South House - Mixed use development with infill affordable housing - Crown Street, Wollongong

This large scale residential project in the centre of the CBD needs to take into account the social impacts, liveability, residential amenity and quality of life for future residents in high rise/density buildings as well as dedicated active connections to nearby services.

Deletion of community and cultural hub
The revised proposal is a far cry from the original plan in that it offers little or no community amenity. The public outdoor space or a community hub as proposed originally was designed to activate and enliven the precinct day and night, and bring the community together. Furthermore, the suite of cinemas and exhibition spaces proposed originally has been deleted as well. It is noted that at present, Wollongong does not have a cinema complex in the CBD.
No connections with adjacent shopping centres
No all-weather dedicated pedestrian connections with the other adjacent shopping centres known as Crown Central are provided. It is noted that the 3 adjacent Crown Central Shopping Centres have dedicated connections.
No public hearing
Given the scale and critical nature of this CBD infrastructure, a public hearing is mandatory to ensure effective community awareness and engagement before any further steps are taken

The revised proposal needs to reinstate public outdoor space and a community hub as proposed originally to provide residential amenity and quality of life for future residents living in this high density precinct.
Furthermore, Wollongong does not have a cinema complex in the CBD and needs a cinema complex built into the project as originally proposed.
It is important to conduct a public hearing for this revised plan to ensure effective community awareness and engagement for this very large proposal in the heart of Wollongong’s CBD.
All-weather dedicated pedestrian connections with the other adjacent shopping centres known as Crown Central should be considered as well.

This project is excessively large within the existing CBD. Notably from the instance the construction site hoarding is installed, throughout the demolition stage, the excavation stage, construction stage and fit out excessive congestion to CBD pedestrian, traffic and bus movements will result. Notably where will bus passengers and CBD commuters leaving the CBD connect to buses travelling west and north from the CBD? Currently the major bus stops for these passengers are located on Crown and Keira Sts, respectively.
During the demolition phase considerable congestion will occur to CBD traffic and bus services caused by the expected volume of heavy vehicle movements. Ditto the same during the construction phase due to significant volume of scaffold, formwork, reinforcement bar delivery vehicles and concrete agitator movements. Likewise due to the expected large volume of fitment items (e.g. windows, air conditioning ducting, electrical and plumbing supplies) will generate considerable congestion and interruption. Major traffic interruptions will occur during installation and removal of the on site tower cranes, scaffold and formwork supplies.
In addition considerable noise will be emitted during expected hard rock hydraulic jack hammering operations during the excavation phase. Such activities were readily heard, with much displeasure, at this address during the GPT development and numerous other recent building sites necessitating hard rock excavation.
Furthermore where are the workers and trade personnel going to park their vehicles and how will they commute to and from the site?
In addition the scale of this project will generate considerable inflationary pressure on concrete and building supplies and delivery and labour / trade costs. Is there be sufficient concrete supply capacity within the region to cater for each of the expected large pours?
The disruption to Wollongong City by this project will be the death knell of the City for at least ten years. Even more should one or more of the involved excavation or construction companies become bankrupt as occurred at the Australia Square site in Sydney several years back.
Simply the disruption and traffic congestion will cause hinterland residents to avoid entering the CBD for many years both during daylight and after hours. This community avoidance will cause considerable hardship to many CBD businesses leading to expected numerous failures including long term reduced attendance at the IPA, the Town Hall, WIN Entertainment Centre and Stadiums.
Another oddity of this project is the vast difference in development intensity from the over high residential tower on the corner of Aitchison and Burelli Sts to the near no additional height and/or development on 'The Grand' hotel site.
The non inclusion of a bus lay over and/or interchange serviced from Burelli, Keira and Crown Sts is another major disappointment with this project.

Overall the redevelopment of this large site in Wollongong city has many positive attributes, however, the changes proposed, understood to include removal of a planned cinema facility, need more consideration than just two weeks as proposed.
I request that the proposed modification be referred to a public inquiry so more consideration can be given.

