Image: NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet unveiled the plans for upgrading Central Station. Photo: Dom Perrottet/Facebook
By SHARLOTTE THOU
Plans for a high-rise, multi-use precinct near Central Station have been released, with the precinct planning to “focus and propel economic development for the future Harbour City at Central Station.”
Managed by TOGA Group, notable features of the development include the “conservation, refurbishment and adaptive use of the former Parcels Post Office building”, hotel facilities, retail floor space, and an improved public plaza linking Railway Square and Block B, and Lee Street Tunnel and Devonshire Street Tunnel.
The development will feature a rooftop terrace, commercial lobby and concierge facilities, a function and conference area, a co-working space, and a café and restaurant.
The precinct will sit near the Parcels Post Office Building, a building integral to the development’s proposed design.
TOGA’s website states the project will feature a “cluster of ‘pill-shaped forms inspired by the curved corners of the Parcels Post Office building and recalling the shape of Indigenous message sticks.”
TOGA has also managed similar mixed-use precincts including ‘The Hub’ at Bondi Beach, ‘Wicks Place’ in Marrickville, and ‘Oxford and Foley’ in Darlinghurst.
The proposal is one of three tower blocks that form the planned Western Gateway sub-precinct. It’s also part of the NSW government’s ‘Tech Central’ initiative, which plans to “unite 6 different neighbourhoods” – Surry Hills, Haymarket, Camperdown, Ultimo, South Eveleigh, Darlington North Eveleigh- and aims to provide “affordable spaces to researchers, innovators, start-ups and entrepreneurs to incubate, test and scale their ideas.”
The development will act as a “community and social services hub to support rough sleepers”, and will provide new housing – 15% of which will be affordable housing. The NSW government has proposed the development will contribute to the NSW Government’s 2030 goal to reduce emissions by 50% and reach net zero emissions by 2050.
However, there are concerns over a lack of community consultation surrounding the project.
“With nine ha of the Central Precinct part of Chippendale, the absence of proper consultation about the state government’s plans with the wider local community before the plans are publicly exhibited later this year has drawn criticism, with concerns raised with Council and the state government,” a post from Chippendale Community group stated.
The plans are currently up for public exhibition until 19 September.
