A new $15.6million development in Wollongong may have forced out a popular cafe, but it's set to encourage environmentally friendly travel and help activate Keira Lane.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Sifters complex at 82 Market Street - which housed the container cafe Son of a Gun and Pepe's Garden Florist - is planned to merge with the Simple Cycles site next door for the construction of a seven-storey office complex.
The Sifters collective stopped trading on July 13.
Pepe's relocated around the corner while cafe owners decided to close their business altogether, though a new cafe will take its place.
The building is estimated to cost around $15,655,395, according to a development application lodged on behalf of JB + SR Commercial to Wollongong City Council.
The site will have two street frontages, including Keira Lane, which was recommended for "activation" by the Wollongong Design Review Panel.
They suggested architects use design elements to "create a safe space at night".
As a result, a new cafe will operate along the laneway with giant glass windows incorporated into the facade.
"The proposed development has been designed ... to encourage the creation of safer places through environmental design," the report by MMJ Wollongong stated.
"Natural surveillance and sight lines have been considered as part of the building design to maximise the potential for public surveillance and reduce the risk of crime."
The building will house 4439.4 square metres of gross commercial floor area.
It will include a basement car park for 65 cars in total, with 27 additional spaces for bicycles, three motorbike spaces and three disabled parking spots.
"The development provides facilities for bicycle storage and is situated within the Wollongong City Centre, to encourage walking and cycling," the DA states.
"The site is conveniently located in close proximity to public transport (i.e. both bus and train services), which maximises the potential for use of public transport."
The DA is on exhibition until August 28 via council's website.