The future of one of Wollongong's most controversial development sites remains in limbo almost a year after the approval for the $100 million Quattro development was quashed.
The proposed commercial and residential complex on the former Keira Ford site on Flinders St was one of the developments at the centre of last year's Independent Commission Against Corruption hearings into Wollongong City Council.
ICAC found that council planner Beth Morgan had engineered Quattro's approval in August 2005 on behalf of her lover and developer Frank Vellar.
Towering Quattro plans set to tumble
Quattro proposal in courtBoth Ms Morgan and Mr Vellar were found to have engaged in corrupt conduct and Commissioner Jerrold Cripps recommended both should face criminal charges. Briefs of evidence on both are with the Director of Public Prosecutions, but no charges have been laid to date.
In February this year, the Land and Environment Court overturned the approval for the development after the council's legal team argued the approval was "tainted by corruption".
The council administrators subsequently refused the development application, which exceeded a wide range of planning guidelines.
Land and Property Management Authority records reveal the site is still owned by Sebvell Pty Ltd and Mr Vellar remains one of three directors of the company.
The council has confirmed no new development applications have been lodged for the site, bounded by Flinders, Campbell and Keira streets.
Meanwhile, another major city development approved by Ms Morgan and featuring in ICAC inquiries is also facing uncertainty, with about half the units in the 96-unit Victoria Square development yet to be sold.
Property records obtained by the Mercury indicate that 52 units in the complex have been sold, with no record of the other 44 units ever changing owners. The Victoria Square website indicates 47 units are available to purchase across the two towers.
The developer, Glen Tabak, was found by ICAC to have engaged in corrupt conduct in relation to the site and his dealings with Ms Morgan.
Mr Tabak and Ms Morgan met at the "table of knowledge" at a North Wollongong kebab shop in March 2004 and became involved in a sexual relationship.
Mr Cripps found that Mr Tabak had reimbursed Ms Morgan for plastering work on her home as an inducement to favourably determine his development application.
Neither Mr Vellar nor Mr Tabak returned the Mercury's phone calls.
Email a friend