The Timberyards by RTL Co.

This is a great project that will provide mid-high density housing in exactly where it needs to be. The location (close to Marrickville Rd, where buses are available, Sydenham Station where the Metro is available, etc) is prime for this type of a housing development. This location will encourage people who to be more conscious about using public or active transport rather than getting in their cars. With the number of bike spots, people will be encouraged to ride their bikes, boosting public health and keeping our air clean. We need housing in prime locations such as this to combat climate change.

The housing crisis is exactly as it sounds. Now more than ever, people are struggling to achieve home ownership in this city. There is a strong preference of owner-occupiers toward detached houses. This preference might exist only because the alternative (mid-high density living) in our city is in such a sorry state. This project is well designed, visually appealing, and when constructed correctly will be the step in the right direction that our city desperately needs! More excellent proposals like this in locations such as this and over time we will shift the zeitgeist away from detached housing and toward communal, sustainable and affordable high-density living.

I am writing to express my vehement objection to the proposed 8-storey high-rise development, which would irreparably harm our community. The sheer density of 1,188 residential units, coupled with a grossly inadequate 216 parking spaces, would create a parking crisis that would devastate our neighborhood.

The existing parking infrastructure is already overstretched, and this development would push it to the breaking point. Residents, visitors, and local businesses would be severely impacted, with access to essential services like daycare and medical centers becoming increasingly difficult.

Furthermore, the proposed building's excessive height would cast a permanent shadow over our homes, blocking out essential sunlight. This is not just a matter of aesthetics; it has serious health implications. My children, who suffer from asthma, would be particularly vulnerable to the reduced sunlight, which would exacerbate their condition.

The strain on local infrastructure would be catastrophic. Our roads, public transport, and community services are already under pressure; this development would push them to the point of collapse.

It is appalling that the proposed plan so blatantly disregards the well-being of existing residents and the integrity of our neighborhood. I demand that the planning committee reconsider this proposal and prioritize the needs of our community.

I request acknowledgment of this objection and regular updates on the proposal's progress. I will not stand idly by while our community is destroyed by reckless development

The permitted height is 3 storeys, but the proposal is 8 storeys. This is not only excessive and illegal but will also overshadow surrounding homes, homes will lose majority of our sun, negatively impacting the community. For some homes this is more than the legal limit of shadowing allowed. Proposed 1,188 units, with only 216 parking spaces planned. It's going to get even harder to park in surrounding streets. Less than 10% of these units are set aside for Affordable Housing. This plan does not provide enough housing for low-income residents. In today's climate we need more housing assistance.

This development provides 1200 units of badly needed housing in an area of high demand 10 mins walk from the Metro station. It will bring more people and business to the Marrickville neighborhood and more students to the Public school (which is under capacity). Given the housing crisis in Sydney approving this thoughtfully designed development in a neighborhood with great public transport is a must.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Timber yard project. 8-storey high-rise development consisting of 1,188 residential units, with only 216 parking spaces allocated. While I understand the need for development, I have significant concerns about how this project will negatively impact our community's quality of life for those who have lived her for over a decade or more.

Firstly, the proposed parking provision is grossly inadequate. With only 216 parking spaces for 1,188 units, the overflow of vehicles will undoubtedly strain the already limited parking resources in the area. Access to essential services such as daycare facilities and medical centers is already challenging due to insufficient vacancies and already limited parking. We find most of the time being unable to park in front of our own homes due to clearway restrictions and local business.
This development will worsen the situation, making it even more difficult for residents and visitors to access necessary services.

Secondly, the proposed building's height and density will have severe consequences for the surrounding environment. The height of the structure will drastically reduce sunlight exposure to my home and neighbours, allowing only approximately two hours of sunlight each day. This is a matter of concern, particularly for my children who suffer from asthma. Limited sunlight exposure can worsen respiratory conditions and diminish their overall well-being.

Additionally, the influx of residents from such a large development will put immense pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and community services. It appears that the proposed plan does not adequately consider the detrimental impact on the existing community.