The amended project reduces community amenity, with the removal of the cinema, greenspace etc which was to be used and accessible to public.
It will have significant impact on traffic movement and volumes in Wollongong, which is already a nightmare due to local council policies regarding parking, maintaining a largely deserted struggling pedestrian shopping mall and one way streets.
There are currently several major residential towers, mainly shop top housing, already underway in Wollongong without evidence that these will be fully occupied. Continued development of this type, which this development exemplifies, runs the risk of creating urban ghettos, due to inadequate parking, amenity, and variety of housing options.
No-one denies that there is a housing shortage, but this type of development is not the best solution in an area already struggling from lack of public transport, parking, infrastructure and green space for children and families.
A hotel surrounded by apartment towers of this type will not be attractive to guests, considering its locale- in a CBD where businesses are already struggling, with no major attractions nearby and poor transport options.

I am against the proposed development for the following reasons:
It seems as it is "infill social housing" no thought appears to have happened in regard to the aesthetic of the whole development.The high rise appears to be inappropiate the area. Does it include a high energy rating ? This development could be a chance for Wollongong to have a showpiece development with a high energy rating, low rise so it fits in with surrounding area, and green space attached to development ,including roof top gardens, maybe even vertical green aras to offset all the concrete.
What is "affordable" housing ? why not social housing?
Where is the improved infrastructure? this appears to be lacking -should be planned in conjuction with any large develpment in Wollongong.
It appears that a supermarket is planned - Why? Will that type of development attract tenants and bring people into Wollongong?It will be just another bland multi story development that is being built elsewhere -nothing to encourage people to want to live and visit that development.
That site housed a movie complex for a no of years. Why is no new cinema not planned?
THis development could be a showcase for Wollongong if it is ameneded and rethought about what is really required ; why did the NSW Planning Minister not think this major develpoment warranted public consultations ? Appears any easy way to have the needed increase in housing.without public scrutiny
Please rethink this major develpoment in its current format.

Please be advised that we object to the current proposal based on the design of the buildings including the bulk and scale.
The proposal is excessive and over developed and not setting a benchmark for building design and public amenities for future development within the City of Wollongong.
We were happy with the original DA Approval DA-2021 /957 which even though large in scale was suitable for the site, however the proposed design due to the number of high rise buildings, number of residential units and number of vehicle spaces which increases the bulk and scale is not considered suitable development for the city of Wollongong.
Thank you for your time. Regards
Peter Dix

Re: Objection to Proposed South House Development (SSD-76440958)

I wish to formally lodge my objection to the proposed South House – Mixed Use Development with Infill Affordable Housing located at Crown Street, Wollongong.
As a resident and owner-occupier of Citi 1 Apartments at 11 Atchison Street, I am directly and severely impacted by the proposed development, particularly in regard to overshadowing, excessive building height, loss of solar amenity, and inadequate parking provisions. I outline my specific concerns below.
1. Overshadowing and Solar Access
The proposal fails to maximise solar amenity to both private and public spaces within the development and surrounding residential areas.
Shadow diagrams indicate that from 9am through to 2pm, the entirety of Atchison Street (within the 48m height zone) will be overshadowed. This effectively leaves existing residences, including my own, in constant shadow throughout the day, which is unacceptable.

I personally purchased my apartment after extensive research to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. The proposed height will eliminate this entirely, negatively impacting my property’s amenity and value.
The overshadowing impacts have focused primarily on MacCabe Park, yet no consideration appears to have been given to the significant effects on surrounding residential properties, particularly those in Atchison Street.

2. Building Height, Floor Space Ratio (FSR), and Non-Compliance with the Wollongong LEP 2009
The Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009 – Height of Building Map identifies a maximum building height of 48 metres for this area.
The proposed tower is reportedly between 62.4 metres and 156 metres in height — more than double the LEP control. While the proponent claims this complies with allowable “bonus” provisions under the SEPP by achieving a 30% increase in Floor Space Ratio (FSR) (resulting in an FSR of 5.69:1), this reasoning is not accepted by affected residents.
Object to: the justification that “the proposal complies with the maximum permissible FSR” and that “a maximum height of between 62.4m and 156m applies.” This approach effectively overrides the intent of the Wollongong LEP 2009, which was established to ensure appropriate building scale, solar access, and residential amenity.

The application of such bonuses in this location is inappropriate and inconsistent with the surrounding built form, particularly along Atchison Street, where the maximum height remains at 48 metres.

The proposed scale is entirely out of character with the existing urban context. Located on the brow of a hill, such a structure will dominate the skyline, with no surrounding buildings offering comparable height or massing.

