This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE New South Wales government is inviting community feedback on the redevelopment of The Bays Precinct in Sydney.
UrbanGrowth NSW chief executive David Pitchford said launch of the `The Call for Great Ideas` campaign seeks proposals on the future use, direction and opportunities for four ‘destinations’ in The Bays Precinct, namely Blackwattle Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle Rail Yards and the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station.
The Bays Precinct will be the largest urban transformation program in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics and covers 80ha of government-owned land and 94ha of waterways, all within 2km of the Sydney CBD.
“At the Sydneysiders Summit we will explain and seek feedback on the objectives and possible uses for different parts of The Bays Precinct, and the Summit will mark the start of a six-week period for public comment.
“So long as they meet the objectives there are no boundaries to your Great Ideas – it could be a Great Idea like the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, a community-run asset like the High Line in New York, or London’s Tech City,” Pitchford said.
Meanwhile Pitchford has denied that reports that a $3 billion has been struck with Chinese conglomerate Dahua.
“There are currently no plans for any part of The Bays Precinct – what we have is a discussion paper that we are releasing to the people of Sydney this weekend for their comment over the next six weeks.
“The Call for Great Ideas is not a procurement process,” he pointed out.
“UrbanGrowth NSW does not know who will or will not make a bid to redevelop Blackwattle Bay, but the fact is that the time for bids of any sort is some time away, and when there is a call it will be a transparent and open public process.
“The priority for UrbanGrowth NSW this year is the development of the Transformation Plan which will guide and direct the development of The Bays Precinct over the next 20 to 30 years,” he added.
“UrbanGrowth NSW will not be putting a proposal to build 32 storey apartments towers on the public foreshore surround the Sydney Fish Market to the NSW government for approval by July.
“We do not have secret plans for 32 storey towers or anything else,” Pitchford concluded.
Australian Property Journal
