New vision for Barangaroo

Almost 60 independent planners and architects have joined forces to back an alternative proposal for Barangaroo, which would remove the hotel from the harbour and include smaller buildings.

With less than four weeks till the election, the group has released its alternative scheme and has called for a public inquiry in attempt to facilitate influence over the government.

The group, Architects and Planners Concerned About Barangaroo oppose what they called a “deeply flawed process” for the $6 billion development—advocating their proposal, titled “A Better Barangaroo” as a viable solution to the ongoing problems.

They argue their plan would create more public space and will provide the same financial return to the developer, Lend Lease, and the government.

But Lend Lease have defended their amendments to the original design, saying the height of the office towers will provide a spectacular “vertical edge” to the site’s south end.

Lend Lease’s latest concept was approved late last year and construction has begun.

But Australians for Sustainable Development—a coalition of organisations headed by Jack Mundey and Marcelle Hoff—back the alternative proposal as well.

They have launched legal action against Lend Lease and the Minister for Planning over contamination issues at Barangaroo.

The alliance is questioning whether Lend Lease’s remediation plans for the Minister were detailed enough to ensure the site would be cleaned up.

But Lend Lease’s Group Head of Development has defended claims, saying cleaning up the site is a priority.

“Safeguarding Sydney’s precious harbour and foreshore for future generations is a key priority for us,” he said.

The issue is still before the courts and for legal purposes, those involved were unable to comment further.

by Sophie Cousins