Government ignores Union Square Green Ban

The CBD Metro has released its final Environmental Assessment for a new train line connecting Pyrmont to Rozelle, but opponents of the plan remained unmoved yesterday, describing the plan as a ‘false front’ for preserving heritage.

The government has exhibited two proposals. The first option would see the demolition of all four heritage buildings on Union Street. Under the alternative proposal, a new station entrance building would be constructed at the corner of Union and Pyrmont streets. A section at the rear of the terraces in Union Street would be removed to locate a services building and the façade would remain intact.

Town Hall Square would also see the demolition of four unlisted buildings with heritage value.

“Under the new, preferred option, the façade and the bulk of the buildings of the four terraced shops at 3-9 Union Street would be kept intact,” said Transport Minister David Campbell. “The plan allows for an extension of Union Square between Paternoster Row and Pyrmont Street, doubling the existing plaza for pedestrians, shoppers, cyclists and outdoor dining.”

But Metro critics slammed the proposal, holding a rally outside Parliament House on Wednesday to protest the project. Speakers included Opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian and NSW President of the CFMEU, Peter McClelland. In July, the CFMEU unanimously voted to impose a permanent green ban on the Union Street site.

“I think the issue is, they’re so out of touch, they’re not able to read the public mood, but their blatant disregard for heritage in Pyrmont and Rozelle has just inflamed the community’s anger against this proposal,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“There’s a groundswell of public opposition to the CBD Metro madness,” said EcoTransit spokesperson Gavin Gatenby. “The most insidious affect of the Metro is that, by hogging the vital underground Pitt Street corridor reserved for heavy rail expansion, it would stop us from unleashing the huge unused capacity remaining in the CityRail system. That would be a tragedy.”

Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon said there was a long history of union involvement in saving heritage buildings in Pyrmont, dating back to the 1970s. A number of protestors stated the government would do better to build a train station in Sydney’s northwest, which is under-served by public transport, rather than spend $5.3 billion on a rail line in inner Sydney.

The Environmental Assessment will be on public display at the Pyrmont and Ultimo Community Centres until October 12.