Plans are in the works by the Australian construction company Attena Group to create a new boarding house in Strathallen Ave, Northbridge.
A new proposal calls for the destruction of a single-storey home in Strathallen Ave, Northbridge to make way for a $1.2 million three-storey boarding development with a grand total of ten rooms, which comes complete with a private open space and communal living areas that fall in line with the character and identity of the surrounding area.
The proposal, developed by the Australian construction company Attena Group, remarked that there would likely be significant demand for the project as there is only one other boarding home in Northbridge.
This new boarding house aims to cater specifically to young people as they would likely be unable to afford living in studio apartments in commercial hubs due to the high prices of rent and the lack of facilities such as furnishing, fast internet, and other utilities that improve overall quality of living.
Despite apparent demand for the proposal, there has been feedback from members of the community opposing the development’s construction, with some complaining that the new boarding house would be too large and dwarf all other establishments within the area. Others remarked that people such as visitors and residents will begin parking illegally as the new proposal is one for a residential building.
Some of the notable comments from the residents, via the development application submissions, include:
Whilst I have no objections to it been 3 level and getting developed, a boarding house in this location is dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.
SJ
The site of the proposed boarding house accommodating 10 rooms is totally unsuitable for this purpose. Strathallen Ave is a busy road with site situated on a blind spot past a sharp bend where accidents frequently happen. Entry and exit to the premises will be hazardous to those tenants and should be considered a severe safety risk.
James B.
The proposed building is also out of keeping with the surrounding area. It would dwarf the surrounding homes by being at least one storey higher than every other building in the vicinity, and presumably significantly larger in floor space.
Greg B.
The site of the proposed Attena Group boarding house development can be found at 20 Strathallen Ave, Northbridge. Those interested in learning more about the development can read about it via the Willoughby City Council’s ePlanning portal (DA-201/130).
