Florist site set for new growth

Real estate patriarch Ken McCarthy plans a “tasteful” development for his Bewdiful Balloons site in Walker Street, Helensburgh.
A three-storey commercial/residential development is currently being considered by Wollongong City Council following the close of the exhibition period on 20 April.
It will incorporate two shops on ground level with six units above and 18 cars spaces on the corner site.
The 690sq m block includes the land and house behind Bewdiful Balloons.
Ken has held the land for 30 years and said the shop needed replacing.
“I’m getting older and want to see something done,” he said.
In response to criticism of developments more than two storeys in Helensburgh, Ken pointed to Andy Offord’s 63 Walker Street which has approval for two storeys of commercial and residential plus basement car parking.
“Ours is within the code and it’s a business zoning,” he said.
He cited the residential component above the surgery of his stepdaughter, Dr Annette Beaufils, in Parkes Street as an example of what he and architects Realize planned for the site.
“We’re going to spend a bit of money and try and make it look nice,” he said of the $1 million redevelopment.
Neighbourhood Committee 1 convenor Pauline Smith questioned whether residents wanted to see Helensburgh go to three storeys.
“Recent commercial developments - Dr. Beaufil’s surgery complex in Parkes Street, Greenwood’s corner complex and the rear of the Post Office fit in beautifully with the older structures of the Centennial Hotel, Post Office and Court House,” she said.
“They complement, instead of detracting from, the heritage look of historic Helensburgh.
“Residents should also be aware that there is already a second development proposal for land immediately behing the Bewdiful Balloons site. It is between Club Lane and Stewart Street comprising 26 units with two levels of basement parking.”