Proposed Oxford Street, Paddington Development Faces Local Opposition

Residents and Woollahra councillors have expressed concern over a proposed $78.3 million Oxford Street residential development across from Victoria Barracks.

The proposed State Significant Development at 160 Oxford Street, recently lodged with the Department of Planning, would see existing buildings demolished in order to build an eight-storey complex within Little Paddington Village, and inside the Paddington Heritage Conservation Area.

27 studio flats would be knocked down, as well as contemporary townhouses at 142-148 Oxford Street. Whilst the project would see an overall increase in units on the market, the stock of designated affordable housing would be reduced. The developer, Toohey Miller, envisions a retail area on the first floor.

The proposal adds to ongoing conflict between the state and the Woollahra municipality, amidst the Minns Government’s drive to increase housing supply.

Council votes to review proposal

Paddington ward councillors Harriet Price (Residents First Woollahra) and Matthew Robertson (Greens) tabled a motion expressing concern about the proposal during the council meeting on 26 November. It was carried unanimously with the endorsement of the Liberal majority.

“Approximately 12 dwellings are proposed to be designated as ‘affordable housing’, resulting in a net loss of approximately 15 affordable dwellings,” it notes.

The motion cited “significant” community concerns including the loss of affordable housing, impacts on the heritage of the area, traffic and amenity usage implications, excavations, the overshadowing of public space, impacts on nearby jacaranda trees, a lack of community consultation and “difficulties navigating the complexities” of a State Significant Development.

Councillors endorsed directing staff to conduct a review of the proposal, noting community and heritage concerns, and to lodge a formal submission during the exhibition period.

Proposed will replace existing stock with “luxury apartments”

Councillor Price emphasised the surrounding area’s heritage significance and the proposed reduction of affordable housing stock.

“The site is directly opposite the gates to the state heritage-listed Victoria Barracks, and surrounded by the beautifully preserved and much-loved sandstone buildings and other cottages that housed the workers that built the Barracks.”

She told the City Hub that the proposal “will replace 27 studio apartments and four large townhouses with luxury apartments and a handful of temporary discounted dwellings.”  

“The extra kicker is the mammoth four storeys of underground parking for 78 cars – all within footsteps of the Oxford Street bus stop… The intent of the new Low and Mid-Rise reforms was to permit increased density close to public transport.”

Price is critical of planning reforms adopted by the NSW Government, but is optimistic about local resolve.

“Fast tracking housing approvals should not be at the expense of destroying heritage and genuine community consultation,” she said.

Newly-formed local group Paddington United has launched an online petition advocating “better development for all, not luxury for a few.” As of writing, it has received just over 1,400 signatures.

Development would “overwhelm” Victorian precinct, says councillor

Councillor Robertson said that he is “totally opposed” to the proposal, which he considers “an affront to Paddington’s heritage.”

“This proposal will deplete market affordable studios” whilst delivering “luxury apartments no young person nor first home buyer will have any chance of affording to buy,” he told this masthead.

“The Minns Government must reverse its policies if it is serious about delivering more housing stock for the community and decoupling its cosy relationship with the development industry.”

“Most offensive, this proposal will overwhelm the built form context of Paddington’s highly prized in-tact Victorian conservation area with alarming and unacceptable impacts on neighbors and heritage character.”

Group says proposal “inconsistent” with local character

The Paddington–Darlinghurst Community Group said that the proposal “represents overdevelopment that will have significant and irreversible impacts on the amenity, character, and infrastructure of the surrounding heritage neighbourhood.”

Its intended height, the group said, is “wholly inconsistent with the existing built form of Paddington, which is defined by two- to four-storey terraces and heritage shopfronts.”

“The bulk and mass of this proposal will dominate the streetscape, overshadow nearby properties, and visually overpower the fine-grained character of Oxford Street, Shadforth Street, Gipps Street, Liverpool Street and Glenmore Road.”

“Paddington’s heritage character is a cornerstone of its identity and tourism appeal. The proposed design and height will erode this character, creating a visual disconnect with the surrounding low-rise terraces and heritage façades. Modern bulk, excessive glazing, and the sheer scale of the structure are incompatible with the conservation values” protected under existing provisions, the association added.

Woollahra councillors have recently objected to harbourside developments pursued under state reforms, after homes near construction sites were found to be sinking and cracking.

Prior to that, Vaucluse Liberal MP Kellie Sloane said that she received no communication from the Government prior to the announcement of plans to complete the Woollahra railway station and build housing around it.