The two 13-storey towers proposed in the first stage of Geocon’s plans for the Phillip pool site. Images: Cox Architecture.
Geocon’s plans to redevelop the Phillip pool and ice skating site have hit a snag, with the Territory Planning Authority and agencies identifying a swag of issues with the proposed multi-tower project that will add hundreds of apartments to the Woden Town Centre.
Its plans to replace the current 50-metre outdoor pool with a public indoor facility with a 25-metre lap pool and smaller pools to satisfy the lease requirements.
The plans have also been under fire from the Save Phillip Pool movement and others.
The TPA has put the DA on hold, and its official request for further information gives Geocon 18 months to respond or the development application will lapse.
The request is accompanied by 118 public representations submitted to the DA for the first stage of Geocon’s eventual five-tower precinct.
All bar one of them object to the DA listing a range of planning issues and the inadequacy of a 25-metre pool as a community facility in the growing town centre.
The objections raise concerns such as the proposed development being too big, overshadowing and overlooking, the impact on the neighbouring apartments, and the loss of green space.
Many lament the continuing proliferation of high-rise residential towers in the Town Centre and the loss of open space and community facilities.
There are calls for the government to take over the site and develop an aquatic centre there, while others want the government to build a 50-metre pool elsewhere in Woden.
Some argue the 25-metre pool will not be able to meet the needs of the Woden catchment.
The Weston Creek Community Council says the Stromlo Leisure Centre in Molonglo is at capacity on weekends, and there is significant demand in the area for aquatic facilities.
There is also a push to force Geocon to build a 50-metre pool or forfeit the site to a developer who will.
Several directorates and entities, including Transport Canberra and City Services, the Conservator of Flora and Fauna and Icon Water say they cannot support the development in its present form.
The proposed entry to the Phillip Aquatic Centre.
TCCS has issues with the proposed driveways, traffic modelling and the impacts on surrounding streets and intersections, and the adequacy of the basement parking.
It says the waste management plan was rejected at the pre-application stage and should not have been submitted in the DA.
Geocon wanted the building manager to store waste and recycling hoppers in the basement and then bring them up one by one via a lift for the Territory to collect.
TCCS is also seeking more details about paving, landscaping and the amount of tree canopy, adding that the Tree Management Plan is insufficient.
The Conservator says some of the trees slated for removal don’t meet the criteria, and the responses on maintaining and enhancing nature are insufficient.
The Planning Authority found the proposed buildings exceed the maximum permissible building height, and it has concerns about units’ access to sunlight, floorplans, privacy and overshadowing.
It wants a car parking survey of the existing public car park between Irving and Spoering Streets to support the reduced onsite parking (58 spaces) for the swimming pool, and whether Geocon may rely on that car park for commercial components in Stages 2 and 3.
The first of three stages of construction for the Phillip site will include two 13-storey towers made up of 286 apartments, as well as a rooftop outdoor entertainment area for residents.
The public aquatic centre will be on the ground floor. As well as a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, it will include a splash pad, learn-to-swim area, toddlers’ swimming area, leisure swimming area, “program pool with relaxation area”, a steam and sauna room, café, and an outdoor water play/splash pad and entertainment area.
When completed, the entire development will add 900 apartments to the area.
Comment was sought from Geocon.
Loading ...
