Barangaroo gets up

The first of a series of public meetings on the proposed Barangaroo development got under way at the Town Hall last week.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the meetings will allow Sydneysiders to find out more about the plans.

“The redevelopment of the 22 hectares which makes up Barangaroo is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Sydney’s history.

“It is vital that city communities have an opportunity to comment on the urban design and uses of Barangaroo and to help shape the future of Sydney’s newest precinct,” she says.

City of Sydney Council is calling on the State Government to do several things.

They include the relocation of the proposed hotel away from the water, building designs that will increase winter sunshine in public places and reduce wind impacts, and improved open spaces, wider streets and better public access.

Greens Councillor Chris Harris called for the meeting in September and he says the first meeting went well.

“The meeting on Tuesday was very successful.

“The Town Hall was packed so there’s a lot of interest in this from people all over Sydney,” he says.

The main issue discussed at last Tuesday’s meeting was the impact the planned hotel would have on the area.

During the meeting council staff gave a presentation to the Planning Department on the City of Sydney’s submission.

Speakers at the meetings include Clover Moore, the Director of City Planning at City of Sydney Council, Graham Jahn, and the Director of City Strategy and Design at City of Sydney, Michael Harrison.

The meetings have the support of councillors from all parties including Liberal Shayne Mallard.

“It’s a good thing if the public are made aware of the issues,” he says.

Independent Councillor John McInery says the meetings give the public a chance to get more involved.

“It gives the community an opportunity to see what’s the Council as a whole have arrived at.

“There were groups there such the Barangaroo Action Group and Friends of Barangaroo who were collecting signatures and we hope the people there will write to the Premier,” he says.

The next two meetings are being held on November 10 at Paddington Town Hall and November 17 at the Marconi Room at Town Hall House.

By William Brougham