The NSW Minister for Planning has approved a $195 million 42-storey mixed-use development at 1-9 Marquet Street, Rhodes, marking a significant milestone in the suburb’s transformation into a high-density residential and commercial hub. The State Significant Development Application (SSD-71999463), lodged by Deicorp Projects (Rhodes) Pty Ltd, received the green light following a rigorous assessment process, despite public concerns about traffic congestion, overshadowing, and infrastructure strain.
The approved project includes 274 apartments, with 44 dwellings allocated for affordable housing, alongside 14 retail tenancies and six levels of basement parking. A key factor in its approval was the provision of affordable housing, which allowed for additional height and floor space beyond standard planning controls.
Artist impression by Fender Katsilidis
Why This Site? The Perfect Location for High-Density Living
The 2,917 sqm site, located at 1-9 Marquet Street, Rhodes, was identified as an ideal location for increased density, given its proximity to transport, retail, and public amenities. It is:
- Just 400m from Rhodes Train Station, offering easy access to Sydney’s CBD and employment hubs
- Surrounded by high-rise residential and mixed-use developments, aligning with the precinct’s urban renewal vision
- Near Rhodes Central shopping precinct, providing retail, dining, and essential services
- Within walking distance of the Parramatta River foreshore, a key recreational asset
The site is currently vacant and was previously occupied by older low-rise buildings, making it a prime candidate for redevelopment. The Canada Bay Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013 zones the site as MU1 (Mixed Use), allowing for both residential and commercial uses.
What’s Being Built? A Snapshot of the Development
The 42-storey tower will include:
- 252 apartments in the tower and 22 apartments in the podium
- 14 ground-floor retail tenancies, creating an activated streetscape
- A pedestrian through-site link, improving access between Mary Street and Rhodes Central
- Communal open spaces on the ground floor, Level 1, and Level 4
- Six levels of basement parking with 263 spaces, including accessible parking
Designed by Fender Katsilidis (FK), the project was selected through a Design Excellence Competition, ensuring a high-quality architectural outcome. The building’s slender form and vertical expression were key to its approval, allowing it to integrate with the existing skyline while minimising overshadowing impacts.
Artist impression by Fender Katsilidis
What the Community Said: Public Concerns & Objections
During the public exhibition period from 11 October 2024 to 7 November 2024, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) received eight submissions, including:
- One from Sydney Water, requesting servicing information
- One from the City of Canada Bay Council, supporting the project but requesting affordable housing contributions
- Six individual public objections, raising concerns about:
- Traffic congestion and the impact on already busy roads
- Overshadowing, particularly affecting Union Square and Peg Patterson Park
- Lack of green space, with fears of overdevelopment reducing liveability
- Strain on local infrastructure, including schools, public transport, and roads
- Construction impacts, such as noise, dust, and road disruptions
- Affordable housing, with some submitters expressing concerns about its impact on property values and local character
What Changed After Public Consultation?
In response to feedback from residents, agencies, and council, several adjustments were made to address key concerns:
- Basement levels adjusted to improve stormwater clearance
- Bicycle parking relocated to private storage cages for better accessibility
- Waste chute repositioned to improve waste management efficiency
- Minor layout improvements to enhance apartment privacy and livability
- Reduced height of rooftop structures to minimise visual impact
- Additional privacy measures introduced in communal open spaces
- Traffic and parking refinements to ensure congestion remains manageable
These changes helped address public concerns, making the development more functional, sustainable, and community-friendly.
Why the Minister Approved the Project
1. Meeting Housing Supply and Affordability Targets
The NSW Government’s housing policies strongly influenced the approval, as the project aligns with:
- The National Housing Accord 2022, which prioritises increased housing supply in key growth areas
- The Greater Sydney Regional Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities, which promotes high-density development near transport hubs
- The Rhodes Place Strategy 2021, which earmarks Rhodes for increased residential and commercial density
The 12.9% affordable housing component was a major reason for approval, as it directly addresses Sydney’s housing affordability crisis.
2. A Landmark Design That Enhances the Rhodes Skyline
The winning design by Fender Katsilidis was selected for its high architectural quality and urban design outcomes. Key design benefits include:
- A slender tower form that integrates into the evolving Rhodes skyline
- Minimised overshadowing, preserving sunlight for Union Square and Peg Patterson Park
- A lively, activated streetscape, thanks to ground-floor retail spaces
3. Infrastructure & Public Space Improvements
The development provides several public benefits, including:
- A pedestrian through-site link, improving connectivity and accessibility
- Affordable housing contributions, supporting housing diversity in Rhodes
- Public realm improvements, with new landscaping and tree planting
4. Sustainable, Transport-Oriented Development
The project aligns with transit-oriented planning principles, reducing car dependency. Key transport considerations include:
- Proximity to Rhodes Train Station (400m), encouraging public transport use
- Bicycle parking facilities, promoting active transport options
- Minimal impact on road congestion, with traffic studies confirming the local road network can accommodate the increase in residents
5. Managing Environmental & Social Impacts
Concerns about overshadowing, congestion, and construction disruptions were addressed through:
- Adjustments to the tower profile, ensuring key public spaces remain sunlit during peak hours
- Traffic impact mitigation, ensuring local roads can handle additional vehicle movements
- Strict construction impact controls, including noise, vibration, and dust management measures
Artist impression by Fender Katsilidis
Meet the Project Team
A diverse team of specialists contributed to the project’s design, planning, and approval process:
- Developer: Deicorp Projects (Rhodes) Pty Ltd
- Urban Planning & Environmental Consulting: Gyde Consulting
- Architectural & Urban Design: Fender Katsilidis (FK)
- Traffic & Transport Assessment: JMT Consulting
- Acoustic & Noise Impact Study: Acoustic Logic
- Wind & Ventilation Assessment: RWDI
- Structural & Civil Engineering: Mott Macdonald
- Geotechnical & Groundwater Studies: EI Australia & Douglas Partners
- Heritage & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consulting: Urbis
- Landscaping & Open Space Design: Landform
- Construction Waste Management: Elephant Foot
Conclusion
The Minister’s approval of the 1-9 Marquet Street, Rhodes project was based on strong alignment with government housing strategies, high-quality urban design, and significant public benefits. Despite initial community objections, design modifications and mitigation measures were deemed sufficient to justify approval.
For more details, search Application Number SSD-71999463 on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.
