects looked to the glass, concrete and steel skyscrapers of the United States. Many sandstone buildings were demolished in the decades until the conservation movement emerged in the 1970s, which recognised the significance of sandstone in Australia’s heritage.
Sandstone is recognised for its natural strength, durability, load-bearing ability, and slip-resistant nature.
Being extremely resilient, sandstone withstands the harsh Australian climate and is one of the very few building products that increases both in value and aesthetic appeal over time. Additionally, sandstone is a good insulator to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.

Reference: https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/solid-as-a-rock-200-years-of-sandstone-in-australian-architecture-stsetivw-vs~52247139

Kind Regards
Miroslav Kratky

The Rozelle Village proposal was originally submitted over 10 years ago which had much less storeys than now proposed. It was overwhelmingly rejected by the community. I strongly object to this development due to the high number of storeys. The project will be an eyesore. Far to big, sitting on top of a ridge will stand out and look so ugly.
Furthermore, Rozelle is so traffic congested. Rozelle can't handle 227 more apartments in the proposed position. I fully understand the current housing shortage/crisis but please don't ruin Rozelle with this monstrosity. There must be other land along Victoria or Parramatta Roads that would be more suitable and not look so ugly. Six storeys should be the maximum and even at 6 it will still look over the top.

The Rozelle Village will no doubt be an award winning precinct and mixed-use project. The generosity of the public realm is unprecedented in the Rozelle and Balmain areas and will become a much loved community focussed meeting place. There are very few public spaces in the neighbourhood that offer a safe haven for families, children and the elderly where they can shop, stop and have a coffee in the morning sun and be far away from the business of Victoria Road and traffic generally.
Having the West Tigers Club re-open after so many years, is a much anticipated event amongst so many local fans and the Club was always such a proud sponsor of junior clubs and events within the Balmain and Rozelle community providing much needed financial support to small local clubs.
With a lack of housing stock in the area it will be fantastic to see a portion of the site dedicated to affordable and social housing for local workers who need access to local schools, hospitals and other services.
We whole heartedly support the application and look forward to this derelict site being bought to life and to adding greatly to the local community after lying dormant for so many years. A fantastic legacy project.
Regards
Angela Bonnefin
Director Retail Strategy Group

With regards to the parking provided in this project and its impact on nearby residents (of which I am one). The number of car spaces in the project (398) is inadequate for 227 apartments, a major supermarket, retail shops, a social club and staff and services for all of this. The residents recently had a meeting with council over the negative impact of Totti's restaurant on local parking and traffic and that is a small business compared to this development. There are narrow one way streets off Darling street (including the one I live in) which struggle to cope with resident parking requirements and driving which doesn't account for children and pets in the street, and the increase in traffic of people seeking overflow parking will be intolerable. More parking and a viable treffic plan for cars entering and leaving the proposed development is essentiial for the viability, safety and quality of life for residents, most of whom have been here long before this proposal was submitted.

Dear Department,

I am against any change to the plans already approved two years ago.
Why was construction not started then?
The developers had approval for a valid project and should have honoured it by commencing the build then. We’ve now lived with a disgraceful mess for years despite promises of improvement and now for their own financial gain the developers seek more stories causing more overshadowing and parking ingress and egress pressure that the street simply cannot support.

I am the owner of 23 Waterloo Street, Rozelle.

Yours sincerely,
Maureen Cosby

I would like to raise a couple of concerns regarding the proposed development ('Rozelle Village') which I would appreciate being taken into consideration.
1. The height of the structure - the majority of dwellings and buildings in Rozelle are only 1-2 stories. Having a development reaching 14+ stories will not only stand out like a sore thumb, but does not match the aesthetic of the area.
2. Impact to traffic and congestion - although I acknowledge a transport impact assessment has been done, there is no doubt that a structure of this size and volume of potential residents will heavily impact the neighbouring roads, and the bus queues to get into the CBD. Current infrastructure will not be able to support the increase in volume, and a third party assessment is not required to reach that conclusion.
3. Neighbouring roads - the neighbouring roads are only two-way one lane roads. These roads will become completely overwhelmed if there is a significant increase in car volumes due to this development.
4. Affordable housing - I understand the need to offer affordable housing, however I am confused why a brand new apartment block is being made accessible. Simply put, why is affordable housing being offered in a relatively expensive area, whereas this housing could be made more affordable by being in another suburb. On a similar vein, why is affordable housing being offered in a brand new development, when these lots will already be more expensive than older apartments - older, less valuable blocks should be utilised more heavily to offer affordable housing.

