Following on from the successful development approval for the Ryde Civic Centre transformation, the project enters the next significant stage with d emolition works to commence on 1 March 2021.
The demolition works will continue through to July 2021, weather permitting and will include the demolition of the seven -storey Civic Centre and one -storey Community Hall.
A number of significant items from the old Civic Centre such as signage, coat of arms and a mosaic floor design will be incorporated into the new development where possible.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, and representatives from Taylor Construction Group met with local residents as well as long -serving Ryde Eisteddfod Chairman and former City of Ryde Councillor and Mayor, Edna Wilde OAM on site to discuss the next stage of the redevelopment.
Earlier this month, the Sydney North Planning Panel unanimously approved the project's development application.
In approving the application, the Sydney North Planning Panel said The New Heart of Ryde "will make a significant positive contribution to the Ryde Town Centre".
Known as 'The New Heart of Ryde', the new development will deliver a four -fold increase in c ommunity facilities without the introduction of any residential development on the site.
The centrepiece of the project will be a new multi -purpose and cultural building dedicated to community use. This building will feature the Edna Wilde Performance Hal l, which will be able to seat up to 700 people.
The multi -purpose and cultural building will also include public activity rooms, meeting rooms, function space capable of hosting art exhibitions, amenities and food premises.
An additional commercial buil ding will also be built on the site which will house Council staff as well as external tenants. Other features include a centrally located public plaza, extensive landscaping works.
direct and accessible pedestrian links, as well as 236 on -site basement ca r spaces.
The capital investment value of the project is $108 million and is within Council's budget parameters.
Council will retain 100% ownership of the site and the project will be completely funded without raising rates or reducing services.
Clr Laxale said The New Heart of Ryde project was entering a very exciting stage.
"After more than a decade it is terrific that this Council is finally progressing with a plan for the Ryde Civic Centre site that has the overwhelming support of the community," Clr Laxale said.
