So-called “new generation” boarding houses are challenging community perceptions about this form of development.
However, the recent history of boarding house proposals in Sutherland Shire shows the stigma will be hard to remove.
Sutherland District Trade Union Club (Tradies) has upset Gymea residents with its proposed development for “key workers” such as police, nurses and teachers.
The two storey building would include 16 boarding rooms as well as six one and two bedroom units.
Council’s online development application (DA) register shows only two of the previous five boarding house proposals over the last five years were approved.
More than 150 objections were received before two 2013 DAs in Karimbla Road, Miranda, were rejected.
Community opposition torpedoed a DA for a boarding house in Cambrai Avenue, Engadine, last year.
One of the two projects to be approved is a recently completed, multi-storey boarding house with 30 rooms at 375 Kingsway, next to the Caringbah shopping strip, which is to be auctioned on March 14.
The other approved development is at 148 Kingsway, Woolooware, where a two-storey 18-room boarding house is to be built.
There were 10 submissions opposing the DA and reasons included it was out of character and could have adverse social impacts.
The developer, Jarvis Brooks, has a boarding house, Barinya House, at Dee Why and another in the pipeline at Frenchs Forest.
The DA said Barinya House “has been successful in terms of its community acceptance”, with no complaints from adjoining residents since it opened in 2012.
Architect Vic Lake, who also drew Tradies’ plans, said, “The inevitable success of this development may just assist in converting public perception of a boarding houses particularly as housing and living costs continue to escalate within our cities”.
Angelo Boliaris, a developer who is advising Tradies, said Gymea residents should look at the boarding house he opened late last year in Cook Street, Mortdale.
It was approved by the Land and Environment Court after residents and council opposition.
Features include Caesar stone bench tops and splash backs in the kitchens, CCTV, intercom and a gymnasium.
“The quality of tenants is phenomenal,” Mr Boliaris said.
“They are individuals and couples from 20 to 65, they are all in full time employment and all came to us with references,” he said.
”They are looking for good quality micro living to help them achieve their goal which, in nine out of 10 cases, is to save to get into the market themselves.”
