Plans for a transformative boutique residential project in Collaroy have been announced but locals have some concerns.
Collaroy Projects Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Sydney-based developer Cite Group, has submitted DA2023/1395 to redevelop a strategically located site on 1010-1014 Pittwater Road.
The location is in proximity to the captivating Long Reef beachside area, creating an enticing prospect for future residents. The proposed four-storey mixed-use development aims to blend seamlessly with the local landscape and offers a combination of retail spaces and 22 apartments, featuring two and three bedrooms.
Striking a Balance
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Gartner Trovato, the development promises a contextually responsive building characterised by exceptional quality. It maximises the site’s superior location attributes while prioritising the comfort and convenience of its future occupants.
The residential units will each feature an open-plan design encompassing kitchen, living, and dining areas that seamlessly extend to private terraces. Additionally, the project includes a well-thought-out basement car park to address parking needs.
Venturing Beyond the City Limits
Cite Group, primarily known for its developments closer to the heart of Sydney, has shown a growing interest in expanding its reach westward, including areas such as Blacktown, Pendle Hill, and Baulkham Hills.
The move to develop in Collaroy is significant as this charming suburb has seen a surge in median apartment prices during the pandemic. Current property values range from $723,500 for one-bedroom apartments to $1.7 million for spacious three-bedroom units, making it a prime location for real estate development.
While development opportunities in the pristine Northern Beaches, particularly in areas like Collaroy, have historically been scarce, recent years have witnessed an influx of developers drawn to the area’s unique charm and potential. In 2021, HCAP Developments successfully secured approval for a $100 million apartment complex, overcoming legal challenges, and replacing a Collaroy backpacker hostel. This development is a testament to the increasing attractiveness of Collaroy as a real estate investment destination.
Balancing Progress with Community Concerns
However, amidst the excitement surrounding this proposed development, several Collaroy residents have voiced their concerns. They fear that the construction of an open area rooftop terrace, as part of the project, could exacerbate neighbourhood noise levels, disrupting the tranquil atmosphere the area is known for.
Records show that Mr Anthony Tassone has expressed a strong objection, emphasising the need for the proposed height and rear boundary setback to be in alignment with the existing unit building at 1000-1008 Pittwater Road. He also raised concerns about the potential increase in vehicular traffic, which may strain the existing road network’s sustainability.
Roberta Connaghan, another resident, also pointed out that the area has already witnessed a significant surge in traffic over the past few years, and she fears that the new apartments and dwellings could further exacerbate the situation. The safety of children in the area is of paramount concern, given the already dangerous traffic flow.
Katy Jenkins, a Collaroy Basin resident for 15 years, expressed her reservations about the project’s impact on the area’s character and streetscape. She believes that the four-storey structure, particularly due to its upper setback, could mar the charm that defines Collaroy. Additionally, she is concerned that it might set a precedent for similar developments, potentially altering the area’s overall ambiance.
The DA, filed in October 2023, is currently under assessment and various submissions are on file.
Published 12-Jan-2024
