Developer Dyldam has gotten one step closer to its plans for building over 300 new apartments around big-block western Sydney hotels.
Two major development applications have passed with the Sydney West Planning Panel for mixed-use projects including residential at the sites of Paramatta’s Lone Star Tavern and Baulkham Hills’ Bull & Bush.
Dyldam purchased the Bull & Bush from Paul Irvin Hotels in mid-2015 for a whopping $50 million, aiming to capitalise on its massive 13,268 m² site with a $260 million development that could see over 6,000 m² of commercial and retail floorspace, including a remake of the formerly protected historic pub.
Council voted to allow the developer to demolish the building based on its lack of heritage significance – first built in 1810 as The Lamb & The Lark, demolished in 1885 to build the Royal Hotel, and demolished again in the 1930s to build the current structure, which was damaged in a fire and largely rebuilt in the 90s.
The new development will hold more than 2,500 m² of public space, including a library and community centre, and three residential towers with over 20,000 m² of residential, across nearly 200 units.
Plans for the former Lone Star Tavern in Parkes Street propose a level of retail and up to 23 floors of residences, totalling 173 apartments, atop four-levels of underground parking.
Also in Parramatta, the builder has secured approval for a $600m mixed-use residential project heralding 800 apartments, at the old Auto Alley site it purchased from Heartland Group for around $150m.
A stalwart of the Hills region, the Bull & Bush has sparked many protectionist campaigns, and while some form of the Hotel is mandated for the site, Dyldam still has a considerable journey ahead.
“Dyldam has been an active member of the Hills community for almost two decades,” Dyldam boss Sam Fayad proactively told The AFR.