A development application for a mixed-use project at 86-96 Station Street, Wentworthville, valued at $33,816,937, is currently on exhibition until 6 February 2025. Submitted by IDA Design Group on 13 December 2024, the proposal outlines a part six-storey, part fifteen-storey structure combining childcare, commercial spaces, residential apartments, and dedicated public laneways.
Project Overview
The proposed development involves demolishing existing structures to construct a modern, mixed-use building. It will include 59 residential apartments, a childcare centre catering to 120 children, two commercial units, and four basement levels of parking with 115 spaces.
The design also dedicates land for public laneways, supporting the Wentworthville Centre Revitalisation Plan. The site spans approximately 1,622 square metres, with a total gross floor area of 6,752 square metres. Affordable housing contributions under the Housing SEPP provide the basis for increased density.
This project replaces a two-storey commercial building. It includes communal landscaped spaces on Levels 2 and 6. While most aspects comply with local and state planning guidelines, some variations in height and floor space ratio (FSR) are proposed. These are justified through Clause 4.6 of the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan.
Key Features of the Proposal
Residential Apartments
- A total of 59 units are planned, including 2 one-bedroom, 32 two-bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom apartments.
- Ten apartments will be allocated for affordable housing, managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.
Childcare and Commercial Uses
- A childcare centre designed for 120 children will span the ground and first floors.
- Two commercial spaces of 100 square metres each will be located on the ground floor, fronting Station Street.
Parking and Accessibility
- Four basement levels will provide 115 parking spaces, allocated to residential (88), childcare (22), and commercial (5) uses.
- 21 bicycle parking spaces and 6 car-share bays will be included in the design.
- Vehicle access will be via Station Lane, with pedestrian access from Station Street.
Open Space and Landscaping
- Communal landscaped areas on Levels 2 and 6 will provide a total of 494 square metres of open space.
- Landscaped areas will include residential communal spaces and outdoor play areas for the childcare centre.
Land Dedication
- The proposal includes the dedication of 318 square metres to Cumberland City Council for public laneways. This consists of an 8-metre-wide section along the eastern boundary for Station Lane and a 1.4-metre extension of the southern laneway.
Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA)
To facilitate the public laneway dedications, the developer has entered into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Cumberland City Council. The VPA includes a contribution in the form of land dedications, enabling the construction of new laneways required under the Wentworthville Centre Revitalisation Planning Proposal and Part F2 of the Cumberland Development Control Plan (DCP).
The VPA ensures that the land for these laneways will be transferred to the council, with construction to be managed separately. This agreement supports enhanced connectivity and improved infrastructure within the town centre.
Planning and Approvals
The proposal aligns with the objectives of the E1 Local Centre zoning, which supports increased density and mixed-use developments. Located 290 metres from Wentworthville Railway Station, the site is within an accessible area as defined by the Housing SEPP, encouraging public and active transport use to minimise car reliance.
Key planning guidelines governing the project include the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021, State Environmental Planning Policies, and the Wentworthville Centre Revitalisation Planning Proposal. Given the estimated value of the project exceeds $30 million, the Sydney Central City Regional Planning Panel will act as the consent authority.
Project Team
- Developer: IDA Design Group
- Urban Planner: Planning Ingenuity Pty Ltd (author of the planning report)
- Architects: IDA Design Group
- Traffic Consultant: Stanbury Traffic Planning
- Acoustic Consultant: Acouras Consultancy
- Landscape Architect: Site Design + Studio
- Stormwater Consultant: Telford Civil
- Surveyors: New South Surveys
- Geotechnical Consultant: CEC Geotechnical
For more information, search application number M220598 on Cumberland City Council’s website.
