A “transformative” five-building precinct is in the works in Wollongong that will deliver 202 apartments in the growing commuter town.
Themisto Pty Ltd, the sole director of which is listed as one Arthur Stanton, is behind the application to the Wollongong City Council for the project dubbed The Five Islands.
The site is an 7014sq m amalgamation of seven allotments, with Burelli Street to the north, Church Street to the east and Stewart Street to the south.
On site now are a series of commercial and retail buildings, including Diamond Plaza, which accommodates businesses and not-for-profits including Wesley Mission, Australian Red Cross, and disability employment agency Campbell Page.
To the south of the site, at 97-103 Church Street, is the Collegians Illawarra Leagues Club, a community, food and entertainment venue.
The $143.6-million project, being designed by Architectus, will demolish these buildings.
The developer is planning the mixed-use precinct around a communal open plaza, connecting frontages and making the most of connections to MacCabe Park, Wollongong’s largest, as well as retail and entertainment areas within Globe Lane and Crown Street Mall.
“Together, these connections will maximise amenity and opportunities for future residents and users of the site in all directions, to Wollongong Beach, train station, Crown Street Mall and MacCabe Park,” the development application said.
Heights will range from five to 13 storeys, with commercial uses at the ground floor of each building, including restaurants and retail, totalling 2555sq m of non-residential floor space.
The residential elements will provide 102 two-bedroom, 75 one-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom and 1 four-bedroom apartment, with 271 parking spaces planning for residents and visitors.
The site is well located within a key mixed-used precinct within the Wollongong City Centre, and the project will be determined by the Southern Regional Planning Panel.
Wollongong has recieved increased developer interest in recent years.
Major projects are in the works including Urban Property Group’s plans for four nine-storey mixed-use buildings at the edge of the CBD, as well as plans for apartments from local developers to keep up with Wollongong’s continued population growth.