The developer of a large-scale $33M residential project – Lakeside Gardens – on the shore of Budgewoi Lake at Toukley is seeking approval from Central Coast Council to make some changes.
The Land and Environment Court gave consent in 2017, following an appeal by the developer, to build 71 residential units, 38 tourist units, three commercial premises and basement car parking in the area on Main Rd between Beachcomber Hotel Resort and Toukley Gardens which backs on to Rowland Tce.
In 2018 Council approved the change from tourist accommodation to residential units.
Bathla Group, on behalf of the owner UPG 181 Pty Ltd, now wants approval to amend the architectural design such as materials and finishes to the façade, a building height increase from 34.6m to 34.68 (the limit is 36m) and a different mix of apartments which will decrease the number by one, to 108.
The new proposal is for 19 one-bedroom residential apartments, 56 two-bedroom, 31 three-bedroom and one each of four and five bedrooms.
There are changes to the configuration of the three commercial premises at ground level and there will be 156 car parking spaces with 20 for the businesses, 113 for residents, 22 for visitors and one service bay on street level.
According to the application for modifications, the substance of the previously approved development remains, with the same building footprint and floor space ratio, even though the number of units has decreased.
The development will be two buildings linked by a central core with amendments to include highly articulated facades, lighter frames and improved materials and colours resulting in a more modernised and sleek looking building as well as a new landscape plan.
There will be almost 3,000sqm of communal open space mainly facing Budgewoi Lake at the rear of the buildings with a swimming pool, a couple of spas, barbecue area, deck spaces, water features, lawn areas and walking paths linking with Toukley Gardens.
The amended development application (731/2016A) is on public exhibition until Friday, November 25, and submissions can be lodged on the Central Coast Council website.
Development consent will lapse on January 24, 2025 if construction on the project does not start before then – an extension of two years due to COVID-19.
Sue Murray