Feedback is now open for a large mixed-use ‘affordable housing’ development, slated for the main entrance of Mullum, replacing the much-used Station Street car park.
Negotiations around the Council-owned land at 57 Station Street, located near the town’s entrance roundabout, were held in secret by the previous Council majority last year.
After Council were unable to secure a community housing provider for the project, it made a confidential agreement with NSW government development agency, Landcom.
In perpetuity
Landcom say if approved, the car park will become retail space on the ground floor, with around 32 new rentals on the other two floors, ‘catering for workers on low to moderate incomes’ in perpetuity.
The Mullum Residents’ Association previously raised concerns around the lack of transparency, and no alternative plans for the site were canvassed.
As previously reported, Council plan to house their own staff in some of the new apartments.
No parking plans
The loss of parking will be offset by new parking areas that are yet to be confirmed.
One car park proposed in the rail corridor was abandoned.
Another smaller site, opposite the former Tony Carsburg site on the corner of Argyle and Prince Street, appears unaligned with the town’s masterplan. The masterplan reads in part, ‘The gateway [into town] is an opportunity to reflect Mullumbimby’s green image’.
The proposal signals a precedent by Council in selling public land to developers and housing their own staff on what was public land.
Info sessions
Two public info sessions are planned at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club: Monday, December 2, from 5pm to 7pm, and Tuesday, December 3, from 9.30am to 11am. A survey is at www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/mullumbimby.
Feedback is open until December 9.
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