Hornsby’s first site to give effect to the town centre masterplan

Written by

Charbel Abousleiman

Urban Planning Lawyer & Buyers Agent

04/09/2023

Hornsby’s masterplan identifies the sites on High Street, Ashley Street and Webb Avenue as part of the western heritage mixed-use precinct.

The proponent-led proposal provides the following features:

Hornsby War Memorial Hall – 2 High Street: This site is owned by the Hornsby War Memorial Hall Committee Incorporated. It contains the Hornsby War Memorial Hall, which is included as a heritage item under the Hornsby LEP. The building height on this site will increase from 26.5 metres (8 storeys) to 38.5 metres (12 storeys).
Hornsby RSL Club & Carpark – 4 High Street: This 6998 square metre site is owned by the RSL Club, which height will increase from 26.5 metres (8 storeys) to 38.5 metres (12 storeys).
Hornsby RSL Club Vacant Parcels – Ashley St and Webb Av: Properties no. 7,9, 11, 15, 17 and 19 Ashley Street and 2 and 4 Webb Avenue are also owned by the RSL Club. These sites will see increase height limits to 20.5 metres (6 storeys) for seniors housing development only.

The project is consistent with the Hornsby Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review, which recommends that planning for Hornsby’s growing 65 + population should include developers looking for independent seniors living units and aged care facilities, as well as other housing options outside the age-segregated seniors living.

The subject sites and its surrounding context

In May 2016, a planning proposal was submitted on behalf of the Hornsby RSL to increase building heights and permit residential flat buildings as an additional permitted use. The additional land use was sought because at the time, the Hornsby LEP only permitted shop-top housing above retail or business premises. The proposal also sought additional building heights for a seniors living development on the Club’s land in Ashley St and Webb Av.

This proposal did not include 2 High Street. Accordingly, following a gateway determination in 2017, the proposal was amended and exhibited. Council’s post-exhibition assessment principally identified traffic related issues unresolvable through the planning proposal in isolation. The Club requested withdrawal of the proposal in May 2019 and later that year Council resolved not to proceed and instead to include the Club’s concept in the Hornsby Town Centre Review.

Hornsby’s 20-year vision includes an increase in population to 32,000 people, requiring nearly 15,000 new homes by 2036. Majority of the new homes will be provided in existing housing precincts, Hornsby town centre and Cherrybrook Station Precinct.

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