I am sure the reasons I have stipulated above are common concerns that have / will be raised by many others. To make this a development I would consider appropriate and sensible, I would suggest the following:
- limit the height of the development to ~5-7 floors
- couple the development with an investment into traffic infrastructure (improved roads, increased frequency of buses during peak hour)
- re-evaluate the number of affordable housing on offer / work with the government to understand alternate options.

I am sure you will take the points raised above and by others into consideration and ensure the developers of Rozelle Village diligently address these if any approval is to be sought. We don't want another Rozelle interchange fiasco that will be all over the news and bring down the reputation of the area.

OBJECTION TO Rozelle Village, mixed use development (SSD-68298726)

I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed Rozelle Village mixed-use development. While I acknowledge the need for affordable housing and community facilities, I believe this proposal has significant flaws that outweigh its potential benefits.
Key Concerns:
1. Excessive Density and Height:
The proposed 14-16 storey buildings will drastically alter the character of Rozelle, overshadowing surrounding homes and businesses, and creating an eyesore.
2. Traffic Chaos:
The development will generate significant additional traffic, exacerbating congestion on already gridlocked Victoria Road and surrounding streets. This will lead to increased travel times, air pollution, and decreased quality of life.
3. Overwhelmed Public Transport:
The proposed development will put unbearable pressure on the already slow and unreliable public transport along Victoria Road. The existing bus network is frequently delayed and slow due to Rozelle Interchange, and the development's additional residents will only worsen this situation.
4. Sustainability Concerns:
The development's energy efficiency and environmental sustainability measures are inadequate. With climate change being a pressing issue, it is unacceptable that the proposal does not incorporate:
- Renewable energy sources
- Green roofs and walls
- Rainwater harvesting
- Recycled materials in construction
5. Inadequate Open Space:
The proposed publicly accessible open space, plaza, and laneways are insufficient for the increased population density.
6. Loss of Local Identity:
The massive scale and generic design will erase Rozelle's unique village atmosphere, replacing it with a soulless, high-rise complex. Way too many storeys and buildings. 3 buildings ! 14-16 storeys!
7. Affordable Housing Shortfall: While 59 affordable housing units are proposed, this falls short of addressing the pressing need for genuinely affordable housing in the area.
8. Heritage and Environmental Impact: The partial demolition and site preparation may harm nearby heritage-listed sites and disrupt local ecosystems. This needs to be done carefully, considering the many years of erosion, fires at the site.

Alternative Solutions:
1. Reduce the development's scale and height to align with Rozelle's existing character. No higher than 7 storeys and maximum2 buildings.
2. Increase affordable housing units to at least 30% of total dwellings.
3. Implement effective traffic management strategies, including:
- Improved public transport infrastructure
- Pedestrian and cyclist-friendly design
- Congestion-reducing measures.
4. Incorporate more green spaces and community facilities.
5. Ensure the design respects and enhances Rozelle's unique identity.
6. Incorporate sustainable design principles and renewable energy sources.

Conclusion:
In its current form, this proposal prioritises developer profit over community and local people, threatening the very essence of Rozelle's community.
I urge the Council & NSW Government to reject this application and work with developers to create a more considered, sustainable, and community-focused plan.
The Rozelle community has fought for many years against this over sized development and do not want this at this scale. Please listen to the community's concerns as it will ultimately affect them. After the disaster of Rozelle Interchange, this will only add more disaster and negative impact on an already suffering community.

