The City of Ryde has welcomed the decision by the NSW Government to lift the stop work order on the Ryde Civic Centre redevelopment.
The decision means work can commence immediately on Council's $110 million project to build a new community and civic hub on the Ryde Civic Centre site, a project that will sustain more than a thousand jobs
W orks were due to commence on 1 March after receiving approval from the NSW Government.
however, a stop work notice was issued at the 11 th hour after claims that the building had heritage significance were made by Urban Taskforce, a small lobby group which openly pu rsues the interests of property developers.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale said the lifting of the stop work order was a win for the entire Ryde community.
"This is a win for the people. I would like to thank the NSW Government, in particular Mi nisters Harwin, Perrottet, Roberts and Kean, for working with me and putting the interests of our community ahead of the interests of property developers," Clr Laxale said.
"Never again should heritage be weaponised by property developers like this. Never again should property developers be able to dictate what facilities our community deserve.
"We will now redouble our efforts to build a modern, state -of-the -art facility which will deliver a four - fold increase in community facilities.
"T his will be delivered with the overwhelming support of our community and without the introduction of any residential development on the site. Council will retain 100% ownership of the site and the project will be completely funded without raising rates or reducing services. "
The centrepiece of the new development will be a new multi -purpose and cultural building dedicated to community use. This building will feature the Edna Wilde Performance Hall, which will seat up to 700 people.
The multi -purpose and cultural building will also include public activity rooms, meeting rooms.
exhibition space, amenities and food premises.
An additional commercial building will also be built on the site which will house Council staff as well as external tenants.
Other fe atures include a centrally located public plaza, extensive landscaping works, direct and accessible pedestrian links, as well as 236 on -site basement car spaces.