I strongly object to any approval or variation that allows a structure of this magnitude. It would cause a significant and permanent loss of sunlight to existing dwellings and undermine the integrity of the local planning framework.2. Building Height and Non-Compliance with the Wollongong LEP 2009

3. Inadequate Parking and Infrastructure Pressure
The proposal provides insufficient parking for residents, visitors, and commercial tenants.
Parking in the immediate area is already under considerable strain, particularly with the ongoing construction of nearby developments such as Atchison & Kenny, which will introduce an additional 327 residents.
The cumulative effect of multiple high-density developments without adequate parking will exacerbate congestion and reduce accessibility within the Wollongong CBD.

4. Developer Credibility and Construction Quality Concerns
The nearby AURA Building (373 Crown Street, Wollongong) serves as a cautionary example of poor construction and compliance.
That project remains unoccupied due to significant structural defects, including incorrect installation of post-tensioning cables and insufficient support columns.
A stop-work order was issued by the NSW Building Commissioner, and despite $37 million in remediation efforts, the building remains unsold and uninhabitable.
These events raise serious questions regarding developer accountability, quality assurance, and public safety in large-scale projects of similar type and proximity.

5. Land Use and Zoning Concerns
The site falls within the E2 – Commercial Centre Zone, intended primarily for retail, office, and entertainment uses to create a vibrant and accessible commercial hub.
The proposed development appears to exceed or vary several development standards and does not qualify as a prescribed large commercial development under the Sustainable Buildings SEPP.
Given its mixed-use nature and excessive height, the proposal does not align with the intended zoning objectives of promoting balanced, sustainable, and context-sensitive development in Wollongong’s city centre.

6. Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the approval of the proposed South House Development at Crown Street, Wollongong. The project fails to comply with key planning principles, including:
Consistency with the Wollongong LEP 2009 height controls
Protection of solar access and residential amenity
Adequate provision for parking and infrastructure
Compatibility with surrounding development and topography

I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse approval for this development in its current form and require the proponent to substantially reduce the building height and mitigate overshadowing impacts on existing residents particularly on the South/West side. This includes South Coast Private Hospital, SES Wollongong and all residents on Atchison Street, Wollongong CBD. Thank you for your consideration.

RE: South House / WinGrand State Significant Development (SSD-76440958)
I wish to make a submission regarding the proposed South House - Mixed Use Development (Infill Affordable Housing), Crown Street, Wollongong commonly known as the “WinGrand” project.
This site already had approval under the previous development consent as one of Wollongong’s largest mixed-use projects, with building heights already exceeding the limits set out in the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The elevation of this development to State Significant Development (SSD) status has dramatically altered both the process and scale, sidelining local planning controls and limiting public participation.
I am not opposed to appropriate development of this site, which represents an important opportunity for investment and renewal in Wollongong’s CBD. However, the way in which this revised proposal has been handled raises serious concerns regarding transparency, community engagement and the erosion of public benefit.
The consultation process has been inadequate and poorly publicised. The exhibition period was extremely short and not promoted through Wollongong City Council’s website or standard community engagement channels. Residents living in proximity to the site have informed me they were not notified. This raises serious questions about how the community was expected to participate in a process that directly affects them. Limited engagement of this nature undermines confidence in the SSD process and effectively excludes local voices.
The previous WinGrand proposal emphasised community benefit with “green” credentials and the creation of an inner-city community hub. That design included amenities such as a public cinema, a swimming pool and open green park space.
The current SSD proposal removes these key community features while increasing the overall scale of development. This represents a substantial shift in intent from a balanced, mixed-use precinct to a more commercially driven project that prioritises developer profits over community outcomes.
Wollongong is already experiencing significant pressure on roads, parking, and local infrastructure. If current and proposed CBD high-rise developments proceed as planned, it is reasonable to expect up to 20,000 new residents within a one-kilometre radius of the city centre by 2030. This will generate thousands of additional vehicles and place an urgent demand on existing infrastructure.
The decision to declare this proposal State Significant effectively overrides Wollongong’s Local LEP and dismisses local strategic planning work. Local planning controls exist to ensure development aligns with the city’s vision and infrastructure capacity. Allowing developers to bypass these controls undermines public trust in the planning system and the role of local government.
I am disappointed with the proposal’s overshadowing of adjoining properties and MacCabe Park, a significant public open space enjoyed by the community. The proposal fails to adequately consider infrastructure and transport impacts and will significantly exacerbate traffic and parking issues in the area.
I support responsible development that enhances Wollongong’s economic vitality and provides housing diversity. However, this revised SSD proposal:
• Reduces community benefit features, removing public amenities;
• Increases scale without adequate consideration of local infrastructure capacity;
• Undermines local planning controls and community trust;
• Negatively impacts surrounding properties and public open space.
For these reasons I urge the Department of Planning to reject the proposal and work collaboratively with Wollongong City Council to ensure development aligns with local planning objectives and the long-term interests of the Wollongong community.
Andrew Anthony

