A new design for the Riverside development is underway after Wagga City Council lifted height restrictions as part of meeting its target as a growth city.
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A redesign for a taller building, with a new layout, has commenced straight away with GPG Architecture firm in the hopes a revised development application can be lodged to council within the next few months.
It has been nearly 18 months of architects, town planners and council staff meeting to seek to obtain the optimum result from the 'Riverside' site and finally on February 25, council ratified a proposal to seek a substantial height increase for the site.
Fitzpatricks commercial real estate agent Greg Howick expected that detailed plans and a draft contract will be available in the next two months.
"A healthy number of interested parties had contacted our office asking to be kept informed of progress in the development which is a sign that Wagga people are ready for the city to step up to quality apartment accommodation," Mr Howick said.
"Similar developments in Dubbo and Tamworth have been outstanding successes and “Riverside” will be a benchmark for residential development in Wagga for the future.”
In 2006 a plan was lodged for a 10-storey apartment complex with ground floor commercial spaces.
However, changes to the Local Environment Plan meant the building was amended to a permitted height of only six levels.
Council's decision has provided for an even higher development potential, which could see the new design more than double that amount to levels 12 or 14.
Final designs by GPG Architects can now be completed with lodgement of the development application expected by Salvestro Planning in the next few months.
"We have been approached by many developers over the last couple of years to assist with feasibility work relating to multi-unit developments," said Gioia Gianniotis, owner of GPG Architects.
"In conjunction with a planner, we investigate what is permissible on the site according to the Wagga Development Control Plan and then work with the developer and a quantity surveyor to determine if that development is feasible for that particular site."
The site, situated behind Romano's Hotel, has the potential to include a concentration of apartments that is northern faced with views comprising of the river and towards the university.
Wagga Base Hospital stands tall at six levels and has a full height of about 30 metres, but its standing as the city's tallest building could in a few years be swiped by a building that is more than double its height.
Romano's Hotel owner Belinda King said she was not concerned at all about the construction and the possibility that its size could dwarf the neighbouring businesses.
"We're really positive about it and excited and also hopeful that it will be proceeding shortly," Ms King said.
"We are really encouraging the development."
Ms King said she has spoken with the developers on numerous occasions and is not worried that the construction would impact her business.
"I don't have any concerns about the construction and we want to assist where we can," she said.
"At the end of the day, it will be great for our end of town and the city as a whole."