City continues to grow up, not out
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday January 29, 2011
SYDNEY'S love affair with apartment living continues. The latest data reveals that 11,025 units were approved for building in the greater Sydney metropolitan area between January and November 2010. With only 7458 houses approved during the same period, unit developments now represent 60 per cent of all dwellings planned for Sydney.The most popular area for apartment development in Sydney last year was in the central west, with the suburbs of Auburn, Greystanes, Merrylands, Granville and Parramatta approving more than 2600 units for building. The St George/Sutherland area was also a development hot spot for units, particularly Rockdale and Bexley. Other suburbs with significant unit-planned development include Ryde and St Ives.The demand for apartments in Sydney is set to continue indefinitely, driven by chronic housing shortages.Along with the growing value of the "Sydney aspect" - views of the bridge, Opera House, harbour, beach - planning authorities remain under pressure to approve development away from the city centre but in established suburban areas.The challenge remains for the government and developers to work together to provide suitable services, infrastructure, amenities, parking and traffic management to maintain the functionality of neighbourhoods.As Sydney continues to reach for the sky with its apartment developments it's important that the management of the development process safeguards the Sydney lifestyle many continue to strive for.Dearest house 2 Burlington Road, HomebushEight-bedroom house on 961 sq m of land zoned 2B residential. Sold before auction through McGrath Inner West for$1.7 mIt last traded in 1910, price unknownDearest apartment11/6-12 Prospect Avenue, CremorneTwo-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with district views.Sold before auction through Belle Property Mosman for$760,000It last traded for $620,000 in 2003
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald
