Boarding house may be 'trend-setting

Gosford Council has approved a four-storey boarding house to be built in Chambers Place, Woy Woy, with staff haling it as potentially trend-setting and "a catalyst for quality construction".

The building will include 30 studio units, a managers residence, communal areas, a cafe and on ground parking for nine cars.

The proposal had a shortfall of 2.4 parking spaces and the developers will be required to contribute $36,182 to the Woy Woy commercial centre car parking contributions plan in lieu.

Council planning staff reported that the development "represents the first viable proposal submitted to Council in this precinct".

"This proposal may set the trend and act as a catalyst project for quality construction and urban renewal in this precinct.

"The proposal will contribute to the provision of affordable housing accommodation in an area well serviced by public transport (road and rail), community and retail facilities."

Street activity is also expected to be encouraged by the increase in residents using the 30 boarding rooms.

The development would be pedestrian friendly as the Blackwall Rd frontage would be retained at single storey.

The main entrance of the boarding house on Chambers Place would be broken by the open driveway, cafe and variety of finishes.

The proposal was amended a number of times by the applicant at Council's request.

According to Council staff, the proposal that was originally submitted "was a very poor design with an obtrusive visual appearance being basically a large "box like" structure".

"Generally the building now presents as an articulated design on a difficult, small and narrow site which will provide much needed affordable housing in the Gosford Local Government Area."

One of the drivers of the development Mr Phil Nossiter said the development would help to revive Woy Woy.

"Woy Woy is probably starting to tire.

"There isn't much activity there.

"This property is just over 150 metres from the station so there's a lot of people who commute to Sydney, a lot of single people who are in accommodation that is getting unaffordable.

"It will be an affordable, brand new security building with lifts, a full-time manager and cafe.

"The intention is to offer a nice place to live within the CBD," said Mr Nossiter.

Gosford Council report, 2 Nov 2011 Email, 22 Nov 2011 Kaitlin Watts Interviewee: Phil Nossiter