The Rhodes East Mixed Use Development, valued at an estimated $293.7 million, is now on public exhibition. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback. The public exhibition period began on 13 February 2025 and will close on 12 March 2025.
This major mixed-use project aims to transform an underutilised site in Rhodes into a vibrant precinct featuring residential apartments, seniors housing, retail spaces, and public amenities. The development represents a significant investment in the area and is aligned with the broader urban renewal strategy for the Rhodes precinct, as outlined in the Rhodes Place Strategy.
Key Features of the Development
Residential and Seniors Housing
This proposal includes two towers of 22 and 26 storeys, which will house a total of 348 apartments. These apartments are designed in various configurations to meet the needs of different residents. Additionally, the podium beneath the towers will feature 30 Independent Living Units (ILUs) and a Residential Care Facility (RCF) with 93 beds. These additions aim to provide accommodation options for seniors while supporting their specific needs.
Public and Retail Amenities
The development will include ground-floor retail spaces to offer essential services and activate the surrounding streets. Furthermore, a new fire station will be built to replace the existing facility. This upgraded station is expected to provide improved infrastructure and enhanced emergency services for the community.
Landscaped Public Spaces
The proposal also includes significant landscaped areas. A public plaza, called the Station Bridge Plaza, will provide an inviting space for pedestrians. Additionally, a garden courtyard will enhance the aesthetic value of the precinct and serve as a green retreat for visitors and residents.
Parking Facilities
The development will incorporate four levels of basement parking, providing 431 car spaces, 15 motorcycle spaces, and 840 bicycle spaces. These parking facilities are designed to cater to the needs of residents, retail customers, and visitors.
Sustainability Features
The project integrates environmentally sustainable design principles. Key features include 1,287.6 square metres of canopy cover and deep soil zones that improve biodiversity and manage stormwater. The landscaping and design measures aim to minimise the environmental impact of the development while enhancing its long-term sustainability.
Artist impression by Bates Smart
Strategic Location and Current Site Conditions
Site Location
The site is strategically located at 15-17 and 25-27 Blaxland Road and 440-442 Concord Road, Rhodes, east of Rhodes Station. Its proximity to the T9 Northern Line provides easy access to key locations such as Sydney CBD, Chatswood, and Strathfield. Additionally, the adjacent Concord Road serves as a major arterial road, offering strong vehicular connectivity to other areas.
Existing Structures
Currently, the site accommodates a mix of structures, including the existing Rhodes Fire Station, a 4-storey commercial building, and a 3-storey apartment complex. Additionally, it features three single-storey residential dwellings and a shared hall with retail uses. These existing buildings will be removed to make way for the new development.
Alignment with Strategic Policies
The proposed development aligns with several state and local planning strategies:
- Greater Sydney Region Plan: The project contributes to the plan’s goals of creating diverse housing, aligning infrastructure with urban growth, and enhancing community connectivity.
- Eastern City District Plan: The development supports housing supply targets, improves transport access, and contributes to urban sustainability initiatives.
- Canada Bay Local Housing Strategy: By delivering apartments and seniors housing, the project addresses the area’s demand for diverse housing types.
- Rhodes Place Strategy: The development transforms the site into a mixed-use urban precinct, improving public infrastructure and housing availability near Rhodes Station.
Artist impression by Bates Smart
Public Exhibition Process
How to Participate
During the public exhibition period, residents and stakeholders can review and comment on the proposal. The full documentation, including architectural plans, environmental impact assessments, and supporting technical studies, is available on the NSW Planning Portal.
Submission of Feedback
Community members can submit feedback online through the NSW Planning Portal, via email, or by post. The deadline for submissions is 12 March 2025. All feedback will be reviewed as part of the planning and decision-making process.
Environmental and Community Impact
Traffic and Transport
The development’s proximity to Rhodes Station will encourage public transport use, helping reduce vehicular reliance. Additionally, the parking facilities and provisions for bicycles will support the needs of residents and visitors while promoting alternative transport options.
Noise and Vibration
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has proposed measures to manage noise and vibration impacts during construction and operation. These measures aim to minimise disruptions to nearby properties.
Flood Risk and Stormwater Management
To address potential flooding, the proposal incorporates water-sensitive urban design measures. These strategies include effective stormwater management systems that ensure site and surrounding areas remain resilient during adverse weather conditions.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a priority in this development. Energy-efficient systems, extensive green landscaping, and the use of deep soil zones aim to reduce environmental impacts and improve ecological balance.
Economic and Social Benefits
The project will generate economic benefits, including approximately 787 construction jobs and 345 operational jobs. It will also increase the housing supply while delivering public infrastructure improvements, such as a new fire station and landscaped public spaces.
What Happens Next?
After the public exhibition period ends, the feedback received will be reviewed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Adjustments to the proposal may be made based on public input. The final decision will then be made, taking into account the feedback and alignment with relevant policies and regulations.
Project Team
The project has been designed and planned by a team of experienced professionals:
- Developer: Ecove Group Pty Limited
- Urban Planner: Ethos Urban
- Architect: Bates Smart
- Landscape Architect: Turf Design Studio
- Civil Engineer: Van Der Meer
- Traffic Consultant: PTC
- Acoustic Consultant: Renzo Tonin & Associates
- Geotechnical Investigation: Douglas Partners
- Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) Consultant: Jensen Hughes
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan: Elephants Foot
- Arborist and Landscaping Impact Assessment: Arterra
- Flood Risk and Hydrology Assessment: GRC Hydro
Find Out More
For more information about the Rhodes East Mixed Use Development, visit the NSW Planning Portal and search for application number SSD-68363729. Community participation is vital, and all feedback will help shape the future of this development and the Rhodes precinct.
