NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has instructed the Greater Sydney Commission to conduct a thorough review into the recent rejection by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment of The Star’s $530 million redevelopment and 61-storey tower.
The review, which has been applauded by hotel advocacy body Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA), is due to be completed by the end of September. A government statement said the objective of the review was to ascertain whether Pyrmont’s planning rules were “consistent with the government’s vision for the future”.
TAA National CEO, Michael Johnson, said the 220-room project was needed in Sydney in order to ensure the city maintained its status as Australia’s gateway city.
“As a global city we are always judged on our highest levels of accommodation and the Star Entertainment Group’s Ritz-Carlton development at Pyrmont will help place Sydney in a stand-out position.
“To have such an iconic hotel rejected in the first place was extremely disappointing and we welcome the strong action by the NSW Premier and await the results of the review into planning rules for the Pyrmont and Western Harbour precinct.”
On top of the 220-room Ritz-Carlton hotel, the proposed development at The Star was set to include 200 residences, 15 restaurant and dining concepts, rooftop terrace and Sky Lobby, three swimming pools, two fitness centres, a spa and wellness centre, hot-desking facility for entrepreneurs and businesses and a five-level ‘Neighbourhood Centre’ designed for events and conferences.
However, the proposal was initially rejected late last month, the department considered 144 submissions from government agencies, special interest groups and members of the public.
“To put it simply – this is a project which needs to proceed,” Johnson added.