Parklands residential development given green light

The City of Sydney has allowed residential development at The Crescent Parklands in its latest draft Johnston’s Creek Master Plan, despite Council unanimously voting to keep the area as “green space” in 2011.

The new decision ensures that 2,500 new residents will be accommodated at the Mirvac built ‘Harold Park’ complex. But the plan does not clearly stipulate how Mirvac will provide for the community.

Helen Matthews, a co-coordinator of the original 1994 Bicentennial Master Plan Leichhardt Council adopted, said it is unclear why options for community facilities are being provided by the City Of Sydney Council and not Mirvac.

“The City of Sydney now wish to ditch the vision to complete the parkland along The Crescent and maintain some buildings. They advise a multi-purpose indoor sports centre, an over 55s centre, small function centres, studios and a childcare centre are options they are looking at,” she said.

“Why are these community options not being supplied by Mirvac?” asked Ms Matthews. “Why not put them in the Tram Sheds – Mirvac owns the Tram Sheds and is currently finalising commercial leasing options, including retail.”

Maire Sheehan, a former Mayor of Leichhardt, said new residents at Harold Park and surrounding communities would lose natural scenery under the latest draft plan.

“An issue is the loss of land to create dubious ‘wetlands’ along the waterfront. The mud in Rozelle Bay is highly contaminated,” she said.

Stuart Penklis, National Director for Apartments at Mirvac said that in opening previously private freehold, a multitude of community benefits will follow suit.

“Mirvac is dedicating over 35 per cent or 38,000 square metres of the site to the City of Sydney as public open space,” he said.

“In addition Mirvac will contribute $8.25 million to the City of Sydney for embellishment of this public open space.”

A spokesperson for the City of Sydney Council said Annandale and Glebe residents would be able to raise any concerns they had with the Harold Park development at a community forum.

“We’re holding a community drop-in session on Saturday 4 May, from 10am-2pm, to present the long-term park plans to the community,” said the spokesperson.

“We encourage the community to come along, find out more about the project and give their feedback.”