Inner city village under threat, say residents

Residents in Erskineville have raised concerns about the development of 40 new buildings in the suburb which will take two decades to complete.

Construction on the residential project which includes both terraces and apartment buildings is slated to begin in April.

The neighbourhood will gain at least 3,200 new units within the two- to nine-storey blocks.

President of Friends of Erskineville, Mike Hatton, said: “The increase in population alone will double the number of residents in Erskineville, which is currently approximately 6000.

“The plan has no provision for increased public transport infrastructure which is already overcrowded today, nor is there a traffic plan when current main arteries are already parking
lots in peak hours as a result of overcrowding.”

The Friends of Erskineville resident’s association has a subcommittee which is dealing with the plan. Members have been meeting once a month and lodging ongoing submissions in
protest.
“This is a plan that is not acceptable to many existing residents within Erskineville and particularly those currently residing in the McDonald Street area who will be overshadowed
by a concrete jungle as a result of the proposal,” Mr Hatton said.

Goodman Group purchased the extensive site, from the NSW State Authorities Superannuation Board in 1989 for $19.2 million. The proposed development has potential revenue of over $400
million.

The City of Sydney designated the area for urban renewal and the Council approved a Development Control Plan.

The 17-hectare Ashmore Estate is bound by Ashmore St, Mitchell Rd, Coulson St and the Bankstown rail line. Residents are concerned about a number of issues surrounding the development, including the size of the towers, the quality of the design, the loss of sight lines and its environmental impact.

“The plan takes no account of the existing village architecture and residents in immediate proximity to the site,” Mr Hatton said.