Rodney Stevens
The streetscape of South Grafton could provide welcome economic and employment possibilities if a development application for a $25 million “Lifestyle Centre” featuring shops, takeaway stores and a childcare centre is approved by Clarence Valley Council.
The application by Stephen Connelly of Planners North for the site at 21 Through Street, South Grafton, DA2024/0005, lodged with council on January 25, which is estimated to cost $25,330,830.00, proposes 11 specialised retail premises, a childcare facility, and two takeaway food and drink premises, is currently being assessed.
Plans for the development state, “Grafton Lifestyle Centre is located at what is considered the entry gateway to Grafton” and indicate it could potentially include homemaker, furniture, and electronics style stores in the 11 retail premises.
“The centre seeks and draws reference from Grafton’s Architectural history to create its own identity through the landscape, public art, materiality and Architectural Composition.”
The developer engaged real estate development and investment group CADRE to assist with the design of the site.
The Statement of Environmental Effects SEE lodged with the DA states “CADRE has gone to significant lengths to produce a built form that is low in height for commercial buildings and echoes the key elements from the historical architecture of Grafton as well as fulsomely implementing strong landscape architecture principles.”
The SEE states the proposed development will contain 11 retail premises with a range of floor areas from 875 to 1800 square metres, a 1534 sqm childcare facility with a 900sqm outdoor space, and two takeaway food and drink premises totalling 603 sqm.
Intended to be constructed in two stages, the proposal includes two 100kw solar systems and centralised electric heat pumps to provide energy efficient, emissions free heating and hot water.
The design incorporates recycled and reused materials for a lower carbon footprint, and 12 car parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.
With a budget of $25,000, public art is a prominent feature of the proposed development, located southwest of the heritage listed Grafton Railway Station, with plans for an 80m2 artwork in the central spine of the centre.
The developer has proposed the selection of an artist to paint the artwork to be conducted via a competition managed by Grafton Regional Gallery.
Between three and five artists are proposed to be commissioned to produce preliminary designs, each artist will be paid a concept fee of $1500, and the selected artist will be commissioned to produce the 80m2 artwork.
The DA is currently on public exhibition until Monday, March 4, at 4pm.
Submissions from the public are welcome but be aware that submissions are not confidential and are considered public documents.
Details about the DA and a link to make a submission can be found at https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Advertised-DAs/DA20240005-21-Through-Street-South-Grafton