First look: Wollongong's latest new apartment tower revealed
Wollongong is set for a new apartment tower.
Plans have been lodged by RM Developments for a $24 million project across a 2,700 sqm site at 41-47 Denison Street, right next to Wollongong Station and the Wollongong town centre.
Design Workshop Australia (DWA) put together the plans for the 17-level, mixed-use commercial and residential building that will comprise 75 apartments above office tenancies and medical suites.
The proposal involves partial demolition of an Art Deco-styled brick building and at-grade car parking to make way for the mixed-use development. The podium design integrates the retained façade of the Art Deco building to connect neighbouring buildings and harmonises with Denison Street's streetscape.
DWA's proposal emphasises the importance of the preservation of the existing building fabric to maintain the area's character and inform the curvilinear visual language of the tower levels.
The tower's curved geometry provides a distinct building character, offers residents unique views, and prioritises solar access for residential units and communal open spaces while minimising the overshadowing of neighbouring sites. Balcony elements and glazed vertical elements add visual interest and depth to the tower.
The Design Excellence Report by GYDE Consulting suggested the proposed mixed-use development will provide high-quality commercial uses on the ground floor, enhancing the site’s public interface suitable to the streetscape and character of the locality, as well as a diverse range of apartment types.
There will be just six one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-beds and two three-bedroom units, as well as gardens on level one, seating areas, barbecue facilities, fitness areas on level nine, and a pool deck with lounging areas and an infinity edge pool on level 17. 151 parking spaces have been proposed for residential, commercial and visitor usage.
In line with best practices for Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD), the project also aims to incorporate various sustainable initiatives such as rainwater collection, deep soil planting, use of water-efficient fixtures, LED lighting, sustainable concrete components, and the potential for solar panels.
The development also plans to include electric car charge points and spaces to promote eco-friendly transportation.
The site's strategic location is within walking distance of key amenities such as Wollongong Train Station, Lowden Square bus interchange, Wollongong Hospital, and Wollongong Central Shopping Centre.