I respectfully urge the planning committee to reconsider this proposal and work toward a more suitable, balanced development plan that genuinely accounts for the welfare of the existing residents and the infrastructure of our neighborhood.

Thank you for considering this objection. I would appreciate acknowledgment of receipt of this letter and the opportunity to be kept informed of the progress of this proposal.

To whom it may concern,
I object to SSD-76927247 - The Timberyards by RTL Co.
The 8-storey building would overshadow homes on Sydenham Road, especially in the afternoons and evenings. This would reduce the natural light residents currently enjoy, with some homes receiving only about 30 minutes of sunlight per day, which will make our homes much darker and less welcoming.

I object to this development for the following reasons:
- Ruins the street scape of our local residential street Frampton Avenue with a project too large and high at 13 stories when the max height of any building in the surrounding area is 4-8 stories.
- Cramming 7 buildings onto the site is allowing high volume of residents/workers with not enough parking onsite itself and surrounding streets which are already congested since the TOGA development started development. The 9 hour car park behind Frampton Avenue with 112 spaces is already full by 8am each day. Many residents who live on Frampton Avenue can't even find parking at any time during daylight hours because of this, let alone visitors. The project is only providing 216 car spaces for 1188 units - where is everyone else meant to park???? there is no more room. People who will flat share and families tend to have 2 or more cars. The car space vs potential car owners implies a large shortage of parking availability.
- The Farr St access will bring more traffic to the local school posing a higher risk to students, families and staff.
- 1188 units quoted as 2500 renters does not seem an accurate calculation given there are 40x3 beds, 272x 2 beds - potential to reach 5000 people
- 3 years ago I was hit by a car whilst I was crossing a pedestrian crossing on Marrickville Rd on the way to Sydenham station due to people rushing to get to work and not having the patience to follow road rules. This development will greatly increase traffic , increasing the risk of more accidents. The number of times I have seen cars NOT give way at pedestrian crossing along Marrickville Rd and surrounding streets is numerous. Conversely increasing the number of residents commuting to Sydenham station be it on foot or bike riders increases the risk or more accidents given the increased traffic congestion

I object to SSD-76927247 – the Timberyards by RTL Co.

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed large development project across the road from my residence on Farr Street. While I understand the necessity for urban development, I believe this particular project will significantly impact the quality of life for residents in this area, specifically those directly across the road.

The knock down and construction phase of this project will undoubtedly bring with it significant noise and dirt. Constant construction noise, large vehicle access and vibrations from drilling are all of concern. What plans have you put in place for any foundational damage to houses? Moreover, the inevitable dust and dirt generated by the construction activities will not only be an eyesore but also pose potential health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions. There are small children living on the street and many parents use Farr Street to walk to the nearby primary school. Large vehicles are inherently dangerous for pedestrians.

Another concern is the lack of sunshine and overshadowing that my house and the buildings on Farr Street will receive in the morning. The new development is expected to be quite tall (more about that later), which would cast long shadows over the existing homes. This reduction in natural light will lead to an increase in dampness and mould, in an already mould-prone house. Have you done the projections on how much direct sun the houses will receive? If so, I would like to see it. Existing residents should not be negatively affected by this.

Another major issue is parking. Our area is already facing a shortage of parking spaces, and the introduction of this large development is likely to exacerbate the problem. With an influx of new residents and visitors, finding available parking spots will become increasingly difficult, leading to frustration and potential conflicts among neighbours. The development will have 216 spaces for the proposed 1188 units. We would need to have residents' parking permits for our side of the street. Traffic on Victoria and Sydenham Roads is already appalling in rush hour and even on weekends. Assuming 1 car per household, this can only increase the gridlock and cause frustration and animosity among drivers.

Is a six-storey apartment block directly opposite residential houses even legal? Building A will loom over Farr Street. I’ve read that the heights proposed breaches the Local Environment Plan. If this is approved, it creates a precedent for other development to breach the laws. Can the buildings on Farr Street be smaller? Again, existing residents should not have to be negatively affected. We live in a small and lovely community on Farr, Edward and Gorman Streets.

