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.

I own and live in an apartment in the Avante building immediately adjacent to the proposed new development.

I object to the new development on the grounds of its excessive height and density across a whole city block which will have a major impact to my view, and that of many of my fellow residents.

My extensive view of the ocean was the primary reason for purchasing my property and was heavily factored into the price I paid.

It is also highly likely to negatively impact the resale value in the event that I choose to sell. I love my home and am very happy here. Selling my home therefore is a real concern to me but may be my only option if these changes go ahead.

I accept and support that more developments are a key part of Wollongong’s future. However, I don’t accept that it’s necessary to achieve this through a development with such excessive height and such extensive impacts to the immediate neighbours both during the construction and then ongoing. What is being proposed from a height perspective is completely at odds with the standards being applied to other developments in Wollongong City.

I’d like to see some fairness and reasonableness be applied to this development and bring the approved height back in alignment with standards being applied to other apartment developments in Wollongong City.

Thank you for considering my objection.

-Inadequate time of less than 14 working days provided to view exhibited documents given the State significant development application. It is requested that a revised closing date should be 4 weeks from the notification period.
- Traffic information used to plan and design vehicle impact of the proposal is based on outdated information recorded during covid lockdown periods (4.6 Existing Traffic conditions - Years 2020-2022). This data does not take into account several recently completed high-rise residential buildings in the immediate streets adjacent to the proposed development. There should be a masterplan showing all the proposed high-rise residential and commercial buildings, currently under construction and also already approved, as well anticipated known large site developments to better reflect the current and future traffic movements. It is not valid to only consider this particular developments' impact on the existing street and footpath use in isolation of the other buildings currently under construction. The overall impact of all the buildings/developments must be considered for a comprehensive strategic plan of the streets within and surrounding the developments. It would then be clearer as to necessary upgrades or even traffic flow directions necessary to prevent major cumulative impacts and issues arising at common pinch points/intersections for both vehicles, pedestrians as well as bicycles.
-The landscape plans facing Crown St do not indicate how the existing bus stop and associated seats will be incorporated into the proposed redevelopment of the site. Given there is an assumed use of public transport - the increases in user numbers will require adequate space to wait for buses as well as for those alighting from the buses that arrive. Currently there are regular queues beyond the seats available, and shelter is provided by the existing building facades.
- Atchison St. is increasing in traffic volumes as well as number of ingress and egress driveways from multi-storey residential and commercial buildings. It is becoming more difficult to safely exist the driveways due several factors: the speed at which traffic flows from Crown St. and poor visibility of street created by vehicles (especially 4 wheel drives and vans) parking up to kerb of the driveway. With increase in traffic volumes the speed limits must be reviewed to improve safety and review the parking distance to driveway kerbs to deter vehicles parking in line of sight.
- 5.1.3 Commercial retail. It has been indicated that it is "Councils intention on restraining non-residential parking in the development to curb traffic generation in the town center". Given the level of services which will be required by the residents including services including home help to older residents,(which may require parking for 2 hours or more), trades, deliveries of food and medicine,
it is critical that spaces are available as often services are provided by an hourly rate - should it take a large part of an hour to find a parking spot and then get to the destination, an unliveable situation is created.
- The landscape plans at streel level are not clear how disabled access will be provided to access the landscaped grounds/plaza given the site topography - the drawings provided only depict two areas where steps are used to access the different levels.
-There do not appear to be any features for children at the ground level to enjoy the plaza/landscaping. Given the level of residential dwellings and users of the commercial facilities in the development it is reasonable to expect children to be users. It is noted that there is a proposed pool and outdoor gym within the development but it does not appear to be open for general public use.
-The landscape plan LD-DA011 overall site plan does not match LD-DA010 tree management plan - trees along Crown Street - are they proposed not or not? It would be useful if included.
- In the list of plants proposed for the development - it is noted that Agapanthus are listed - given this plant is considered a weed an alternative plant could be selected. Even if a sterile variety or new hybrid is used, it may be giving a mixed message to residents re appropriateness of these plants in gardens.
- There appears to be an extensive area identified for bicycle parking however given the popularity of electric bikes apart from peddle bicycles, it would be reasonable to expect the provision of isolated charging areas that do not create a hazard to the rest of the development. Parking for electric cars and bikes does not appear to be addressed or accommodated. Given the safety issues related to potential fire hazard of equipment.
-9.3.1 Public Notification. It was indicated that only 1-5 Atchison St would be notified - this is totally inadequate as there are many residents in the street that would benefit from the notifications. It is requested that a wider radius be notified. (up to Ellen Street.)
-10.2.1 Existing travel behaviour.- comparing 2016 and 2021 data is irrelevant given this is 2025 and many more residential and commercial buildings have been erected. Should provide information on existing residents travel modes and use of transport - it will then give a better picture of what the residents of high-rise dwellings are doing and targets for proposed developments would be better informed.
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Thanks for the opportunity to comment. Firstly, this project - in some form - is long overdue. So, I welcome that something is finally happening on a prominent part of our city's CBD. I also recognise the importance to created new housing, to meet all needs and budgets across the state and including Wollongong. My concern and objection to this project in its current form is that it provides no community facilities. This will be the biggest urban development project in the history of Wollongong's CBD and as such it is unthinkable that there is not built into the plans some open green space, let's call it a park and a playground, to cater for the many hundreds who choose to live in, or visit the new development. Good town planning is about getting the balance right. We must not use the 'housing crisis' to launch into an approach of development at all costs and ignore the general amenity, and the physical and mental health of the community. While it is very important that everyone has somewhere to live, we need to create communities that are liveable. The developers are reportedly saving $20m with their latest plans for this prime site, can I suggest a good proportion of that should be set aside - together with some space - for an accessible, all-abilities playground and park which will be to the benefit of everyone. The removal of the cinema and pool from the original plans are regrettable - and I would welcome them being reincluded in the new plans - green open space, well landscaped and vegetated, providing places for quiet reflection and for kids to play simply must be included in this development. To quote Cat Stevens from his 1970 hit: "I know we've come a long way, We're changing day to day, But tell me, where do the children play?"

