This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
LEND Lease has lodged three development applications to revitalise the southern end of Darling Harbour.
The DAs before the Department of Planning and Infrastructure include a student accommodation building, a 25,000 sqm commercial building, and a residential building with retail and community space.
The Haymarket is part of the NSW Government’s project to revitalise a 20-ha area of Darling Harbour.
Lend Lease’s Gavin Biles said Darling Harbour is a very popular place for Sydneysiders and tourists.
“The project is gaining momentum with the lodgement of these DAs. Improving and expanding the public realm, creating new connections, and offering diversity of city living are all going to make Darling Harbour an even more vibrant part of our city.
“The neighbourhood will include a mix of retail shops and dining areas that will not only appeal to locals but are also expected to attract other Sydneysiders and tourists, further stimulating the local economy.
“In terms of offices, the south western edge of Darling Harbour has become a centre for media, technology and IT industries so businesses from these sectors are likely to be attracted to the new space. The Haymarket also includes an area for a proposed IQ hub to nurture and support these industries by providing purpose-built, low-cost workspaces to encourage start-up, viable ventures and social initiatives,” he added.
The design proposals by Denton Corker Marshall, AJC and Lend Lease, with overall integration with adjacent Darling Harbour Live concepts by Ken Maher from Hassell, have been inspired by the urban grain of the city, the unique heritage of Haymarket and Chinatown, and local landmarks such as the Powerhouse Museum.
As part of the plan, there will be a new public square adjacent to the student building; and a major town square comparable in size to the section of Martin Place between Pitt and George streets that will be included in the centre of the proposed new Haymarket renewal.
In response to community feedback on the concept proposal, a childcare centre is being considered given the new residents and workers that will be occupying the area. Lend Lease is also working with the City of Sydney to investigate the potential for a new library in the Haymarket area which is something that the community has expressed a desire for.
Property Review
