Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne said the derelict building should have been knocked down years ago.
The rotting former Balmain Leagues Club is set to remain dormant even longer while the developer seeks to use the Minns government’s new affordable housing bonus to add extra height and density to its long-approved plans for the site.
The developer gained planning approval in 2020 to rebuild the former home of the Wests Tigers in a mixed-use precinct with 167 apartments in buildings up to 12 storeys. In 2022, after Transport relinquished the site, Heworth revised its plans, including reducing the number of apartments to 147, and said construction would start in mid-2023.
“In context of Balmain and Rozelle, we believe that the provision of a diverse range of housing to meet the needs of frontline and essential workers is critical for the area and a prime opportunity to deliver on the NSW government’s policy,” he said.A directions hearing took place last week in Heworth’s compensation case against Transport for NSW.
In a statement, Transport for NSW said fair compensation for property owners was a requirement of the legislation under which it operated. “Owners are entitled to challenge an offer,” the department said. “It is inappropriate to comment any further as this matter is before the court.”, allowing extra height and density of 20–30 per cent for projects that include 10–15 per cent affordable housing.