There is still opposition to the plans for the Corrimal Coke Works site but developers hope going green will sway public opinion their way.
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The Corrimal Coke Works is being promoted as the first 5-Star Green Star rated community in Wollongong, which the developers say will transform the derelict site into "a vibrant, open and engaging precinct for current and future residents to enjoy".
Developed by the Green Building Council of Australia, Green Star Communities promote environmental and social sustainability outcomes and are rated on governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment and innovation.
Their aim is to deliver "safe, accessible and culturally rich communities that, through careful planning, design and construction, provide broad-ranging public benefits while reducing ecological impacts".
Illawarra Coke Company director Kate Strahorn said that in addition to building homes for local families, the revitalisation of the Corrimal Coke Works site would benefit the greater Corrimal community.
"I think once people understand the significant commitment we are making holistically to the whole project to deliver sustainable outcomes, I think people will be genuinely excited," she said.
"We really hope that the revitalisation of the Corrimal Coke Works will put Wollongong really at the forefront of sustainability best practice in Australia.
"I think once the community understands and sees what we are aspiring to and what we are committing to deliver, it will help reassure that minority of the community that may have some concerns about the project."
The Corrimal Community Action Group have a number of concerns, notably around the amount of traffic the development will generate.
The group also worries that the proximity of parts of the proposed development, including a dog park, to the resident grey-headed flying fox camp, could cause problems for future residents, and the flying foxes.
But Ms Strahorn said there was a 100-metre buffer zone between the closest elements of the development and the seasonal camp.
She added as lliveability was a key element of a 5-Star Green Star rating, the project would make a significant contribution to enhancing the liveability of Corrimal.
"We understand the importance of social connections so as well as a diversity of housing we're including more than nine hectares of new, high quality parks that can be enjoyed by everyone.
"These will include an off-leash dog park, playgrounds and an outdoor amphitheatre along with new pedestrian and cycle paths, and the delivery of a new heritage precinct with flexible commercial and community space for teleworking, local start-ups and community groups,"
The Illawarra Coke Company and Legacy Property have engaged leading sustainability consultancy Cundall to advise on achieving best practice sustainability outcome in the project.
"This is not just about having solar panels on a building, the whole precinct or development needs to adhere to strict sustainability measures. This is a holistic approach we are taking," Ms Strahorn said.
""We hope the Corrimal community will see this as a source of pride in that we are committing to being the first 5-Star Green Star rated community in Wollongong."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