1. Parking allocations should be reviewed with parking made available for all residential and commercial properties. ie. some properties do not include parking on the assumption of the train station and buses being available close by. Limited parking with the premises will put pressure on visitor parking and surrounding parking locations.
2. Parking access entry and exit to the premises should have multiple points of access to improve external traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area.
3. Footpaths surrounding the development and accessing the development should be of suitable quality for high volume pedestrian use.
4. Offset the reduction of sunlight provision in McCabe Park with open area parkland within the development so residents and public can enjoy grassed landscaped areas with tree coverage and seating or activity including dogs.
5. Include provision for outdoor evening cinema in summer eg building screen projections
6. Include ground water fountain sprinklers for children to play in during summer for activation

The public expectation is that locals and visitors (not just residents of the development) will be able to enjoy using the open plaza space that has shopping, eateries, landscaped areas with seating, event and other activations with ease of access via a number of laneways that are well lit and safe during the day and evening. The removal of the public pool and cinema is disappointing however could be offset not just by increasing affordable housing allocations. Eg. Consider inclusion of a rooftop restaurant and or bar so that locals and visitors can also enjoy the view from the site.

The new plans have not included
- cinema
- gym and entertainment area
- pool for general public
The only advantage to the building for the general public is retail it does not improve the environment and ways for community to connect.
The large number of residential buildings will impact the view of many other buildings in the area the height of them will affect sea views and the overall view of many residential buildings. The height of the building will also affect the feel of walking into town as there are many heritage buildings which are not as high.
There should be more consideration given to community use of this area

This new planning application varies significantly from the previous approved submission resulting in
1) more massing of high-rise buildings at the Crown Street side of the site due to the proposed residential blocks being relocated from the Burelli Street side of the site to the Crown Street side, together with the higher commercial building on the corner with Keira Street.
The consequences of this will be a more oppressive feel to Crown Street from the high-rise buildings and a disproportionate scale of new high-rise buildings compared to the existing retained low-rise retail Heritage buildings on the opposite side of Crown Street. The previous submission had low-rise retail on the Crown Street Side of the site with the tower blocks located significantly back from Crown Street.
That previous arrangement should be kept and not allow creep of high-rise buildings onto the Crown Street side of the site.
2) The previous planning submission included public usage spaces such as a cinema and gym with pool. There is now no reference to a cinema and a reduced area for the general public, which is now designed primarily for access to retail units and little provision for public open space for relaxation and meet ups. The pool and large landscaped area now seems to be wholly for the use of residents in the new high-rise blocks.
The public space should reflect the good provisions now in place in the Crown Street outdoor mall with ample seating, good lighting, art works and green planted areas with trees.
3) The submission shows the construction to be in two stages. This means that Stage One will be substantially complete before Stage Two starts, potentially extending the construction period and introducing the risk of Stage Two being sold off to another developer.
Stage Two includes the tallest residential block to be built above Spotlight, keeping the Heritage façade of the Spotlight building.
The planning approval should not allow this potentially extended construction period and the inevitable disruption to the general public. There is a risk of Stage Two area being left undeveloped and left as a demolished site for many years.

I am writing on behalf of the Owners' Committee of 11-15 Atchison Street, Wollongong.
The Committee would like to register the following objections and comments.
Firstly, the height of residential building 2 at 42 levels is seen to be excessive and unnecessary. This tower will be constructed on an already elevated site, making it even higher than the proposed 42 level height. The height also appears to exceed the existing LEP height limit that applies to Central Wollongong.
Add to this, the shadow line cast by such a tall structure and the impact on other residences within this shadow. Buildings to the South will be in permanent shadow and have extremely limited access to daylight, especially in Winter when the sun's angle is greatly reduced. The residents of our building in particular will be greatly impacted by this. We suggest that the height of this tower be reduced to that of the other 2 towers and that the proposed residences be evenly distributed across all 3 towers.
Aesthetically, a tower of this magnitude will be oppressive and overbearing in the small area that is Crown Street. It is not an appropriate placement for such a building.
The second concern is that of parking. There appears to be an insufficient allocation of parking space, especially the number allocated to the proposed hotel. 29 spaces is in no way adequate. Parking in Wollongong CBD is in short supply and one wonders where hotel guests are going to park. There also appears to be limited commercial parking available. With a 10 storey office complex, a 166 room hotel, retail tenancies and a supermarket, an increase in parking availability is essential and needs to be addressed before construction commences.
This is an extremely large development and it is essential that it is carried out considerately and mindfully, recognising the concerns of Wollongong residents who will be greatly impacted by it.

I support the project as it will increase housing availability and affordability in the area

Please refer to the attached documents.