Plans for a mixed-use development on Toronto Foreshore have been put on ice while Lake Macquarie council considers other options for the site.
The council had proposed a six-storey tourism, retail and commercial development next to the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Bath Street.
However, widespread community backlash prompted calls for the site to serve as foreshore parkland to cater for Toronto’s growing population.
This included a 450-person public meeting, 5,200-signature petition, and repeated representations against the proposal.
Prior to the council’s latest meeting on Monday night, Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser stated it was time to “pause and reflect on the next steps”.
“We have heard from the community and I feel that our previous decision, even though it was well intended, and we believed it was in the best interests of our community, may now not be the right decision,” Cr Fraser wrote.
“I have listened to the community and I believe it is time for us to take a step back and not proceed with the planning proposal.
“I want to thank the community for their input, advocacy, and contribution.”
The council agreed to defer any further work on the planning proposal until a comprehensive review of its property portfolio was undertaken.
It also promised to continue to develop the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan; and start the process to investigate the reclassification of all, or part of, 4 Bath Street and 1B Victory Row to community land and consult with the community on future planning of the site.
More stories:
