Mirvac’s “totalistic” approach to Pyrmont community

by Charlotte Grieve

Local residents feel disempowered regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre in Darling Harbour. Community members are angry about the consultation process for the 35 storey office tower that will replace the shopping centre. Local residents involved in the consultation process told City Hub that the real estate giant’s actions as ‘totalistic’ in their approach to community engagement.

“I think this has been damaging to the Mirvac brand, other consultations have been much more meaningful,” said James Price, a Pyrmont resident of over 4 years. Price had attended all three community sessions and was ‘totally unimpressed’ with the results.

The Harbourside Shopping Centre was first opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1988 but Mirvac information boards now describe it as ‘outdated’ and ‘lacking quality interface’ with the Darling Harbour public domain. Whilst most community members agree the shopping centre needs work, it’s the proposed 35 storey office tower that residents are most concerned about.

“They want to put up a building that’s purely for business, they’re looking at maximising their capital gain. This isn’t about refurbishment,” local resident Michelle Renshaw said.

Ms Renshaw, among others, is concerned that the development approval would set a precedent. She said tall buildings around the foreshore had meant that the area did not receive enough sunlight.

Residents claim the proposed tower is positioned to cause increased wind velocity, traffic congestion, privacy invasions; all factors they say will decrease the liveability of the area.

“If you want an easier, happier, safer, more vibrant community — you have to have people living in the city,” a Pyrmont resident Giulia Evangelista, told City Hub.

“This is a beautiful area in Sydney that acts as a playground for families, tourists, old people, young people. I don’t know that anyone will want to come here if it’s just filled with glass sky scrapers,” said Renshaw.

However, there’s little they can do about it. The proposed development is on Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) controlled land. Under Section 36 of the 1998 SHFA Act, the Minister may appoint an independent advisory committee to oversee development approvals. “Record of this body refuting any plans is virtually zilch,” said Elizabeth Elenius, convener of the Pyrmont Action Group who has been working for the community since 2003.

“Local governments are bound to a high standard of consultation and transparency in developing height and other regulatory controls. In contrast, development in unincorporated areas can often be left to the discretion of the relevant minister and the approval process is often opaque,” said Neph Wake, an independent real estate worker.

Mirvac were contacted for comment but did not respond to City Hub’s enquiries in time for print.