An economic study, completed by tourism economists Stafford Strategy, has revealed that visitor spending in the Millers Point economy could decline by up to $858m* as a result of potential changes to planning rules governing building heights at Central Barangaroo. Separate town planning analysis prepared by experienced planner, Paul Mitchell OAM, has also concluded the proposal is expected to breach longstanding planning rules designed to protect Miller's Point heritage and foreshore amenity values, including views to and from the precinct.
The economic study predicted the impact on heritage values - with an increase in the height of Central Barangaroo buildings above a point - may be accompanied by a decrease in economic activity for the Millers Point precinct.
Stafford Strategy Director, Albert Stafford, said that "the Barangaroo Central precinct development is forecast to deliver, over 10 years, a potential loss of 732,000 visitors, a decrease of 1.1 million guest nights and a potential $858m diminishment in visitor spending within the Millers Point precinct."
Mr. Stafford added, "These visitors are less likely to visit the heritage precinct with little visual connectivity to the harbour and large buildings potentially overshadowing the appeal of the precinct. Global cities which have the benefit of quality and well-protected heritage precincts tend to have a stronger appeal to a range of visitor markets, domestic and international."
The Langham, Sydney, one of Sydney's few, internationally-branded five-star hotels, is reliant on Millers Point's heritage appeal and vistas to attract both a domestic and international visitor market.
Shane Jolly, General Manager, The Langham, said "The views from Millers Point attract international visitors and this proposal puts those views at risk."
"The economic benefits from development at Central Barangaroo could be realised with the current longstanding height limits while limiting flow-on economic and heritage damage to Millers Point and therefore Sydney", said Mr Jolly.
The Langham has sought to engage with the developer to understand the details of their proposal and no consultation has been forthcoming. At this stage those stakeholders most impacted have gathered information on the proposal through reports in the media. The Government and Barangaroo developers are the only parties privy to the proposed plans.
Mr. Jolly added, "The media images of the proposal indicate a scale and height which is likely to have a major impact on the heritage values of Millers Point. It's a state significant development so we're seeking consultation as a major employer and driver of visitor spend in Sydney's heritage precincts."
"The height, scale and form put at risk the historic connection between Millers Point and the harbour."
"Heritage precincts are the cultural heart of global cities and there is a particular uniqueness for those heritage precincts situated on a harbourfront with water views and connectivity to the water's edge."
Mr. Jolly said, "As Millers Point's largest tourism business and employer with over 150 staff, The Langham has a strong interest in the economic, heritage and aesthetic value of the precinct."
"The Langham plays a role in helping Sydney retain its competitive position as an attractive global city and this is particularly important as we emerge from a COVID impacted travel environment," said Mr. Jolly.
Town planner, Paul Mitchell OAM, said, "This is not just about views to and from Observatory Hill but the obstruction of harbour views to and from the heritage significant Millers Point which has profound cultural significance."
"For Millers Point to retain its visitation appeal it's important the current development height limits for the Barangaroo Central precinct are maintained, " said Mr. Mitchell.
