Ryde Council assesses a modified Eastwood Shopping Centre development proposal
Yuhu Group Australia is rejigging various aspects of its hulking Eastwood Shopping Centre transformation, with final approval in sight.
After holding the site for some years, the developer began the process of mass redevelopment during 2016 with plans lodged for a substantial apartment-based urban renewal project. Valued at $276 million at the time, the HDR | Rice Daubney-designed development initially included 443 apartments above a substantial retail and commercial precinct.
City of Ryde are now displaying the most recast plans for the site which fronts 152-190 Rowe Street and 3-5 Rutledge Street. The major revision includes apartment numbers dropping near on 10% to a new total of 408.
The clearing of all buildings onsite is expected, in favour of the construction of 7 buildings of between 6 and 13 storeys. Early plans also included 11,000 plus square metres of reinstated retail space and approximately 3,000 square metres of commercial space above basement car parking capable of handling 1,110 resident and visitor vehicles.
Additional changes within the revised planning set include updated traffic flows into the site and a height increase over certain buildings.
HDR | Rice Daubney see the development as capable of "enhancing the synergetic possibilities to create a new social anchor for work, live, eat and play.
The design considers both urban and human perspectives, seamlessly connecting public spaces and creating a vibrant sense of community flow through the town centre. The hanging garden at the centre of the development works as a filter between the busy retail levels and the upper levels and acts as a recreation space for the public and for residents.
A singular landscape integrates the whole town centre, adding to the creation of community. Rooftop gardens create special vistas and experiences for residents."
A key to the proposal which remains unchanged is the inclusion of two pedestrian-only thoroughfares dubbed The Street and The Laneway which would connect Rowe and Rutledge streets.
Yuhu Group Australia's proposal is in the heart of Eastwood Town Centre and 200 metres from Eastwood Railway Station.
Over a 12,755 square metre site, planning documents make note of the proposal being the largest private landholding in the Town Centre under single ownership. Existing buildings onsite range in height from two to eight storeys, although all are slated to be demolished.
Eastwood Shopping Centre's central position within the suburb makes it pivotal to City of Ryde's intentions to create an enhanced retail, employment and retail precinct within the Town Centre.