Barangaroo has reached its next major milestone with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces granting approval of the modification request for Central Barangaroo.
This decision follows more than a decade of inaction and indecision from the former Government which left this site stuck in limbo.
The planning determination means that the central Barangaroo proposal can proceed subject to conditions.
This development is the final piece of Barangaroo to proceed, enabling the transformation of a once neglected and inaccessible part of the city into a dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub.
The development will comprise a mix of residential and retail including restaurants and bars, a hotel and community facilities. It allows for the area to become a destination in its own right on the Sydney Harbour foreshore due to its proximity to the new Barangaroo Metro.
The approval requires high standards of quality and sustainability, in line with the rest of Barangaroo, with a focus on water efficiency, carbon neutrality, and zero waste.
At least 50% of public open space will be maintained, a key principle of the original proposal.
The modification also delivers an extra 800 square metres of community floor space and two new public plazas. It also establishes view corridors along the northern and southern plazas.
On the nearby Central Barangaroo foreshore there are also separate plans for a new 1.8-hectare waterfront public park for recreation, events and entertainment, currently known as Harbour Park.
When assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) carefully assessed the historic view impacts of the proposal, particularly between Observatory Hill and Sydney Harbour. Conditions on the project include incorporating the Heritage Impact Statement into the consent.
It also included a condition being imposed requiring the height of the northern part of the block facing Nawi Cove to be reduced from 8 storeys down to 5 storeys. This provides continued connection to the water view from Observatory Hill.
In addition, the measures outlined in the Heritage Impact Assessment together with design guidelines will support a design within the building envelope which will further minimise impacts on historic views.
The planning approval enables the proponent to undertake detailed design work, which will include community consultation.
For more information visit: Central Barangaroo | Barangaroo
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The renewal of the strategically important Barangaroo site has always been about providing greater access to Sydney's harbour foreshore. It will create jobs and homes, enhance our cultural facilities, civic spaces and parkland, and create diverse experiences and destinations - all easily accessible by public transport.
"Detailed design work can now proceed on this prominent space under consent conditions to support design excellence to respect the surrounding area.
"This approval considers Barangaroo's prominent position and is respectful of the contribution of the area to Sydney's development and future."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Under the former Government this project was stuck in planning purgatory for over a decade, and this site had been a blight on the harbour for many years before that.
"This is a fantastic outcome. Now that planning approval has been granted, we can get on with the job of delivering the final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle.
"With the Barangaroo Metro station now open, the Pier Pavilion and the Cutaway nearing completion, Barangaroo Reserve, Marrinawi and Nawi Cove open, it will be fantastic to see the full vision for Barangaroo finally realised for locals and visitors to enjoy."
