A transformed Pitt Street precinct featuring two 300m plus skyscrapers is one step closer, after Council endorsed proposed changes to planning rules to increase the maximum building height and floor space at 56–60 Pitt Street.
The changes increase the maximum permitted height on the site to 310m and boost the available floor space to enable the construction of a 70-storey next generation commercial building.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the new skyscraper would promote job creation and economic growth in the city.
"Central Sydney continues to be Australia's leading economic centre for business investment and a preferred location for workers, residents and visitors.
"This project will provide more office space, a high-quality design and outstanding public places, in the form of a new public plaza and a pedestrian through-site link connecting Pitt Street to Spring and Gresham streets."
The endorsement comes as a proposal to enable a second 300m plus tower nearby is being finalised before public consultation.
The neighbouring site at 1–25 O'Connell Street is expected to be home to a 319m tower built by Lendlease. The 71-storey tower and adjoining development will provide 150,000 square metres of commercial floor space. It will include a public through-site link and precincts logistics hub – a shared loading dock for businesses in the precinct – and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
Both sites are in the northern tower cluster area of Central Sydney, which is favoured by the financial, legal, property and technology sectors.
The Lord Mayor said the proposal is in line with the Central Sydney planning strategy, the City's blueprint for height and floor space growth that was the most significant review of planning in the city centre in over 45 years.
"If we want Sydney to maintain its status as a global city and economic powerhouse, it's vital that we safeguard economic floor space whilst allowing residential development to continue in the city centre," the Lord Mayor said.
The Central Sydney Planning Strategy balances the growth of our city, allowing the skyline to rise while also making sure sunlight continues to shine onto our public spaces, like Hyde Park, Wynyard Park and the Royal Botanic Garden.
"It was the product of three years of deep research by City staff, who worked block by block, carefully examining the way our city works and where sunlight falls.
"We can build tall towers in the city, we can see our skyline rise with iconic, sustainable buildings, when we follow deep, evidence-based work that considers the current and future needs of our city."
"These buildings will provide future workplaces that are in line with what business expects and that are essential for Sydney as a globally competitive city."
For more details go to https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/policy-planning-changes/your-feedback-changes-planning-controls-56-60-pitt-street-3-spring-street-sydney.