In light of these concerns, I urge the council to reconsider the scale and design of this development project. I believe it is essential to strike a balance between urban growth and the well-being of the existing community. I hope my concerns will be taken into account, and that alternative solutions can be explored to minimise the negative impact on our neighborhood. I know the development is inevitable. We’ve lived on Farr Street for 14 years and I know there are not many actual residents on the street but we still deserve to be taken into consideration.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I object to the proposed Timberyard Community development.
This Project is far too large for the physical area and situation within central Marrickville.
The buildings in the centre are extreme at 13 stories high and will dominate the skyscape. The surrounding area looking West and south of the Project is single storey or with apartment blocks of 4 or 8 stories- nothing like the 13 stories proposed.

The 7 buildings are crowded onto the site which has very restricted access mainly from Mitchell street for residents and commercial deliveries and parking. The Farr Street access brings a lot more traffic to the ‘drop off and pick up area’ of Marrickville Public School and is a safety hazard to the school children. The Mitchell Road entry will add a lot more cars and trucks to Victoria Road and bank the traffic up further with turning right. As Mitchell Road does not go through there will be congestion of turning around trucks and cars belonging to the commercial section that will operate on Victoria Road.
The Project will have too many people in this space. The 1188 units are said to be for 2500 renters but since there are 40 3 bedroom and 272 2 bedroom units it would be expected that families of at least 4 people would be in the 2 bedroom units and more in the 3 bedroom units bringing occupants to even 5000 people.
Evacuation and emergence access for this large amount of people is in adequate. In the case of fire access for fire engines is in sufficient to easily reach each building and if evacuation was necessary egress for pedestrians will cause choke points of people frantically trying to get out.
Ambulance access for occupants is far away from some buildings and will involve stretchering for quite some distances and take valuable life saving time away from care.
Given the State Government emphasis on providing for essential workers, the amount of affordable housing is inadequate. Marrickville with its excellent public transport is a central area for staff at RPA hospital, university staff and students schools, medical staff and schools. This Project needs to provide more affordable units for these people and their families. The affordable housing needs to have more 2 and 3 bedroom apartments to cater for families

The Project is unsustainable in regard to traffic and parking. The local streets are already fully parked out and the long day Council car park- 112 spaces- in Frampton Avenue is full by 8am each day. Many dwellings in this street already cannot find a carpark as their property does not have provision for car parking. Often when I go out in the morning and return in the afternoon there are no parking spaces for residents either on the street or in the long time carpark which is only 112 spaces. This massive Project is only providing 216 spaces for 1188 units and occupants will need to find parking in our local streets which already cannot cater for present residents. Our streets cannot take any more cars seeking parking.
The Project is only providing 216 parking spaces for the 1188 units. While Public Transport is accessible some households will have two cars even if some have none. It is inconceivable as to where up to even 5000 people or even the stated 2500 people will find space to park as the streets are full. The traffic created by this number of cars plus commercial trucks and deliveries cannot fit into our current streets. Currently Sydenham, Marrickville and Victoria Roads are packed backed up and even difficult to enter and will not be able to fit in any more traffic.
Risk of car accidents and accidents to occupants as pedestrians and school families and children will be at a dangerous level as frustrations rise.
Heat and Trees- Marrickville currently has a shortage of mature trees to provide shade and absorb reflective heat from footpaths and roads. More mature trees are needed not less. Removal of 22 street trees needs to be replaced with mature trees to cool footpaths and roads.
High rise apartments require the shade of mature trees to minimise the heat reflected from the blocks and surfaces between. The current proposal fails to address this need.
Within this Project there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create and urban oasis that not only can be enjoyed by the large number of people living there but enhance the surrounding areas and the suburb as a whole. Creating a habitat for birds and small creatures, with mature trees will provide shade and cool areas rather than the hard paving and small bushes and grasses planned.
Conclusion
Marrickville has received World Wide recognition for the redevelopment of the old Marrickville Hospital site. Our Library is held up as a model of catering for current and future needs of a cosmopolitan Marrickville Population in a sustainable and respectful way regarding our heritage- traditional usage and Aboriginal Culture.
The area covered by this Proposal holds the promise of meeting the challenge of housing our citizens in an creative, respectful vision equal to that shown by our Library. This proposal falls far short of this vision.

