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Three multi-storey apartment blocks recommended for Orange suburbia
December 5, 2022
By David Fitzsimons
A $14.8 million redevelopment of one of Orange’s worst eyesores, the old Kurim shops site, looks finally set to be approved.
Modified plans for the construction of three multi-storey buildings to provide housing and shops in Callawa Avenue, Glenroi have been recommended for approval by Orange City Council staff ahead of council’s next meeting on Tuesday night.
The development application proposes 42 seniors’ housing apartments, three shop-top housing apartments, six ground floor commercial spaces plus 105 basement and at-grade (street level) car spaces.
Landscaping would include street tree planting.
Changes to previous plans include the removal of three shop-top housing apartments, increased setbacks of buildings to give neighbours better access to sunlight and increased privacy, plus there will be space for future outdoor dining.
The council has received several submissions from local residents opposing the development on grounds including it was out of character for the area, and raising concerns about local crime.
“In our area over the past years we have had issues with gangs fighting, cars burnt out and drug houses all of which the local police have shown no interest in or coming to help,” said one objector.
“This I am 100 per cent certain on and happily give the council details, so by bringing temptation to the area is not wanted. You would be better leaving the site vacant.
“I believe we need more affordable housing for single parents and families in the residential area on a ground level not multi-level disabled housing.”
Another objector was concerned about traffic and noise.
“High increase in traffic, noise and pollution especially during construction and the excavation process, will be incredibly disruptive and the noise levels and particularly vibration caused by earth-moving equipment will be barely tolerable,” they said.
However, a staff report said the project would benefit the area.
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“This application for three, four-storey residential unit buildings on the former Kurim shops site in Glenroi represents a significant investment and redevelopment in this area of the city,” it said.
“It is considered that the original concerns of neighbours have adequately been taken into consideration, and that this proposal provides for a mixture of density and residential accommodation that is required within the city.”