The following issues have emerged from community discussion about the proposed Sandgate Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan.
Residents broadly accept that an increase in density is appropriate, but have strong views about what this should look like in Sandgate. A range of concerns have emerged, as detailed below.
This is the most frequently raised concern across posts and comments in our community discussion. Residents accept some densification but have major concerns about high rise on Brighton Rd and overlooking Einbunpin Lagoon (e.g. as seen in the Chamber of Commerce concept).
Read moreSandgate's village feel and heritage main street are seen as intrinsically valuable and could be leveraged economically much more than it currently is. Residents are concerned that likely changes would erase this to be replaced by generic bland development as already found in many other suburbs.
Read moreResidents do not believe that the existing road network in the town centre can absorb a significantly larger population.
Read moreResidents are concerned that much of the proposed development area is flood-prone.
Read moreThe Sandgate Wastewater Treatment Plant is reportedly already inadequate. Residents argue infrastructure deficits like this must be resolved before population growth is approved.
Read moreResidents regard Sandgate's Einbunpin Lagoon, parkland and wildlife as a vital part of Sandgate's distinctiveness and identity, and want Council to take this seriously in their planning decisions.
Read moreMany residents support housing diversity but are sceptical that high-density development in the main street will deliver housing that is actually affordable to locals.
Read moreResidents are very concerned about the prospect of bland and generic apartment buildings in the heart of Sandgate.
Read moreMany residents are concerned about a lack of transparency and have also expressed the need for genuine community consultation.
Read moreSome locals are sceptical about a specific claim that is often made: that Sandgate is dying and high-rise development is the only way to resurrect it.
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