Martin Road Ranger's Residence change of use

The Martin Road Ranger’s Residence (the residence) has been vacant since 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdowns occurred. Prior to this, it was leased as short-term accommodation and as an occasional location for commerical filming. Since COVID-19, use of the house as short-term accommodation was deemed by the Centennial and Moore Park Trust (the Trust) to be inappropriate due to noise impacts on residents resulting from loud music and parties held at the house.

The Trust proposes to change the use of the Martin Road Ranger’s House (the house), from ‘residential’ to ‘commercial’ so that the use of the Residence will be more appropriate and sustainable.

The Trust has identified a preference for the premises to be used for professional private offices that operate during standard business hours, such as architects, engineers, solicitors or other consultants.

No, the Trust is aware of the relationship of the Ranger’s Residence relative to the adjacent residential properties in Martin Road and as such will not consider land uses which typically generate high volumes of either foot or vehicular traffic. This aligns with the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040 which states, “future uses to respect proximity to adjacent residential area”.

In addition, there are limitations on any alterations or fit-outs permitted at the Residence due to its heritage status. For example, additional plumbing to provide hand washing facilities in consulting rooms for dental or doctors’ suites would not be possible.

The current residential use of the Ranger’s Residence is allowed under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, which is the set of rules governing development on the Trust’s land. Specifically, it permits development on the Trust’s land by or for the Trust without requiring formal consent.

This means that the Trust is not required to obtain a development consent (from the local council), as long as it follows the guidelines outlined in the Centennial Parklands Plan of Management (2018).

The Centennial Parklands Plan of Management (2018) is an overarching strategic planning document that guides and is informed by a series of subordinate strategic plans, which provide details about how the Plan of Management will be implemented.
The Centennial Park Master Plan 2040 is one of the subordinate plans. It makes the following reference to the future use of the Ranger’s Residence:
 
“ … refurbish … and make accessible for public/commercial use. Future uses to respect proximity to adjacent residential area.”

Although the Trust is not required to obtain development consent for a proposed change of use, it is required to assess the likely environmental impacts of the proposal by undertaking a Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

The REF is being prepared currently but cannot be completed until the results of the community consultation are known. However it is anticipated that the REF will be finalised by the end of the year.

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

The REF will identify, analyse and evaluate the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposal to determine whether it is likely to have a significant impact on the environment. Mitigation measures may also be identified to eliminate or reduce any negative impacts and enhance positive impacts where possible.
The REF will assist the Trust in fulfilling its statutory obligations to consider, to the fullest extent possible, all matters likely to affect the environment before it makes a determination to allow (or not) the activity to proceed.
 
 

As part of the process the following investigations will be undertaken:

Heritage

As Centennial Park is listed on the State Heritage Register, a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) is being prepared to inform the REF. This Statement will assess the potential impacts of the proposed change of use on the heritage integrity of the listed items.

Building Code of Australia (BCA)

The proposed change of use from residential to commercial use is expected to result in a change in the classification of the premises. The BCA report makes that assessment and provides recommendations and advice in relation to Fire Safety and other building-related matters.

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

The REF demonstrates how the Trust has examined and taken into account to the fullest extent possible, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of the proposed change of use and how the relevant environmental factors were addressed.

It is not anticipated that a commercial tenancy for professional offices would impact on parking in surrounding streets. There is parking provided on-site at the Residence. Adjacent to the Residence is a garage and a gravel area where a number of cars can be parked. There is also untimed public parking within Centennial Park.

There are a number of public transport options for potential tenants to use including bus stops that provide access to Bondi Junction train station as well as the light rail service.

As Centennial Park is listed on the State Heritage Register, a HIS is being prepared to assess the potential impacts of the proposed change of use on the heritage integrity of the listed items.
Any future commercial tenancy will be constrained by the heritage status of the property in terms of what can be altered or impacted.

Potential tenants would be permitted to have business identification signage to communicate to members of the public where they are located. As signage cannot be attached to the façade of the building it is likely this would be free-standing signage close to but within the fenceline of Centennial Park. The signage would be modest in scale, would not be permitted to be illuminated or artwork and would need to be in keeping with the character of the heritage building. The signage will need to be able to be removed without causing damage to the building. The Trust would approve any signage prior to it being installed.