Neighbour concerns: Cathy Pool with the tree-lined brick pit in the background. Picture: Lisa McMahon
KIRRAWEE shop owners are divided over the $238 million brick pit plan which is a step closer to being approved.
The long disused site adjoining their strip would be transformed for commercial, retail and residential uses, with a public park and underground car parking in a development including two residential towers of 14 and 11 storeys, and seven smaller buildings of three to seven storeys.
It would provide 432 apartments.
Cathy Pool, who has operated Kirrawee Flower Decorations for 20 years, said many business owners were opposed, while others supported it.
She thought the construction phase would kill their strip because of lack of parking, which was already a major problem.
Angelo Polites, who set up his barber shop in Flora Street 27 years ago, said a new shopping mall next door would mean ‘‘a David and Goliath battle every day’’.
‘‘This area will become all cafes and restaurants,’’ he said.
Ken McMillan has operated Kirrawee Cycles for 23 years.
He said the development would be good for his business provided there was more parking.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure recommended approval on condition the number of residential parking spaces be reduced because it was close to the railway station.
It also advocated modifications to building separation and design and the geotechnical stability of Flora Street.
It highlighted the key concerns as the impact on nearby shopping centres, traffic generation, height, bulk and scale and environmental impacts.
It believed the matters had been satisfactorily dealt with within the environmental assessment, the developer’s revised plan, the department’s recommended modifications and further assessment requirements.
‘‘The proposed development provides for renewal of an old brick pit site and achieves an appropriate level of design,’’ it said.
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