The Kiama Depot precinct proposed to be rezoned for residential use. Photo: Planning NSW.
A two-hectare former gasworks site in Kiama could soon be transformed into a vibrant residential community with hundreds of new homes, with the State Government seeking feedback on plans to rezone the Kiama Depot precinct.
A development which could bring up to 450 new homes to the Kiama CBD is one step closer, with the NSW Government leading and fast-tracking the process under its State Significant Rezoning Policy to reclassify the site from industrial to residential use.
“The Kiama Depot Rezoning proposal is an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live,” NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully said.
“The proposal also prioritises affordable housing, setting out a 10 per cent minimum to make sure it will boost both the number of homes in the region and the diversity of the housing offer.”
The lots are located along Belvedere and Shoalhaven streets, just 350 metres from the train station and half a kilometre from the town centre, but are currently zoned for general industrial use only.
The proposal to rezone the area to residential, with building height restrictions climbing from 11 metres to 30 metres, hopes to create more housing opportunities in a town with a limited housing supply, which has driven up prices and made Kiama the second-most expensive local government area in regional NSW.
The plans also propose the inclusion of 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors as well as improved active transport options such as walking and cycling.
“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many,” Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said.
“Rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community.”
The land is owned by Kiama Council, which last year paid more than $6 million to purchase the adjacent lots to the depot, locally known as the old Big River or Cukuna property.
It is a crucial part of the Local Housing Strategy which council endorsed this year, driven by the priorities of sufficient and well-located housing supply, diversity of housing option, infrastructure provided to support population growth and thriving centres and villages.
“Council strategically acquired land in this precinct and identified the precinct as a catalyst site in its adopted Local Housing Strategy,” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
“This proposal will help us to realise the potential of this council-owned land at the Kiama Depot site, enabling us to deliver more homes in the heart of Kiama.”
Depot operations are being moved to a purpose-built facility at the Minnamurra waste depot.
The plans for the rezoning are on public exhibition, with the community urged to have their say.
Drop-in sessions with the NSW Government’s project planners will be held on 11 November, 1 to 4 pm at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre; 12 November, 3 to 6pm at Kiama Farmers Markets and 13 November, 9 to 11 am at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre.
Community members can also contact the department on 1300 305 695 or email [email protected]
Public feedback is open until 3 December with the proposal to be finalised mid next year.
To find out more or have your say visit the NSW Planning website.
