New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has pledged to revitalise and redevelop Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct as Sydney’s “gateway to the CBD” and the next jobs and economic driver of the city.
The commitment comes following the release of a report from the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) into the precinct’s planning rules. The review and associated report was initiated following the recommendation by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to reject a proposal by The Star Sydney to build a 61-storey tower which would house the proposed Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort.
Premier Berejiklian labelled Pyrmont as “the next frontier”, comparing it to Barangaroo and Central, both of which have either had or are presently undergoing significant redevelopment.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, said the NSW Government would amend planning controls to better favour jobs and economic activity and to support proposals to develop the area.
“We can support larger-scale development and maintain the unique heritage nature of Pyrmont – it’s not an ‘either/or’ choice.
“However, we must plan for the precinct strategically, rather than on a site-by-site basis, to ensure the long-term liveability and sustainability of the area.”
Stokes said the government will commit to fast-tracking a feasibility study into building a Metro station in Pyrmont – something that was directly cited by the Department of Planning among its recommendations for The Star’s tower project to be rejected initially. In the decision, it said the tower proposal was “reliant on matter that had not been committed to by external parties, including the development of a Metro station at Pyrmont”.
A spokesperson for The Star has told HM its original and unchanged development application remains before the NSW Independent Planning Commission, with no final decision having been made while the GSC report was completed and submitted to the government.