The university has offered market price for the former North Eveleigh railway yards and wants to use the site for much needed student accommodation, research facilities and green space.

The State Government has made no decision about the sale of the 11-hectare site since the former planning minister Kristina Keneally approved a concept plan in 2008.

Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, Michael Spence, said the University’s priority was to develop the site so it would benefit the community. “The once-in-a-generation chance to renew a major site adjacent to the University should be welcomed by the Government as an opportunity to develop a new precinct of Sydney for the public good,” Dr Spence said. “The University is committed to working with the local community to renew the precinct to provide a safe, welcoming and affordable environment for students, residents and visitors.”

The University’s green paper released earlier this month states its desire to develop a partnership with the community and provide employment opportunities for local Indigenous people. The concept plan for the site, which was approved in 2008, allows for the construction of 1250 units and buildings up to 16 storeys high.

Many community organisations and residents are supporting the University’s bid because they fear the site will be overdeveloped if it is sold to residential and commercial developers. 

Darlington resident, John Berry, said the University is not always a considerate neighbour but its plans for the site would have less impact on the community.

“The University’s proposal would generate less car traffic though our suburb compared to the traffic generated by 2400 people living in 1250 units,” Mr Berry said.

“The University has an obvious need for the site and the general feeling in the community is that student accommodation, playing fields and research facilities are preferable to high-rise apartment blocks.”

The Lord Mayor Clover Moore has also expressed her support for Sydney University. “I dread Eveleigh just being used for residential apartments and office blocks,” the Mayor said. “I just think it would be a tragic, lost opportunity. It is a unique and large consolidated public site and we should get the best possible use out of it that’s complementary to what else is happening in the area.”

REDWatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said he thought the Government was waiting for the market to fully recover from the economic crisis before the site was sold. “The Government is pushing out the timeframe to sell the site because the more money that is back in the development industry the more people are likely to pay for the site and they think they will get a better price for it,” Mr Turnbull said.

“I imagine the treasury will push to try and get as much money as they can and would think developers could offer more money than the University. If there is any election mileage in making a decision I think they will try and announce one soon.”

The Redfern Waterloo Authority administrates the site and had not responded to requests for a comment by the time the SSH went to print.

Photo : Ali Blogg - Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence with Geoff Turnbull of REDWatch

Public Meeting: Sydney University and the Darlington community

Vice Chancellor Michael Spence will address community concerns and engage in dialogue with community participants on April 20, from 6pm at the Settlement in Edward Street, Darlington. All welcome.

Source: South Sydney Herald April 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au