Thousands of new homes set for Crows Nest in accelerated density proposal.

By ANNA USHER

A lower north shore suburb will see thousands of new homes built as the NSW government moves to increase density around transport hubs to combat the housing crisis.

The Transport Oriented Development Program (TOD) has identified Crows Nest as one of eight “accelerated” precincts that will be rezoned to deliver additional high and midrise housing along the Pacific Highway.

Key features include capacity for up to 3,255 homes within walking distance of the St Leonards train and Crows Nest metro stations and 2,600 extra jobs.

As many as 488 residences are set to be built as affordable options near Royal North Shore Hospital.

“To accommodate this [population] growth, the St Leonards and Crows Nest area will have to significantly increase its current housing stock as well as enhance its public open spaces, community infrastructure, facilities and movement network,” a NSW Government Urban Design Report says.

“It is crucial that this process maintains the precinct’s sense of place, while ensuring that higher density living is delivered in a successful manner.”

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said while she recognises the urgency of the state’s housing crisis, an accelerated residential project on the lower north shore is not the answer.

“The current St Leonards/Crows Nest 2036 Plan provides for 6,683 new dwellings by 2036,” Mayor Baker said, “but the Transport Oriented Development program, currently on exhibition, proposes additional thousands of new apartments to be built in the most densely populated area, with little consideration for the capacity of infrastructure to deal with this growth.”

“Our schools, hospitals, open space and community support facilities are already under pressure to meet the needs of our existing population.”

Mayor Baker said she was calling on the Government to “fund and deliver” essential community infrastructure to support the current and future population of Crows Nest and St Leonards.

“Thousands of new apartments have been built in recent years, and yet the cost of housing is at the highest on record,” she said.

“The evidence is clear that simply building additional housing in North Sydney will not make it more affordable. Mandated affordable housing must be maintained and delivered as part of any proposal to address the housing crisis.”

Documents released by the government show that the revised Crows Nest project means an extra 1,762 dwellings above the total capacity provided for in the original 2036 Housing Reform plan, with non-residential space reduced to 89,700 sqm.

“Existing residential neighbourhoods and conservation areas of Naremburn and Crows Nest will be protected, undergoing no change due to the rezoning, the Urban Design report states.

“The Artarmon Industrial Area in the north-west will be preserved for employment opportunities, continuing to provide essential urban services in line with the current zoning controls.”

The Government’s proposed changes are now on public exhibition. North Sydney Council encourages residents to review the draft and provide feedback directly to the Department of Planning.

Feedback is accepted until Friday, 16 August.

Find out more and submit your feedback HERE.