Three new commercial and residential towers could join Sydney’s famous skyline at Circular Quay under plans being considered by the City of Sydney. The council is also considering relaxing planning controls to create taller, thinner buildings that would allow sunlight to flood into the pedestrian laneways, offer better view sharing with existing buildings and create new public space.
A report to the council to be considered on Monday 1 June recommends working with owners of an entire city block to achieve good planning results rather than individual, ad-hoc building redevelopments.
Under current planning controls, buildings on the block cannot be above the height of 110 metres and must have a maximum floor space ratio of 12.5:1 for commercial and 14:1 for residential developments.
The proposed changes include a 200 metre (52 storey) commercial office tower on the corner of Pitt and Dalley Streets on a large floor plate, a tall, slender 185 metre (52 storey) residential tower on the corner of George and Alfred Streets, and a 155 metre (40 storey) commercial tower on the western side of the block fronting George St.
The increased height creates more valuable development potential with improved views looking north over the harbour. The current central Sydney planning controls allow heights up to 235 metres in other parts of the City. While the reduced density at street level means there is more opportunity for street activation to encourage more lively public spaces.
“The proposal delivers significant public benefit by freeing up space at the centre of the block for a new 1300sqm public square serviced by five adjoining laneways, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said.
The existing laneways, which are currently disconnected and have fragmented ownership, would become publicly accessible lanes.
The block is currently owned by a number of different private and public organisations including Valad, Marsico Holdings, Rugby Union Club, Cambooya Properties, St George Bank, Mirvac, GE Real Estate Investment, Telstra, Energy Australia and City of Sydney.
Some changes to the block have already been given the go-ahead, including the approval of a 110-metre tall commercial building at 1 Alfred St (Goldfields House) and a Mirvac 110-metre tall commercial development at 188-208 George St, 1 Underwood St and 4 Dalley St.
“If council agrees to allow an increase in height restrictions, the City will continue to work with the property owners to deliver high quality development outcomes,” Moore said.
“Property owners may consider lodging new development applications if the planning controls are changed. We held a consultation meeting with the property owners in March this year with generally positive feedback.”
If council supports the decision to change the planning controls for the block, the City will commence the process to amend the Sydney Local Environmental Plan which will require approval by the minister for Planning.
