There’s community alarm over the proposed redevelopment of the land opposite Camden Hospital. The plans call for the construction of 94 housing units in three high rise towers.
The land formally formed part of the Camden Hospital amenities with a large nurses’ quarters and three houses used for accommodation for health staff (pictured above).
“This is a completely inappropriate development that the state Homes NSW seems to be pushing through at a rate of knots after nearly three decades of inaction,’’ says a local resident who alerted the South West Voice to the housing development proposal.
“None of the buildings have been occupied for the 30 years that I have lived nearby except for health vehicles parking in the grounds,’’ he said.
The resident told the Voice that around two months ago, fencing went up saying the properties had become the property of Homes NSW, and health vehicles were moved to the former public carpark.
“This has caused the nearby streets to be placed under increased parking stress,’’ he said.
A Community Drop-in Session is being held by Homes NSW next Wednesday, May 6, from 4.30pm to 7pm at the Civic Centre in Camden.
“Yes, more housing is needed but not at the density and scale proposed by Housing NSW that is completely inappropriate for the area and is against existing planning guidelines for our area,’’ says the resident.
“It would be great if you could promote this event to the wider community and that as many people as possible avail themselves of the opportunity to see what a significant development will occur in Camden.
“The local community would appreciate your support in this important issue.’’
On its website, Homes NSW says it is planning the redevelopment at 70–78 and 82–86 Menangle Road, Camden following a statewide audit of government land when the site was identified for the delivery of “much-needed social and affordable housing’’.
“The proposed redevelopment is intended to help address the growing demand for social and affordable housing in the Camden area,’’ it says.
“The site has been selected due to its accessible location close to Camden town centre, health services and other essential community infrastructure, and its capacity to deliver a meaningful increase in social and affordable housing in an area of demonstrated need.
“The redevelopment will deliver approximately 95 high-quality social and affordable homes across three buildings.
- Northern site: Two buildings connected by a shared basement, with five storeys fronting Menangle Road and six storeys at the rear.
- Southern site: One building with four storeys fronting Menangle Road and five storeys at the rear.
“The proposed development will also feature communal rooms for residents of the new development, basement car parking, internal lifts and landscaping across the site.’’
To register for the Community Drop-in Session visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/housing-and-infrastructure-projects/social-building-projects/camden-redevelopment-project