This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE NSW Independent Planning Commission has ignored objections from Sydney Council and approved redesigned plans for the $649 million Cockle Bay Wharf overhaul by GPT, AMP Capital and Brookfield.
A fourth tower for the precinct was cut from a height of 235 metres to 183 metres in the planning process and yesterday given the green light, meaning the mixed-use project – also bringing 10,000 sqm shops, restaurants and bars to the area – will proceed.
The commercial tower, at the Darling Park complex, overlooking the harbour, will have around 60,000 sqm of office space across 40 levels, while between 5,500 and 12,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space is mooted.
Concerns had been raised by residents and the Council in regards to overshadowing over the Astoria Tower and Millennium Tower, and the Council’s Town Hall Square development.
“A result of these amendments has been the reduction of overshadowing days, and on days where an impact is anticipated, this would be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes on two days of the year, between 4 pm and 4.30 pm,” the Commission said.
“It will make a valuable contribution to the area through creating active and passive open spaces, landscaping, enhancement of the Darling Harbour foreshore… and will overcome the existing physical barrier of the Western Distributor and improve connectivity between Darling Harbour and the CBD.”
Some buildings, as well as two existing pedestrian bridges over the Western Distributor, will be demolished.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said to AAP, “I am shocked and appalled by the…decision to approve a development in Cockle Bay that will overshadow future Town Hall Square after 4pm”.
However, the Commission “noted the application is consistent with existing planning controls which seek only to protect solar access to similar public spaces before 4 pm”.
Australian Property Journal