Elisabeth Agostino
13 Merton Street, Rozelle, NSW 2039

I confirm and declare that I have not made any political donations to any political party.

I have major concerns regarding the increase in the number of dwellings.

The increase high of the building will negatively affect the visual coherence of the neighbourhood and the number of car spaces is alarmingly insufficient. The average number of cars per dwelling in the inner west is 1.2 and growing. The current proposal has 235 total dwellings and only a pitiful 208 car spaces for those dwellings, equaling in an inappropriate dwelling-to-car space ratio of 0.89 and resulting in 74 additional cars from those dwellings (more if they have guests) trying to park in the local streets.

Parking is already a major issue in the area as can be clearly seen in the current Inner West Iron Cove Precinct traffic review.
https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/iron-cove-LATM

I don't know how a 16 storey building in Rozelle can be justified. Rozelle has significantly important historic buildings such as Callan Park & Rozelle Public School & the height of this proposed development will detract from the historical significance of the area. I cannot think of another high rise development anywhere in the inner west or indeed anywhere else on Victoria Road.
Darling Street, Victoria Road & surrounding streets are presently overcrowded with traffic. This proposal will only add further traffic congestion to an area already suffering. Finding car parking in Rozelle is a challenge & even with the proposed on site car parking spots, street parking will become even harder for local residents. The other issue is the safety of local school children who have to negotiate the traffic on a daily basis.
Inner West Council has always issued building permits that preserve the historical significance of the area. This proposal will ruin the ambiance of the area & should be amended so that this high rise development becomes more in tune with the history of Rozelle & Balmain.

I am writing to formally object to the State Significant Development Application SSD-6829876 for the Rozelle Village, Mixed Use Development with Affordable Housing, on behalf of my family and the wider Rozelle community.

As a long-term resident of Rozelle for over ten years and a parent of two young children attending the local primary school, which is directly opposite the proposed development site, I believe the scale and nature of this proposal present significant risks to the wellbeing, heritage, and infrastructure of our neighbourhood.

1. Inadequate Infrastructure to Support the Proposed Development
Rozelle is a close-knit community, and the proposed development of 227 dwellings, including 224 apartments, will place immense pressure on our already overstretched local infrastructure. Our area is not equipped to handle the influx of new residents, particularly in terms of schools, which are already operating at or near capacity. The increased demand for local school enrolments will further strain the limited capacity of local educational institutions, including the primary school opposite the development. Other essential services, including public transport, healthcare, and community facilities, will also struggle to meet the increased demand.

2. Impact on Local Schools and Privacy Concerns
As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the proximity of this development to both the local preschool and primary school. A 16-story building within sight of these schools is a serious breach of privacy. The ability for residents or visitors to overlook the schools from such a height compromises the safety and security of the children attending these institutions. This raises serious concerns for both parents and educators. The safety of our children must be a paramount consideration in any development proposal.

3. Environmental and Structural Concerns
The environmental impact of such a large-scale development is concerning, especially considering the ongoing disruptions our community has faced due to the Rozelle Interchange project. Over the past several years, we have endured significant noise, and civil works, which have caused long-lasting damage to our homes and surrounding areas. Our own property has been severely impacted by the works associated with the Interchange, and the prospect of further construction associated with this new development raises legitimate fears about additional damage. The long-term structural integrity of homes, many of which are historically significant, is at risk from ongoing construction and earthworks. Further, the environmental footprint of a development of this scale in such a residential area could cause irreparable harm to the local ecosystem.

4. Height and Visual Impact on the Community
The proposed 16-story building will be completely out of character with the aesthetic and heritage of Rozelle. Our neighbourhood is renowned for its rich history and heritage buildings, many of which are some of Sydney's oldest properties. The construction of such a tall, modern building would be an eyesore, overshadowing the charm and beauty of Rozelle's architectural landscape. The excessive height and scale of the proposed buildings will dominate the local area, disrupting its historical and low-rise residential nature. This visual intrusion is inappropriate for a community like Rozelle, which prides itself on preserving its historical integrity.

