Kiaora Lands development gets nod of approval

Woollahra Council is seeking to revitalise the Kiaora Lands area in Double Bay with its development proposal recently approved by the Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel.

Located near Anderson St in the heart of Double Bay, the Kiaora Lands proposal marks a joint venture between the Council and Woolworths Limited that will see the construction of a new supermarket, retail shops, a three storey library and a public carpark for 446 vehicles.

The move is seen to represent great economic potential for Woollahra Council who will acquire the entire Kiaora Lands site from Woolworths once development has completed.

Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Susan Wynn, maintained that these developments will also be of great benefit to the local community. Ms Wynn said:

“The development will be a great catalyst for Double Bay’s commercial growth. It will boost local employment and it will help revitalise one of our most unique commercial centres.”

It is anticipated that the development will generate approximately $100 million per annum for the local economy and create an additional 300 jobs for local workers. The plans will also see to the construction of a shared zone and public plaza along Kiaora Lane.

Mayor Wynn is excited about the prospects that these developments represent for both residents and retailers in Double Bay.

“This is the single biggest injection of confidence and capital investment in any of our commercial centres and I am excited by the potential of a very positive outcome,” she said.

The approval was the cumulative result of extensive planning and community consultation, whereby the Council looked to address concerns pertaining to the establishment of new businesses and the provision of extra car spaces in the area.

During the planning process, Woolworths Limited consulted with many local residents and customers. The feedback has mostly been positive.

However, there has also been significant opposition to the developments, particularly in relation to transport arrangements along Anderson and Patterson streets.

Local resident, Inessa Khachaturian, believes that the construction of a new shopping will only serve to create more problems for the community in terms of traffic congestion.

“When it comes to Double Bay, it’s always hard to find parking on the main streets. And what do they want to do? Get even more cars into the area,” Ms Khachaturian said. “Sure, there’ll be more spaces, but a lot more people as well and once the traffic kicks in, everything will start boiling over.”

Due to the impact of the proposal, Woollahra Council is considering whether it should act to alter the direction of travel on these streets, but no firm decision has been reached on the matter.

The proposed developments are thought to represent long term gains for the Council, who have settled on a fixed interest loan of $76.75 million from Woolworths at 7.5 per cent, to be paid back over the next 29 years.

Ralph Kemmler, Director of Property for Woolworths Limited, believes that collaboration with Council allows both parties to address the community’s needs in an effective manner.

“This is a great example of a company and a Council working together to deliver something of enduring benefit to the community,” he said. “Woolworths is looking forward to … delivering this vibrant retail, commercial and library destination for Double Bay.”

The developments are to be completed in stages, with the unveiling of the new car park, Woolworths supermarket, Dan Murphy’s liquor store and Thomas Dux grocer part of the initial 18 month phase.