A six storey commercial, tourism and residential development on Toronto’s foreshore park – deemed prime waterfront land – is ‘unwelcome’ and ‘short-sighted’, local residents have warned.
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Lake Macquarie City Council authorised consultation and design works to be undertaken in regards to a potential tourism and retail complex on two council-owned blocks at last Monday’s meeting.
According to Mayor Kay Fraser, the Bath Street properties have been earmarked for a development of this nature since their purchase in 2002, with the end-product expected to “bring more people into Toronto”.
“I can understand the community are concerned about the use of that space, but it was always the intention of council to move forward in this way for the small foreshore area,” Cr Fraser said.
“This is only the early stages. When the development application is lodged it will go to a merit-based assessment. The community will be given a chance to be consulted, and put their views forward in that process.
“We want to see Toronto grow as a key part of the Lakes area into the future.”
Toronto resident Jeff Jansson, a member of the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise, spoke out against the plans and believes the town’s population growth requires more park land.
“We’re not against development … but this is prime waterfront land,” he said.
Mr Jansson said the proposal was “very short sighted”, and believes the development will cover the park.
“The whole area is designated as the Toronto foreshore park,” he said. “Council maintains it, the same crew mows it – there’s no distinction between the two [the park land and land to be developed].”
Council’s decision means planning approval will be sought and detailed design and construction work will go to tender, despite the development currently being planned as four storeys higher than the local environmental plan allows.
Cr Fraser also said the development would tie into the other works currently underway in Toronto, with the plan to “build towards a more improved town in the future”.
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The Lake Macquarie mayor confirmed the development would likely include both short-term tourist accommodation and long-term accommodation, as well as retail and hospitality spaces in the two-block area.
“This [development] blends in nicely with what other projects are ongoing in Toronto,” Cr Fraser said.
“As mayor I want to make sure our city continues to grow, so we have to encourage people to live here, as well as move more businesses into the area. We have to provide accommodation and areas for this to happen, and one of the good locations is Toronto because of good facilities, amenities and lifestyles in an affordable area.
“I understand the community’s concerns, and once the application is lodged I want to hear from the community – I want to hear their concerns and opinions because it will make sure we have the right development for Toronto.”
Cr Wendy Harrison was the only councillor at Monday’s meeting who spoke against the plan. Although unsuccessful in her suggestion, she called to make the blocks community land.
“I believe this is what a great deal of people in Toronto want,” she said.