Changes are proposed to the design of the retail centre and leagues club in the Cronulla Sharks development to provide “a more activated street front as well as a more user-friendly centre experience”.
The Department of Planning and Environment has put the proposed modifications to the Woolooware Bay Town Centre concept plan on exhibition for community feedback.
The application follows a review by newly-appointed project architect, HDR Rice Daubney of the concept plan, which was approved in 2013.
Proposed changes include adding a child care centre, enclosing the retail dining terrace to provide weather proofing, extending the upper car park deck level and putting a roof over it.
The design of the ground level has been revamped to open it up more to Captain Cook Drive.
The north-south pedestrian connection between Captain Cook Drive and the foreshore would be straightened to create a more accessible and legible path.
The layout of the ground level retail, leisure and medical tenancies would be reconfigured around this path and “community / gallery spaces” added “to activate Captain Cook Drive”.
Building facades would be more attractive than originally proposed.
Gross floor space would increase by about five per cent, largely due to enclosing the retail dining terrace.
A spokeswoman for developer Bluestone Capital Ventures said the modifications were designed “to get the best outcome for tenants, shoppers and residents”.
“We believe the proposed amendments will result in a more activated street front as well as a more user-friendly centre experience,” she said.
“We are pleased to have the chance to refine the design and think future neighbours and shoppers will really appreciate it.”
The spokeswoman said other planned changes to the development, including a 125–room hotel, additional apartments and conference and community spaces, would be the subject of a separate application.
“Plans for these changes are still proceeding and we expect to make a submission in coming months,” she said.
The Department of Planning and Environment said it was keen to hear the community’s views.
Submissions close on March 16.
Visit: majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
