URGENT UPDATE: A pivotal public forum is taking place today in Newcastle, where residents and councillors will engage over a controversial $30 million development in Wickham. This project, proposed by Gemini Interchange Pty Ltd, aims to transform the site of a former car sales building on Bishopsgate Street into an 11-storey apartment complex and retail space.
The project has been in the works for over two years and includes plans for 59 apartments and five four-bedroom terraces. Although a decision will not be reached at today’s meeting, this is a critical moment for community voices to be heard before the proposal advances to the Development Applications Committee.
Southern residents have expressed mixed feelings about the development. Concerns range from the building’s height—set to exceed the 14-meter limit—to its potential impact on local traffic and noise levels. The proposed building stands at 35 meters, with arguments from the developers stating it aligns with the Wickham Masterplan, which permits heights of up to 35 meters.
The developers, Dallas and Kristoffer Harvey, aim to address the local housing shortage through this “build-to-rent” initiative. By partnering with Pacific Link, they plan to offer long-term rentals, specifically designed to aid lower-income residents in a tight rental market. “This project is a rare offering for Newcastle,” a spokesperson previously stated, emphasizing its potential to provide affordable housing.
However, the community remains divided. During the public exhibition period, which ran from May to June 2023, 40 submissions were received, with many objections focusing on the building’s scale and its visual impact on the neighborhood. Some residents, like local advocate John Phelan, argue that the development must be rejected due to insufficient modifications over the past two years. Phelan stated, “There are still so many things wrong that they cannot be fixed via conditions of approval.”
The proposed site also includes a public park named ‘Wickham Green’, which would be dedicated to the council as part of a voluntary planning agreement. This aspect of the project has garnered some positive feedback among community advocates.
As discussions unfold today, all eyes will be on how councillors respond to public sentiment and the developers’ vision. The Development Applications Committee will ultimately decide the fate of the project, expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the discussions closely, as today’s meeting could significantly shape the future of Wickham and its housing landscape. This is not just a planning meeting; it’s a battle for the community’s vision for the future.
