Level 33 file plans for mixed-use Wollongong development
Sydney-based construction company Level 33 has submitted plans to Wollongong City Council for a large-scale, mixed-use development in the centre of the third-largest city in New South Wales.
The family-owned firm is proposing to construct two towers in Wollongong, one of 18 levels and the other of 19, on a 6,514 sqm parcel of land made up of four separate lots.
Located on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, the towers will contain a total of 262 apartments, above 1200 sqm of retail space with seven separate tenancies.
Render of the proposed Wollongong development. Credit: BKA Architecture.
The $73 million project plans were submitted by town planners Planning Ingenuity on behalf of Level 33, with BKA Architecture behind the designs.
A company linked to Level 33 Director Eddy Haddad bought 357-359 Crown Street for $7 million in late 2021, then added the 20-unit block next door at 363 Crown Street for between $191,000 and $625,000.
The new development, which will replace all existing buildings, will feature a five-storey podium containing retail and commercial tenants, along with parking for 318 vehicles on the ground and lower-ground levels.
The majority of the apartments proposed are two-bedders (191). There will be 63 one-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom apartments. BKA noted in their design statement submitted as part of the application that the density is considered to be appropriate within the urban and social context of the site.
"Its location in close proximity to transport links and numerous retail, commercial and recreational facilities suggests that the proposed density is both sustainable and compatible with the nature of likely future development."
The main communal open space features over 1,800 sqm of landscaped gardens.
Render of the proposed Wollongong development. Credit: BKA Architecture.
BKA said the proposal to develop the site for residential purposes will greatly enhance the quality and amenity of the streetscape and make a positive contribution to the emerging and renewed character of the area.
"The proposed development is contextual at its core, adapting its built form and landscape design harmoniously with the topography and adjacent consolidated high density residential neighbours in accordance with the desired future character of the area."
The building has been designed with due regard to environmentally sustainable design principles. Most of the proposed apartments have their living areas orientated towards the north and east to maximize solar access.
Part of the consideration in the design process was the heritage-listed Moreton Bay fig tree on the site, which has stood since at least the late 1930s.