An entire block in central Wollongong could be developed into a mixed-use precinct including a 39-storey apartment tower, an aquatic centre and a range of commercial and cultural facilities.
The ambitious proposal would amalgamate 28 individual parcels of land within the block bound by Crown, Keira, Burelli and Atchison streets and add 400 apartments to the centre of the regional city. BVN won a design competition for the project in 2020, and has prepared the designs for the precinct now on public exhibition, alongside landscape architect Oculus and heritage consultants Weir Phillips Architects.
The proposal is going under the name of Win Grand, after its backer the Win Corporation, known for the regional television network founded in Wollongong.
Proponents say the development would make a positive contribution to the city by opening up the pivotal city block. Around 40 percent of the site would be fully accessible public open space, including new laneways across the site, a new east-to-west link connecting Wollongong Train Station to the city centre, an outdoor room at the corner of Crown and Keira streets and a gathering space at the centre of the site.
Win Grand by BVN.
“The new precinct knits the city together through the sensitive integration of new public links and strengthening urban form,” states BVN in a design statement. “The precinct is designed as a composition of unique buildings that reflect their uses rather than a mono-architectural response.”
Along Crown Street, the buildings present as a modern interpretation of high street architecture, with a consistent 12-metre-heigh datum, strong awnings and active shopfronts.
A commercial building at the corner of Crown and Keira streets is lifted above the ground plane to allow pedestrian flow, northern light and views into the precinct. Tiered seating and landscaping in this space establish the “outdoor room” for the city.
The existing Grand Hotel will be retained with added steel framed elements and a screened facade. Behind the screens will be a performance venue, pub, cinema and exhibition spaces.
Win Grand by BVN.
The heritage Marcus Clark building will also be retained and retored to the 1957 design that modernized the building, with the existing fabric “carefully edited and enhanced where needed.”
The three residential towers will be built along Burelli Street and will share unifying features such as the arches, exposed slab edges, vertical screen elements and awnings.
There are currently no residential buildings on the site, but a mix of commercial and retail with minor health facilities within approximately 22,000 square metres of GFA.
The proposed development would deliver around 22,000 square metres of GFA for non-residential use and 35,000s square metres GFA for residential use.
The application is on public exhibit until 1 October.
