The long-awaited transformation of Wollongong’s drab northern outskirts is set to begin, as construction starts on 50 new apartments along Flinders Street.
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Demolition of three single-storey buildings – the former Skipp Surf premises, a beautician and Kings Chinese restaurant – began his month, to make way for a nine storey mixed-use complex.
According to plans lodged in 2015 on behalf of the developer Sam Hanna and Co Pty Ltd, the building will have 51 flats and commercial premises will fill out the ground floor.
The plans said there would be six one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom units and 11 three-bedroom units, and two levels of underground parking.
For years, developers have promised buildings which will help the street shift away from the mishmash of car yards, factories and outlet stores that greets people as they drive into town.
Millions of dollars worth of multi-storey unit blocks and mixed-use developments been lodged, however many have languished or failed to get off the ground.
For instance, plans to build 160 flats over three towers at 34-48 Flinders Street were approved in 2014, but have not yet been built.
The 6000 square metre site is now listed for sale.
Likewise, long-held plans to develop the large triangular block at the corner of Flinders, Keira and Campbell streets have been hit by waves on controversy over the past decade.
In late 2016, an $88 million development known as Parq finally gained approval, making way for 221 apartments and a number of commercial sites.
According to the signs at the site, construction will begin this year.
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