Kingston Foreshore: 22-storey residential DA lodged on Eastlake Parade

Geocon lodged the long-flagged Eastlake Parade development application on Friday. The proposal seeks variations to the foreshore precinct's 16-storey height plane, asking for 22. This move marks a significant moment for the precinct, as it seeks to stretch the established vertical limits of the Kingston waterfront skyline.

The application includes 218 apartments, 1,400 square metres of ground-floor retail and a child care centre fronting the boardwalk. By including a childcare facility directly on the waterfront edge, the developers are proposing a shift in how the Foreshore serves young families and local workers who frequent the precinct during business hours.

Inner South Community Council has signalled it will oppose the height variation but supports the retail mix. Submissions close 18 July. The council has historically been protective of the character of the Inner South, and this opposition suggests a looming debate over the density and visual impact of the new structure on the surrounding public spaces.

The DA is the first major test of the 2024 precinct code update, which loosened mixed-use rules but kept height caps. This application effectively asks the planning authorities to reconsider the recently confirmed rules in favour of a taller, more dense residential footprint on what is considered the final piece of the Foreshore puzzle.

What to expect

Residents and visitors can expect a significant shift in the streetscape of Eastlake Parade if the application is approved in its current form. The addition of 218 new apartments would significantly increase the local population, adding more foot traffic to the already busy boardwalk and supporting the various cafes and restaurants that line the water.

The retail component of the project is designed to integrate with the existing commercial strip. With 1,400 square metres of ground-floor space, the development intends to create a continuous flow of shops and services, bridging the gap between existing residential blocks and the water's edge.

Planning and community impact

The push for 22 storeys represents a notable leap from the current 16-storey limit. Planning officials will have to weigh the benefits of increased housing supply and commercial amenities against the community's desire to maintain a consistent height profile across the Kingston Foreshore district.

For the Inner South Community Council, the primary concern remains how such a tall building will shade existing public areas and whether the infrastructure can support the influx of residents. Despite these concerns, the provision of a childcare centre is seen as a practical addition to a neighbourhood that has grown rapidly in recent years.

Getting involved

Locals who wish to view the full plans or provide their stance on the height variation have until the middle of July to make their voices heard. The outcome of this application will likely set the tone for future developments in the area and determine the final look of the Eastlake Parade streetscape.

With the submission window closing on 18 July, the planning authority will then move into a period of assessment. This decision remains a crucial turning point for Kingston, as the community decides whether it is ready for high-rise living to reach new heights on its last remaining vacant parcel of land.