Lord Mayor and Ward 2 candidate, Andrew Anthony, has announced his support for the Planning Proposal put forward by Homes NSW to rezone the Irvine Street, Gwynneville precinct.
Bound by the University of Wollongong to the north, the Botanic Gardens to the west, and located close to an existing public transport hub, the Gwynneville precinct has been identified as an area capable of supporting more social and affordable housing to meet Wollongong’s urgent need for additional homes.
“The proposal is an audacious plan that goes a long way towards addressing the urgent need for more social and affordable housing in the Illawarra,” said Andrew Anthony.
The proposal includes rezoning most of the precinct from R2 Low Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential, along with provisions for increased open space. Homes NSW plans to develop approximately 1,250 dwellings, with half of these designated as social and affordable homes.
While supporting the proposal, Andrew Anthony emphasises that the redevelopment of the Gwynneville precinct must be carried out in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of existing residents. He acknowledges that for some residents, moving out of their long-standing homes may be a difficult and emotional process.
“Any large-scale redevelopment has the potential to disrupt people’s lives, and it’s important that we approach this project with empathy and care,” said Andrew Anthony. “Homes NSW and the Council must work closely with affected residents to ensure they receive the support they need. This includes assistance in finding suitable accommodation and providing resources to help them transition smoothly.”
Another critical issue that Andrew Anthony urges Council and Homes NSW to consider is the impact of the redevelopment on parking in the area. Currently, many university students use the surrounding streets for free parking, and any changes to the precinct could exacerbate parking challenges.
“Parking is already a significant concern in Gwynneville, particularly with the influx of university students using the streets for parking during the semester. It’s crucial that this proposal includes thoughtful planning around parking to ensure that the needs of both new residents and the broader community are met,” Andrew Anthony stated.
Andrew Anthony encourages residents, stakeholders, and community groups to provide their feedback on the proposal to Wollongong City Council. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 August 2024, allowing more time for community input.
For further information:
Link to proposal