Experts chosen to lead Sydney Design Advisory Panel

16 April 2007

A panel of Sydney's leading urban design, architectural and planning experts will be established to review major development proposals in Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP announced today.

The panel will help the City continue to maintain high standards of design, providing advice on both public and private developments. The Panel will also include a member of the Public Art Advisory Group, recently established by Council to ensure strategies for urban design and public art are closely integrated.

"The City annually processes thousands of development applications worth between $2.5 and $3 billion and funds its own capital works projects in the order of $100 million," Ms Moore said.

"This Panel will help build the City's reputation as a leader in design excellence and ensure that the design of public and private development projects contribute to environmental sustainability."

"The Panel will also help shape key projects arising from our new Sydney 2030 Vision Project to ensure Sydney continues to drive the national economy as a significant global city:"

The panel will provide advice on improving the public domain as well as how public and private projects can achieve the City's environmental commitments. The panel will also play a role in shaping the Sydney 2030 plan, alongside the community and leading experts in culture, economics and transport.

The panel's members are:

• Ken Maher, Chairman, Hassell Pty Ltd
• Professor James Weirick, UNSW faculty of the Built Environment
• Kerry Clare, Director, Architectus Pty Ltd
• Peter Mould, NSW Government Architect
• Maria Atkinson, Head Global Sustainability Lend Lease, former CEO Green Building Council
• Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Director MCA
• Rob Adams, Director Design and Culture, City of Melbourne Council
• Richard Johnson, Johnson Pilton and Walker Pty Ltd