Woollahra council is considering giving a controversial Edgecliff development new life

By ELLIOT HEATH

Angry residents across Sydney’s eastern suburbs have raised concerns that the area will soon fall victim to council and government overdevelopment. Proposed 26 storey high developments in Edgecliff have been met with backlash from members of the community and local politicians.

The Edgecliff Commercial Centre redevelopment proposal, running along New South Head road just a stones throw from heritage listed Rushcutters Bay Park, would see a hulking new building with up to 500 new apartments as well as commercial spaces.

Local resident Jim Cole described the proposed developments as a slap in the face for the community.

“I have lived in this area for over 45 years and to have the council throw these new high-rise buildings at us is a disgrace, views will be ruined these will take away from the areas natural beauty” Cole told City Hub. 

Whilst the proposals have been rejected by the council first time round, Longhurst, the company who designed the proposals have been encouraged to propose a second plan, sparking fears the developments could eventually be approved.  

Freyer says community needs to be listened to

Independent candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer has been vocally opposing the development since the council released the first draft plan. Joined by the Greens, who have a proven track record on Council resisting development pressure stopping major over-developments like the Rose Bay Marina, Freyer is campaigning against the Edgecliff commercial centre. 

Freyer told CityHub that the suburbs over the Woollahra region want to see more community input led development put into action.

“Perceived overdevelopment is increasingly angering eastern suburbs residents” Freyer said.

“I saw how development is being fast-tracked outside the traditional local controls and development approval processes, while removing the capacity for communities to fight back

“The community should be getting more of a say in the development that occurs.” 

However, not all recent council approved projects have been subject to criticism with Freyer explaining that the Bondi Pavilion rejuvenation project “is a fantastic example of the type of community input led developments we need”. 

While it remains to be seen whether the Edgecliff development will eventuate or not, residents have sent a clear message to Council that “overdevelopment” goes against community wishes.