These proposed megalithic towers need to be retired to the dirt bins of history and a proposal that is an exemplar of Marrickville as an exciting, creative urban centre be put forward.

I have raised just a few points above to outline my Objection. There are many other aspects that need to be raised and will be examined in the Review of this Project which I together with other local residents are requesting.
I request acknowledgement of receipt of this Objection

Hi there,

Parking:
I live with my mother at 114 Sydenham Rd Marrickville about 3-4 days a week. I often find it hard to find street parking and usually can only find 2 hours parking and far from the house. I don't mind the long walk but my mother, at 80 years old does as she is semi ambulant and cannot walk long distances. She needs to frequent doctors appointments; to pick-up and drop-off my mother at the house, I have to double park on Phantom Ave, close to Sydenham Road. The is not a no safe process for mum but this is the only option we have.
Limited street Parking spaces will only be in higher demand post the development due to increase in people living in the proposed development. I understand there will be parking provided for a percentage of the new residents from the development but what about the remaining whom will be putting additional parking pressures in the streets surrounds.
Has there been any consideration in the design with regards to this matter or does the design just simply meet the regulations?

Traffic:
The traffic at the traffic lights are already past acceptable capacity with right turning cars causing long queues, especially with cars parked creating only 2 lanes, one in each direction. Sydenham road is used by large semi trailers and the like. Victoria road is the main bus routes to the city. As you may appreciate, this junction point is a problem. What is proposed in the new development to improve current situation, or will it just get even worst with car entering and existing the development, at a location which is in very close proximity to the traffic light junction?

The height of the proposed 8 storey building will cause significant overshadowing of the houses along Sydenham Road and surrounds. Residents here rely on natural light for their well-being, and some homes will receive less than half an hour of sunlight each day. This will create an unhealthy and uncomfortable living environment.

To make overshadowing matter worst, my mother is a pensioner relying on solar power from her recently installed solar panels to run the household and reduce her electricity bills. The overshadowing will result in very little power saving, if any, and my mother will placed under additional financial pressure. Will my mother be compensated for the additional costs incurred?

I understand progress is necessary to reduce increasing housing demands and hope that the proposed development, if it is to proceed, will be redesigned to include resolutions to the surrounding community's concerns.

I look forward to your response.

I understand the need for more medium density housing in our area but I am concerned about the size (1,000+ apartments and 10+ stories) of this development. I have concerns about the impact on roads around the site and particularly into and out of Frampton Ave. In addition the site is disproportionate to the surrounding housing - single or double storey vs 10+ storeys. The current proposal will have a negative impact on the streetscape, public amenity and general living conditions in the area. I would prefer to see buildings limited to 6 storeys

This is fantastic. We need more apartments near major public transport hubs. Build it and they shall come. Don't just ask existing homeowners, but all potential homeowners.

Highly supportive of this project, there is a desperate need for well located housing.

This is exactly what we should be working towards for Marrickville and Sydney.
We should be doing everything we can to add housing at our transport nodes and Marrickville/Sydenham is the ideal spot with adaptable land and good proximity to work and services and world class transport links.
Projects like this ensure that our suburb will have opportunity and growth and a future as a key suburb within the city fabric.
I support this wholeheartedly.

The Inner West of Sydney is in a terrible housing crisis creating mental and physical stress to its residents and the broader community. Increasing housing supply to projects like this will in some way help reduce that stress.

I strongly support the project.

Buildings are too high
Not enough parking for vehicles { 1188 units vs 216 parking spaces }
Traffic congestion will occur during and after the construction.
Schools may become 'overcrowded' with an extra 1,000 or so residents moving into the area.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my strong support for this proposal, which represents exactly the kind of development we need to tackle the housing crisis head-on. The reality is simple: every home we don’t build worsens the problem. People want to live here—so why shouldn’t we make that possible?

