The City of Sydney has endorsed changes to planning rules for Pyrmont and Ultimo that will exceed state government targets for homes and jobs, following extensive public consultation.
These proposals follow the NSW Government's Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy which introduced new housing and job targets for the area ahead of the new metro station opening in early 2030.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the plans would contribute to the NSW Government's new housing targets and create space for thousands of new jobs, greater open space and more trees.
"This has been a complex process. It was vital for us to listen to and advocate for good outcomes for our Pyrmont and Ultimo communities while enabling an increase in housing supply," the Lord Mayor said.
"These planning controls will help grow a stronger harbour area and it really is exciting to see the potential for this region which will result in around a $5 billion boost in economic output for the area."
The NSW targets were for 4,000 homes and 23,000 new jobs in the area. The City of Sydney's proposed changes will result in up to 4,800 homes and up to 27,000 new jobs.
Rather than endorse blanket changes for planning controls across the area, the City of Sydney opted for site-specific changes with micro-zoning increases to height and floor space allowances in the most appropriate pockets of the peninsula. The strategy offers an alternative to the NSW Government's newly formed Housing Delivery Authority.
"This approach meant we were able to develop a plan that exceeds government targets while focusing on priority areas for our communities, such as enabling more green and open spaces, and minimising overshadowing," the Lord Mayor said.
"We've shown that we don't need to set aside good strategic planning and community involvement to grow our city.
"It is vital the City of Sydney has ownership over changes to the peninsula to enable a coordinated and consistent response to local conditions and community values.
"Our work provides a deeper, more detailed investigation of key planning elements beyond those in the NSW Government's initial concept plans.
"We can accommodate growth in the best possible way and ensure Pyrmont and Ultimo become even better places to live, work and visit."
Key priorities for the new planning controls were to maximise development potential while focusing on:
- more deep soil for extra trees and cool green spaces
- greater open space for community use
- minimising overshadowing of existing homes
- conserving heritage values
- design solutions for wind and noise issues
- matching land use to place
The City of Sydney's careful consultation with local communities continued during the public feedback phase, with planners making several changes to the proposals in response to submissions.
The key changes are to encourage mixed-use residential at 1-27 Murray Street, 46-48 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 13A-29 Union Street.
As well as the proposals for the peninsula, the City of Sydney also calls, once again, for Wentworth Park to be returned to the public.
Council endorsed the One Park for Everyone plan for the future of Wentworth Park once the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association's lease ends in September 2027.
The Lord Mayor said the return of the park would be critical to supporting increased residential and commercial development on the peninsula.
"The return of the Wentworth Park greyhound track as public open space is critical. We must support increased density with adequate access to parkland."
The proposals will now go to the NSW Government for gateway determination.
