Sydney officials noted that the proposed Crown Resorts hotel, casino, and residential project is at risk of turning into a “symbol of inequality” in the central part of the city.
Sydney’s city council argued that it had been provided with insufficient explanation on why the Australian gambling and hospitality operator is to build its “landmark tower” on land that has initially been designated for parkland.
Officials pointed out that the proposal for the said waterfront parkland to be relocated near tall residential towers indicates that more importance has been placed to the customers of the future gambling venue and its being located on the waterfront rather than the park being situated there.
If the park indeed gets relocated, it would be “hemmed” by the large amount of private development near Hickson Road where it is to be placed.
Lend Lease, the developer in charge of the so-called Barangaroo South project, explained that the success of the network of open spaces planned for the precinct will be determined by its diversity rather than by the fact that it will be at times overshadowed by Crown Resorts’ tower.
The city council further noted in a special submission on the matter that the cyclists and pedestrians will have “a tighter fixed path” if the parkland is relocated. According to councilors, this outcome could absolutely be avoided. They also pointed out that they did not contend to the overall design of the building. They only found the 610 parking spaces a bit excessive given the fact that a significant amount of money will be invested in the precinct’s public transport network.
City officials also noted that the residential portion of the project includes luxury apartments for well-to-do buyers. However, it seems that developers had failed to add one-bedroom or studio ones. This may result in Crown Resorts’ tower turning into a “symbol of inequality” in Sydney’s Central Business District, officials pointed out.
The submission came after city councilors criticized severely Lend Lease’s latest concept for the Barangaroo precinct. The so-called Modification 8 calls for the hotel to be brought back into land and expanded in size. In 2010, the said hotel was approved to be built at the harbor.
However, Sydney officials contended that the proposed relocation would increase private gain and would not result in benefit for the public.
Crown Resorts said that it will take into consideration the response to the plan and will make its submission to the New South Wales Department of Planning and Infrastructure “in due course.”
