New changes for Old Workers Club

By Michelle Neathercote

The redevelopment of the former Helensburgh Workers Club site in Walker Street has again been strongly criticised when the revised Development Application was unveiled at the last Local Area Meeting (LAM).

“The resulting discussion clearly showed a great deal of community anger and disappointment at the proposal,” said Pauline Lacelles-Smith Convenor of the Local Area Meetings and Chair of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC).

“Issues raised included the lack of public parking and the impact of parking on Walker St and whether the development included home offices as they were not being advertised for sale as such.

“There was also concern that the development could create a ghetto effect along the lines of the approved buildings in Club Lane which are known, without affection, as ‘Alcatraz’ and ‘Sing Sing’.”

During the meeting residents were quite vocal about their concern that the developer appeared to be ignoring relevant community concerns raised when the original plans were first submitted and again six months ago when the revised plans were placed on display.

“This proposed development is not what the community wants in its main street,” said Ms Smith.

“The unattractive nature of the building is completely out of kilter with the heritage and historic nature of the township.”

However, Wollongong Councillors have previously stated that, “there is not a generic view about what Helensburgh should look like and no recommended theme for Helensburgh that is either recognised or being adopted by Wollongong Council”.

LAM members also expressed fears that a DA would be submitted close to Christmas which may impinge on Council efforts to give the plans reasonable scrutiny and consideration. It was suggested that one or more of the Administrators should attend a meeting to understand the community’s grievances.

The meeting Convenors said they intend to contact Council to raise these issues and request that if a DA is lodged, that the closing date be extended to February. If necessary, a meeting will be convened before the next scheduled meeting.

Wollongong Council extended the last consultation and feedback period following community outrage at the short time frame given to residents to comment on the proposed plans for a major development in the town’s central business district.

A spokesperson for Wollongong City Council said the amended plans are currently on re-notification with a notice appearing in the local Advertiser newspaper. She said the notification period will end on 3 December 2008 and the amended plans were also available for inspection at Helensburgh library.

In related news, the Neighborhood Forums will be starting next February to replace Local Area Meetings.

When Wollongong City Council has finalized working through the Charter there will be three forums in Ward 1 as per the present Local Area Meetings.

A representative from Council will attend the meetings. The forums have a role to play in Council’s decision making processes through providing an opportunity for community consultation.