I regard the project as unacceptable in its current form. I acknowledge the need for additional housing in the central Wollongong area, but this must be accompanied by:
- appropriate environmental offsets
- community amenity, both for residents of the project space and and for those in the surrounding area
- traffic management measures
- noise and dust abatement procedures during construction
- appropriate consultation with residents of the area

A key disappointment with the current project plan for this site was the omission of the small community green space which was an element of the approved DA for the WIN Grand project. Central Wollongong is severely lacking in green space and mature tree cover and the projected master plan for the nearby MacCabe Park seems far from coming to fruition. In the absence of such a green space it is critical that any approval must be subject to provision of rooftop gardens and perhaps hanging gardens. The steeply sloping site also presents a risk of flooding to surrounding areas during periods of heavy rainfall, which are likely to become more common as a result of climate change. I also note that “wind tunnel” effects are becoming increasingly apparent as high-rise developments grow throughout the central city.

It appears that other elements of community amenity are also lacking in the current proposal. Once again, the WIN Grand project approval included provision for a public swimming pool and a cinema complex. These facilities are sorely lacking in the city centre. Their omission from the current proposal appears to indicate an intention by the developer to maximise profit at the expense of the lifestyle of Wollongong’s residents.

Any resident who needs to use Burelli street between Atchison and Kiera streets will know that it already represents a major choke point. Traffic arrangements in the city centre also mean that emergency vehicles from the Wollongong Hospital and the fire station are constantly routed through this block for work at the eastern edge of the city. A combination of the new bus layover area and construction work on Atchison street mean that a possible alternative route would also be impractical in the event of a critical emergency. It is imperative that emergency vehicles be allowed unimpeded access to incidents in this area.

All residents of the centre of the city are only too well aware of the noise and dust pollution caused by excavation for the foundations of major housing projects. The impact of a project of the massive size of that which is proposed will inevitably by very disturbing to residents at a distance of several hundred metres. Any approval for the project must include a requirement for state-of-the-art abatement measures.

Finally, it must be stated unequivocally that consultation with residents immediately affected by the proposed project has been entirely inadequate. It was only because of an article in the local press that we were made aware of the nature of the revised DA. It demonstrates contempt for local citizens that they were provided with no information about the project, let alone an opportunity to express their views. It is even worse that Wollongong City Council, which will be left to deal with the inevitable adverse impacts of the project, did not have full details of what has been proposed. I discovered this on a personal visit to the council, where the only information they could provide was the SSD number for the project.

Submission regarding short notice period attached

Detailed comments attached as Word document

My wife and I object mainly because there is minimal community amenity due to the removal of features in the approved WIN Grand development including cinema, pool and green open space.
I am well aware of the WIN Grand DA through having been invited by the applicant to discuss their proposals, which was greatly appreciated, enlightening, convivial and productive. It enabled suggesting various improvements, some of which were adopted . They advised they had been discussing details of the proposal with Council for a long time about Council’s requirements, but .I and other community members were unable to achieve discussions with Council re the project.
Also I am familiar with Council's Neighbourhood Forum 5 submission Sep 2021 included that NF5
1 indicates strong support for the proposal in principle;
2 requests Council to review in detail the car parking provision;
3 requests urgent action on the significant implications for the structure of the city centre outlined in the September minutes.

NF5 Sep 2021 Minutes included: However, the proposal will have significant implications for the structure of the city centre. In particular it could:
i downgrade the mall to secondary retail/services;
ii dilute the entertainment precinct focussed on the performing arts centre;
iii reinforce the need for a public transport spine through the centre from the hospitals in the west to the foreshore, perhaps using 20 seater buses;
iv complicate the Crown/Keira Streets intersection;
v prompt the development and implementation of a Masterplan for McCabe Park;
vi highlight the need for upgrading the streetscape and traffic arrangements in the surrounding streets in line with the completion of the project;
vii provide an opportunity for Council to review its plans for the city centre and to respond to the implications of the proposal.

