Development application filed for six-building precinct in Sydney

A development application for Kings Bay Village in Sydney has been lodged following a design excellence competition that saw architecture practice Turner, in conjunction with Arcadia Landscape Architecture, being awarded the project.

The design competition invited architecture and design practices to submit concepts for a new residential and mixed-used precinct in a former industrial area between Parramatta Road, William Street and Queens Road in Five Dock. Participants of the competition were required to expand on a precinct masterplan that was developed by Canada Bay Council in 2021.

The proposed precinct comprises six buildings, varying in height from 14 to 31 storeys. These structures are designed to accommodate residential units (with a portion dedicated to affordable housing), hospitality offerings, retail spaces and co-working areas.

According to the development application, each building features a podium and tower massing. Although each structure is distinct in terms of form, materiality and dimensions, they share a cohesive character that draws inspiration from the industrial context of the site.

"The architecture speaks to the rich history of the industrial and warehousing uses in the area, and takes inspiration from the vernacular of the local brick facades, fenestration and roof profiles," said Turner director James McCarthy.

Plans state that a pedestrian-friendly network of laneways would be established throughout the site, along with a large, new public park at the corner of William Street and Queens Road. Building lobbies have been strategically positioned along street frontages to facilitate wayfinding and contribute to passive surveillance in and around public spaces.

The State Significant Development Application is on exhibition until 12 December 2024.