New planning approach for Circular Quay

28 May 2009

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said a new strategic approach to planning will provide a public legacy while improving the face of Sydney. A report to the Council to be considered on Monday 1 June recommends working with owners of an entire city block to achieve good planning results rather than individual, ad-hoc building redevelopments.

"The benefits of the changes are that you can achieve a better aesthetic and sustainable design outcome complementing the other skyscrapers along the Circular Quay precinct," Ms Moore said.

"The report before Council proposes to balance the same amount of floor space, with greater public benefit."

"The proposal delivers significant public benefit by freeing up space at the centre of the block for a new 1300sqm public square serviced by five adjoining laneways. The existing laneways, which are currently disconnected and have fragmented ownership, would become publicly accessible lanes lined with interesting activities for visitors, residents and workers.

"The report recommends amending current planning controls to allow taller slender buildings and more public open space on the block bounded by George, Pitt, Alfred and Dalley Streets.

"Current planning controls for the block would result in a crowding of five or six towers all at 30-45 storeys, whereas by allowing taller thinner buildings we could enable better sun light into the pedestrian laneways and create new public space. There would also be better view sharing with existing buildings, the street block development would have buildings of higher commercial value and the block would contribute more to the economy of the City.

"The distribution of floor space is part of the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision to stimulate job growth, encourage quality and uncluttered building design and create more public open space.

"Sydney's famous skyline at Circular Quay could be joined by three new commercial and residential towers housing more than 5,000 workers and 700 residents under plans being considered by the City of Sydney."

Current planning controls for the block permit a maximum building height of 110m and a maximum floor space ratio of 12.5:1 for commercial and 14:1 for residential developments.

The proposed changes include:

• A 200m (52 storey) commercial office tower on the corner of Pitt and Dalley Streets on a large floor plate;
• A tall slender residential 185m (52 storey) tower on the corner of George and Alfred Streets; and
• A 155m (40 storey) commercial tower on the western side of the block fronting George St.

The increased height creates more valuable development potential with improved views looking north over the harbour. The current central Sydney planning controls allow heights up to 235 metres in other parts of the City. While the reduced density at street level means there is more opportunity for street activation to encourage more lively public spaces.

"Sydney is the engine room of the State's economy generating 24 per cent of the State's GDP and eight per cent nationally. Having high quality commercial development potential will help attract continued growth and also investment by high quality organisations," Ms Moore said.

The block is currently owned by a number of different private and public organisations including Valad, Marsico Holdings, Rugby Union Club, Cambooya Properties, St George Bank, Mirvac, GE Real Estate Investment, Telstra, Energy Australia and City of Sydney.

Some redevelopment on the block would require partnership arrangements between landowners and all development would be subject to the standard development application process.

Two development applications have been recently approved by the City of Sydney and Central Sydney Planning Committee for the same block including:

-          1 Alfred St (Goldfields House): This proposal is for a 110m tall commercial building with a similar bulk and scale to the existing development. This proposal could be improved to create significant fine grain retail frontages or activate the public domain.

-          188-208 George St, 1 Underwood St and 4 Dalley St - This is a Mirvac proposal for a 110m tall commercial development which could be improved to create a desirable north-south link to Crane Place or activate the street frontages.

"If Council agrees to allow an increase in height restrictions, the City will continue to work with the property owners to deliver high quality development outcomes," Ms Moore said.

"Property owners may consider lodging new development applications if the planning controls are changed. We held a consultation meeting with the property owners in March this year with generally positive feedback."

If Council supports the decision to change the planning controls for the block, the City will commence the process to amend the Sydney Local Environmental Plan which will require approval by the Minister for Planning.          

Media Contact:  Josh MacKenzie (02) 9265 9082 or 0402 351 459

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