An artist’s impression of the Sapphire development on the Kingston Foreshore. File photos.
A revised development application for the planned Sapphire development on the Kingston Lakefront has attracted a flurry of comments from neighbours upset at plans for a public carpark.
The parking report in the DA, which is essentially the same as the one approved in April apart from minor modifications, refers to a 10-space public carpark in the landscaped area on the eastern side of the complex which is available to the general public and not allocated to nearby unit developments as part of visitor parking.
Canberra developer Keggins is behind the 79-apartment complex, which is the last lakefront development in Kingston.
Residents are concerned that the carpark would diminish their views of the lake, spoil the aesthetics of the waterfront and set an undesirable precedent.
One person whose new apartment is directly across from the carpark on Honeysett View says there has not been any consultation.
“I assume this carpark is for people to use when they visit the tiny park which is yet to be created at the foreshore creek. Could it not be better placed at the Causeway end of Honeysett View where it will not upset any of the residents of Peninsula, Northshore, or any other residential development? There is a huge tract of land there which is currently unused,” the comment says.
“Our view of the water and trees was our reason for selecting this particular apartment, and we did not envision staring at parked cars. I urge you to please reconsider this carpark placement and consult with Northshore residents in particular.”
This landscape illustration from the DA shows the car park to the right of the Sapphire development.
Another says that as a local resident they have observed that, overwhelmingly, car spaces are used by residents of the apartment buildings.
“I realise a small park is proposed for Honeysett View but cannot see that it would attract car-driving visitors, or that additional public parking would be required, let alone a carpark on the foreshore itself. Truly I cannot understand how, in 2018 an on-ground carpark directly on the foreshore is considered a good idea. I am sure environmental concerns could be addressed but nothing would mitigate the aesthetic nightmare.”
Another says the location of the planned car park is shortsighted and that it should be moved to the end of Honeysett View where there is vacant land adjacent to the Causeway. “The proposed site is not suitable from an aesthetic perspective and will appear out of place,” the comment says.
Another objector insists that the people who enjoy the waterfront adjacent to the Sapphire complex and along the wetlands do not need a carpark.
“They are part of a larger community that value the simple pleasures of nature, of walking amongst the sounds and sights of unique protected wildlife and the quiet relief from traffic.
If the developers of Sapphire need extra parking then let them fund it. What town planner thinks that building a car park at the water’s edge of Lake Burley Griffin is a great idea? It sets a disastrous precedent.”
According to the DA, the urban open space area to be constructed will be handed back to the Territory.
Keggins purchased the 3697 square-metre waterfront block on the peninsula in June 2016 for $21.65 million.
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