This project will deliver 1,200 new units of much-needed housing in Marrickville, one of Sydney’s most in-demand areas. With buildings up to eight storeys, this development will significantly add to the housing supply, improving affordability and providing more options for people who want to live in an area that already has great transport links and amenities.

Despite what NIMBYs are claiming, Marrickville Public School is currently 300 students under capacity. Increased enrolments will only strengthen the school by securing more resources, not overwhelm it. The fearmongering around school crowding is completely unfounded and should not be used as an excuse to block homes for families who need them.

Beyond just housing, this development is well-designed and includes retail space, affordable housing, and public space contributions, making it a valuable addition to the community. It is also a model for sustainable, transit-oriented development. With 278 car spaces and 762 bike spaces, the project prioritises active and public transport, with Sydenham Metro station just a 10-minute walk away and Marrickville Road shops only seven minutes away. This kind of planning reduces car dependence, lowers emissions, and helps fight climate change.

This proposal sets an important precedent for future developments along the Southwest Metro line, demonstrating that we can build well-connected precincts that are not dominated by car storage. If we are serious about solving the housing crisis, reducing emissions, and creating walkable, vibrant communities, then this is exactly the kind of development we should be encouraging.

Sydney is becoming a city of no grandchildren. Young people are being priced out, forced to move to Melbourne, Brisbane and other capitals, and future generations may never get the chance to grow up here. Those opposing projects like this may not feel the impact today, but they will when they realise their families have moved away, and there is no one left to care for them in old age. Thoughtful development isn’t just about today—it’s about ensuring Sydney remains a thriving, multi-generational city for decades to come.

Sincerely,
Sharath Mahendran

To the NSW Department of Planning and Environment,

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed redevelopment of the Marrickville Timber Yards. This project presents a significant opportunity to address critical housing needs while promoting sustainable urban development within the Inner West.

I believe the proposed development aligns with the strategic objectives of increasing housing supply and improving affordability in high-demand areas. The provision of approximately 1200 residential units, at a scale of up to 8 storeys, is a welcome addition to the Marrickville housing market.

Furthermore, the project’s emphasis on sustainable transport solutions is commendable. The provision of 278 car spaces alongside 762 bicycle spaces, coupled with its proximity to Sydenham Metro station and Marrickville Road shops, encourages active and public transport use. This approach will contribute to a reduction in car emissions and support the broader goals of combating climate change.

The potential for increased enrolment at Marrickville Public School is also a significant benefit. With the school currently operating below capacity, the influx of new residents will provide much-needed resources and ensure the school's long-term viability.

I am also pleased to note the inclusion of retail spaces, affordable housing contributions, and public spaces within the development. These elements will enhance the livability of the precinct and contribute to a vibrant community.

The design of the development appears to be well-considered and visually appealing, contributing positively to the urban landscape.

This project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban development, prioritizing housing supply and sustainable transport in a well-connected location. By creating a precinct around the new Southwest Metro line that minimizes car dependency, this project sets a valuable precedent for future developments.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the Marrickville Timber Yards redevelopment is a positive and necessary project for the area. I urge the Department of Planning and Environment to approve this development, recognizing its potential to deliver significant benefits to the community and the broader Sydney region.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Andy Leach

I support some development of this site HOWEVER the scale is too large. The height of the buildings means they dominate the surrounding area and visibility is overbearing. Whilst a large site, the density is not suitable for the surrounding roads and access points. These roads will be choked and the result will make the area less liveable for everyone. Reduce the scale and create a harmonious life for all residents.

To whom it may concern,
I object to SSD-76927247 - The Timberyards by RTL Co.
The excessive height of the proposed building will lead to severe overshadowing of Sydenham Road. For some homes, this means getting less than half an hour of sunlight each day, which goes against local planning guidelines and severely impacts the quality of life.