But this proposal does not appear to have addressed the 7 implications for the City Centre above.
We find it very sad and contrary to decades of well-established effective town planning and development principles and practices that the Local MP & Minister for Planning & Public Spaces "has not directed that a public hearing be held"
We find the lack of effective community engagement with this proposal is at odds with the WIN one and contrary to the Government's rhetoric re development
Whilst it provides more dwellings it avoids addressing citical issues such as adequate infrastructure, environmental concerns, social impacts, liveability, residential amenity and quality of life for future residents jammed into high rise buildings with all the emerging problems and potential conflicts.
Please conduct a public hearing in conjunction with developing and implementing an effective community awareness and
engagement strategy for this proposal asap.
Please contact me if any clarification and/or further information is required

Please find attached Council's submission. A comprehensive submission will be provided next week as per the extension granted.

I object to this proposal explained in detail in the submitted file attached

I object to the:
1. Insufficient Pedestrian thoroughfares across this development from each surrounding street, especially from the main road in Crown Street to all other surrounding streets,
2. All building are too tall, broad and densely packed on the sight
3. Crown Street and Keira Street lack sufficient retail and city centre
4. Inactive streetscape especially on Crown and Keira Street
5. Tall and Dense Buildings add to extreme winds on Crown Street and block natural light impacting business and pedestrian a in city retail centre toward Crown and Keira St intersection
6. Crown Street buildings need to be setback more to open area and Keira St needs setback Because Dark , Cold & Unwelcoming
7. Severe Lack of Parking...Needs to be more than doubled to reduce lack of accessability for aged, young families, disabled, visitors, shoppers, etc
8.Shadowing & lack of light cast by excessive buildings
9. Unreasonable blockage of iconic views across Wollongong
10. Poor precedent for business confidence in city if its one rule for some and there is inconsistency
11. Unsympathetic design as surrounding buildings are mostly continuously glazed and street accessible retail every few metres
12. Unsympathetic design as most surrounding buildings are 2 storeys so this development will look like a planning nightmare towering ridiculously over small properties
13. Retail proposed is distanced from existing retail center at the corner of Crown and Keira Street which does not support retail center
14. This proposal dominates train transport access routes and several bus, taxi and private stopping areas so should offer many more pedestrian walkways through it to other streets and especially to Crown and Keira Street which is at the city center or it will cut off connectivity and business into town

I want to express my disappointment at the lack of information, engagement and consultation in relation to the significant changes to the WIN Grand development. I am of the opinion that for a project of this scale and its significant impact on the city centre much more needed to be done to inform the community. Further I am concerned that the new plans, while bigger, have removed important community amenities including a cinema, pool and community park - we need more green space in our city not less. I believe the plan should be revised to put those community amenities back in the plans. Whilst recognising that the decision is being made at a state level, it is our local Council and its ratepayers who will face the future consequences, including traffic chaos and congestion.
This new development, when combined with the thousands of additional new apartment near the city’s heart, will only worsen the urban heat effect in our city and surrounds. The Grand and other projects will create a nightmare for emergency services trying to access the area, putting lives at risk..
I request that for future SSDs the community, and especially those residents close to the development, be advised, via the Council as a matter of course.

The 26 and 38 storey buildings in this development are too high for Wollongong! New developments like these should not set a precedence for a city skyscraper situation. The beauty of Wollongong is its smaller town coaster feel. Please consider reducing the height of those two buildings. Thank you.

There has been no community consultation - although a SSD - it has recent changes that have caused concern. There will now be NO cinema, NO pool and NO APPROPRIATE GREEN SPACE for the many people who will now be living in the area after this build.
This did not appear on council exhibition notice site and many residents in the area were not notified and not aware of any of this detail surrounding the build and had no opportunity to make known: traffic issues (already a problem in the area) as no road infrastructure appears to be changing, planning for families with children to descend into green spaces close to home. There are grave fears that, in time, these concentrated structures will become "ghettos" with no thoughtful town planning in the need to rush to build to solve one problem - only to create other problems - for others - later.
Further explanation of the concerns of local residents needs to occur.