The mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, revealed that new life has been brought to the rejected 51-storey tower of Star Casino following the publication of a draft 20-year strategy associated with Pyrmont’s development.
On July 30th, the government of New South Wales (NSW) released a draft planning strategy for Pyrmont, describing it as a vision for the employment, innovation and entertainment in the area, which, according to them, would keep its uniqueness intact. However, under the newly-unveiled strategy, the authorities would allow the construction of buildings that are up to 180 metres tall on the site of The Star. A potential new metro station is also considered to be established as part of the Sydney Metro West project, as well as more public spaces and an indoor sports and entertainment venue.
Mayor Moore shared that while the City Council supported the vision of the state government that the Pyrmont peninsular should be turned into an innovation hub, The Star tower must not be permitted to proceed. Ms Moore shared that the city authorities would take the proposed strategy into consideration as it could be important for the area’s development, but it would be very disappointing to see The Star’s tower to be resurrected.
Previously, the Star Casino Tower Was Turned Down by the Independent Planning Commission
Previously, the planning department recommended the proposed hotel and residential tower, which was designed by FJMT and was estimated at AU$530 million, for rejection. Eventually, the Independent Planning Commission decided to turn down the project.
There have been some concerns that the government was trying to find a way to circumvent the previous ruling of the Independent Planning Commission when it revealed that the review into planning rules would be held as part of the aforementioned 20-year strategy. According to Mayor Moore, the newly-announced Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy must not be associated with the justification of what she called the “inappropriate tower” of The Star Casino.
Dom Perrottet, treasurer of the state of New South Wales, revealed that the above-mentioned strategy would allow new commercial and office space to be built on up to 800,000 square metres. He further noted that it would back a variety of media and information, tourism and high-tech industries. Mr Perrottet reminded that cities constantly change their vision, as they grow and evolve, and their improvement is continuous. He shared that the government is willing to make sure the Pyrmont Peninsular helps Sydney remain home for entertainment, innovation and employment, and at the same time retain its uniqueness.
The efforts are set to be aimed at key locations, such as The Star site at Darling Island, the Sydney Fish Market situated at Blackwattle Bay, the UTS Haymarket campus, and the Harbourside Shopping Centre. The planning minister Rob Stokes explained that the locations had been among the ones identified for revitalisation over the upcoming twenty years, and the government would make everything possible to make sure that the unique character of Pyrmont is protected.
- Author
Olivia Cole