5. Traffic and Parking Concerns
The addition of 224 apartments will have a profound effect on local traffic. Rozelle’s roads are already under pressure, particularly during peak times such as school drop-offs and pick-ups. The influx of new residents, their visitors, and service vehicles will exacerbate traffic congestion, creating more frequent traffic jams and potentially increasing the risk of accidents around the school zone. While the proposal includes 398 parking spaces, this may be insufficient given the high density of the development, particularly when considering the commercial use areas within the building. Overflow parking is likely to spill into surrounding residential streets, creating further strain on parking availability for residents and school parents alike.

6. Safety and Health Concerns
The safety of residents, particularly children, during the construction phase of this project is a significant concern. Increased heavy vehicle traffic and construction activities pose risks to pedestrians, especially young children walking to and from school. Additionally, the construction will likely generate considerable dust, noise, and pollution, adversely affecting air quality in the surrounding area. These factors may negatively impact the health of local residents, particularly children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory issues. The potential health hazards from continuous construction over an extended period cannot be overlooked.

7. Impact on Local Businesses
The construction phase of such a large-scale project is likely to disrupt local businesses, particularly those located near the development site. Noise, dust, and reduced foot traffic could have a detrimental effect on small businesses, many of which rely on regular local customers. While the development proposes new commercial spaces, this could potentially undermine the existing small-business ecosystem in Rozelle, which is integral to the community’s character and economy. Many of these local businesses may struggle to compete with new retail spaces included in the development, leading to further displacement and economic challenges within the area.

8. Cumulative Impact of Multiple Developments
Rozelle has already been significantly impacted by the Rozelle Interchange project, and this new large-scale development will only add to the burden. The cumulative effect of multiple large-scale projects places enormous pressure on our neighbourhood’s infrastructure and disrupts the lives of residents. While development is often inevitable, there must be a balanced approach that considers the cumulative effect on the community and ensures the character and livability of Rozelle are preserved. The ongoing disruption to our community from these developments is unsustainable and risks permanently altering the character of Rozelle for the worse.

9. Heritage and Cultural Significance
Rozelle is a historically significant area, and its streets and buildings reflect Sydney’s rich cultural history. The construction of towering, modern buildings in the heart of this heritage area will erode the community’s cultural fabric. The proposal does not adequately address the importance of preserving the historical and architectural significance of the area. Rozelle's unique charm comes from its historical homes, local character, and green spaces, which are incompatible with high-density, high-rise developments. Allowing this project to go forward will irreparably damage the neighbourhood’s sense of history and continuity.

While I understand and appreciate the need for new developments to revitalize certain areas, I would be fully supportive of a project that was more in keeping with the character and scale of Rozelle. I recognize the potential of bringing new life to this site, but a 16-story building is excessively large and unsuitable for our community. This kind of height is completely out of place in Rozelle and would irrevocably alter the fabric of the area. A development with a more modest scale that considers Rozelle's unique history and community would be much more appropriate.

Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly urge you to reconsider the current development application for Rozelle Village. This proposal, in its current form, will have far-reaching negative effects on our community, infrastructure, safety, and heritage. The development is not in keeping with the values or needs of the Rozelle community and will fundamentally alter the character of the area for generations to come.

I trust that these concerns will be carefully considered, and I respectfully request that you prioritize the long-term interests of Rozelle by opposing this development.

I object to the increase in scale of the project. Below are factors I believe to be underestimated or omitted by the proposers which I feel need to be be adequately addressed before approval for the project can proceed.

Re: the Transport Impact Assessment prepared for Heworth Grand Developments Pty Ltd on 21 June 2024 by JMT Consulting.

Buses:

Already the buses Sydney city bound on Victoria Road from Darling Street intersection onwards are congested in morning peak times. Meaning many buses are unable to pick up expectant passengers as they, the buses, are at legal capacity.

