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 wish to strongly object to the building of a 156 meter tower as part of this development. Such a building is not in character of the area in any way. It will block the remaining ocean views from my building.
I fail to see how this development is a critical state project. If the entirety of the development was to provide affordable housing, that would be one thing. But I doubt there will be much affordable housing on level 50 of this monstrous tower. Such a large development proceeding with public hearings or review is highly suspected, particularly considering the owners of the development and their media power.
Shame