This site actually fronts Wentworth Park Rd and hence overlooks Wentworth Park, and is the former NSW Government Motor Garage site, now used mainly by a Beauty College. It adjoins the site proposed for the Glebe Affordable Housing Project, which fronts Cowper St. This latter Project remains controversial, and there has been no action this year, so the site is still vacant. Neither site is included in the Conservation Area.

In previous Bulletins I reported that in response to an approach from the owner, the City had decided to rezone 87 Bay St, with the aim of permitting greater height and density, but including a significant amount of affordable housing.

There was a competitive design process, and the results were presented to the Committee last May. In October the proposal was advertised. It consists of a two-storey podium, mainly for commercial uses, and a series of towers to accommodate 213 units, of which 25 are affordable.

There are some other public benefits in the proposal, including widening of the Wentworth Park Rd footpath and a colonnade, plus a wide pedestrian corridor with landscaping and seating through the middle of the site to connect with the future Affordable Housing Project. This also provides a recreation area for the students at the college.

The Government Motor Garage at 7 Bay St Glebe in 1953 (image: State Library of NSW)
The Government Motor Garage at 7 Bay St Glebe in 1953 (image: State Library of NSW)