No impact to public transport buses has been considered or published. What impacts forecast? With the additional 75 residences what is the increased impact from the D/2018/2019 approval? Any impact is not likely to be negligible.

Roads – traffic

Victoria Road

Section “2.1 Road network” has, perhaps deceptively, not been updated to reflect the current road conditions of Victoria Road post the opening of the Iron Cove Link tunnel (which does get a mention).

Under the section of “Victoria Road” the report/submission currently reads:

“…The road carries three lanes of traffic in the westbound direction and two right turn lanes, two through lanes and a bus lane is the eastbound direction.”

This description is incorrect, and this oversight poses significant risk to traffic impacts being understated. A true description of Victoria Road would read:

“The road carries three lanes of traffic, two being for all traffic and one kerbside which is a bus lane. The bus lane operates 6-10am and 3-7pm, Mondays to Fridays. Two right turn, one through lane, a bus lane (24hours) and a turn left only lane operate in the east bound direction.”

All the photos supplied in the submission are of a time before the changes to Victoria Road, so give a misleading impression of conditions.

This oversight, I contend means true impacts on Eastbound traffic along Victoria Road have not been considered in this proposal. Consequently an informed decision is not possible. Since this update to Victoria Road was made (with the opening of Iron Cove Link) well documented and published increases in congestion has been realised along Victoria Road in Rozelle. This increased congestion has increased the risk to pedestrians in the area especially school children crossing Victoria Road to get to Rozelle Public School as well to bus stops to catch bus services to other schools.

What are the true impacts to traffic volumes and congestion given the change in Victoria Road conditions? Until this is understood no decision can be given to this updated development request.

Local Streets

With most car traffic leaving the development via Waterloo Street, no mention or consideration is made to impacts to local streets, despite 3.10 Forecast traffic generation showing a more than doubling of traffic along Waterloo Street.

There is already use of an illegal rat run to join Victoria Road from Callan Street by driving against the legal traffic flow down McCleer Street (from Moodie Street). When traffic builds along Moodie with vehicles heading Westbound on Victoria Road this illegal rat run increases in volume. What mitigants are being made to prevent increased usage driving down McCleer Street in the wrong direction? With McCleer Street being a shared zone with pedestrians and young children living and playing in the vicinity any use of Moodie Street illegally by traffic puts the lives of children at risk. This increased development increases the risk to children. The developer needs to address as it has not been considered.

Parking

3.5 On-street car parking

No consideration is given to the impacts of parking along McCleer and Springside Streets. These are the two closest unrestricted parking areas to the proposed building. Both within five minutes walk from the site. What is planned to ensure no or minimal impacts are made to local residents?

5.2.9 Car parking

The submission reads, “…workers will be encouraged to use public transport as a means of access. Initially, there would be very little on-site parking…”

From the recent experiences of WestConnex and Sydney Metro the hope of workers using public transport is for the birds! Construction workers of both these activities parked on local streets, despite being afforded for one project, a dedicated car park at the power site near King George’s Oval, Rozelle.

Preventions that stop construction workers from parking in local streets, especially ones without standard parking restrictions are required.

Given the misleading representations and absent considerations mentioned above this submission cannot be approved until they have been addressed. Overall I am supportive to a redevelopment of 138 – 152 Victoria Road, Rozelle however at this point in time my support is withheld.

Great project, but it really should have more apartments in it.

Multi storey (10+) building is against the neighbourhoods nature and it would ruin its character. I highly against this and don’t know how this is even being considered.

I object the project because our neighbourhood doesn't have any high rise buildings and it will kill the aesthetics of the area/suburb. With 16 storey on such a dense area will block the sunlight for many properties around. Because of the dense development, it will create a traffic problem as well. Lastly, this will set a precedence and potentially open up the possibility for other multistorey projects in the neighbourhood. I strictly oppose the project and ask NSW government to protect the characteristics of our neighbourhood. A 2-3 or even 4 storey structure would be acceptable from my side.