Have your say on new housing retail and open space for the future Darling Square

Three proposals by Lend Lease regarding the future Darling Square will be on exhibition from today for community feedback.

Darling Square will form part of the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct in Darling Harbour.

The Department of Planning and Environment is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposals for the north and south-east parts of the site.

An application for a mixed use community and retail building and a publicly accessible square within the northern part of the site involves:

• constructing a six storey building known as The Darling Exchange to be used for retail and community uses such as a library and child care
• the fit out of the ground and mezzanine levels for a market hall and food court and level 5 as a restaurant and bar
• constructing and use of an outdoor square with space for weekend markets, events and recreation activities, including a timber canopy along the western edge and two retail kiosks
• constructing a pedestrian laneway (Little Hay Street) between the north-east and south-east plots
• connecting the new public space with existing space.

An application for three residential buildings to be built on top of five to six levels of retail and residential space in the south-east part of the site includes:

• a maximum height limit of 29 storeys
• above ground car parking
• 391 apartments
• communal facilities for residents including a swimming pool and gym
• public domain improvements including landscaping and tree removal.

 Remediation is also proposed for both applications as needed.

Lend Lease has also lodged a proposal to modify the concept plan for Darling Square to incorporate these two developments.

 Modifications will include:

• a five per cent increase in the maximum gross floor area from 199,811 to 210,935 square metres
• changes to the shape and an increase in the maximum height limit for the north plot by five metres
• changes to the alignment of Little Hay Street, the north-east plot and the south-east plot
• changes to the design guidelines.

 A spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment said the local community always has an opportunity to share their views.

“Community consultation is an integral part of the planning process and the applicant will have to respond to the feedback we receive,” the spokesperson said.

“This feedback is taken into consideration when we develop our recommendations.

“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say.”

To make a submission or view the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), visit www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions can be made from Thursday, 17 March until Monday, 2 May 2016.

 Written submissions can also be made to:

Department of Planning and Environment
Attn: Director – Key Sites Assessments
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

The applications are also available to view in person at:

• Department of Planning and Environment, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney
• City of Sydney, Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney