Framework for DARLING Land Owner's Consideration of State Significant HARBOUR Development 01 / 2018

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 CONTEXT 4 2.1 DARLING HARBOUR 2.2 PLACE MANAGEMENT’S ROLE 2.3 THE FRAMEWORK

3 POLICY, GUIDANCE + LEGISLATION 6 3.1 POLICY + GUIDANCE 3.2 LEGISLATION

4 THEMES 8 4.1 NATURAL + CULTURAL HERITAGE 4.2 ORDERLY + ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4.3 LAND USE, ACTIVITIES + IDENTITY 4.4 PUBLIC DOMAIN + URBAN STRUCTURE

5 SUMMARY OF PRINCIPLES + CRITERIA 16 DARLING HARBOUR FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Darling Harbour was a gift to the nation. It was transformed in the 1980s from a working port and industrial area to a harbourside leisure, entertainment and convention precinct. It is transforming again with the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC) now complete, and the ICC Hotel, Darling Square development and The Ribbon at various stages of construction.

The NSW Government has owned Darling Harbour for over 100 years, initially because of its strategic importance to growing Sydney and, more recently, because of its civic purpose and international role. Place Management NSW (PMNSW), part of Property New South Wales has legislative responsibility under the Place Management NSW Act to protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the precinct as well as to coordinate orderly and economic development and use of the precinct. PMNSW is not a planning authority, however before planning approval to a development application can be granted, the consent of PMNSW as land owner is MARITIME MUSEUM WILDLIFE WORLD required. SYDNEY AQUARIUM This framework provides the principles and criteria that PMNSW utilises to consider Land Owner's Consent for State Significant ICC Development proposals, in consideration TUMBALONG PARK of its functions under the PMNSW Act CHINESE GARDENS and in the context of Darling Harbour and relevant guidelines and policies. It is intended to provide guidance to proponents HAYMARKET considering developing proposals that will be lodged as State Significant Development in Darling Harbour. UTS CENTRAL STATION A summary of the four principles and corresponding criteria is provided in Section 5 on page 16.

3 DARLING HARBOUR 2.0 CONTEXT

2.1 DARLING HARBOUR Sydney, Madame Tussauds Sydney, the 2.2 PLACE Darling Harbour is uniquely positioned Australian National Maritime Museum, MANAGEMENT’S ROLE the Chinese Garden of Friendship and around Cockle Bay and on the western PMNSW owns a significant portion of an award winning children’s playground. interface of the Sydney CBD. It is a the land in Darling Harbour. In turn, a It boasts an array of quality waterside destination in its own right and includes large number of land parcels are leased dining experiences and nightspots. a significant cluster of civic, cultural, by the private sector on a long-term entertainment spaces and events. It The completion of world class basis, some under 99 year leases. As is well known as a place to celebrate conference and entertainment facilities the buildings age, long-term lessees will major events such as New Year’s Eve and has reconfirmed Darling Harbour as seek to redevelop and renew buildings to Sydney’s winter festival, Vivid. Darling a national and international business leverage and complement changes in the Harbour also hosts unique, high-quality and entertainment venue. The ICC precinct such as the ICC Sydney, Darling events including the Sydney International Sydney Hotel and The Ribbon will assist Square, The Ribbon and Darling Quarter Boat Show and the Dragon Boat Festival in meeting the increasing demand for developments. as part of Chinese New Year, as well as short-stay accommodation in Darling This framework provides the principles many cultural and community festivals Harbour, and in supporting business and and criteria that PMNSW will utilise throughout the year. tourism in the precinct and Sydney CBD. when requested to consider Land Darling Harbour is well connected to Further south, towards Haymarket, Owner's Consent for State Significant Sydney’s public transport network and Darling Square is also under Development proposals in Darling attracts more than 26,000,000 pedestrian construction and will provide a mix of Harbour. The principles and criteria (1) movements per year . It provides residential, student accommodation, have been developed in consideration of significant public space including a broad commercial and retail uses to diversify PMNSW's functions under the PMNSW waterfront promenade, boulevard and the land use and activity in the precinct. Act and in the context of Darling Harbour Tumbalong Park. and relevant guidelines and policies. Recent development is expected to Its success is as much about its public drive a further wave of investment as Specifically the principles and criteria spaces and events calendar, as the leaseholders look to capitalise on the presented in this framework will be calibre of facilities and services available increased activity and place renewal in used to consider whether Land Owner's to visitors. Darling Harbour is popular the precinct. Assessment of development Consent to a Stage 1 Development with families and home to some of applications will be undertaken by Application will be granted, thereby Sydney’s best attractions, including the Department of Planning and facilitating assessment of a development SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Environment (DPE), however, preceding application by the Department of this is the assessment that PMNSW is Planning and Environment under the (1) Property NSW: Visitor Snapshot: Darling Harbour obliged to perform as the owner of a State Significant Development State July 2015 to June 2016, NSW Government, Sydney, 2016 significant portion of the land in Darling Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). Harbour.

4 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT 2.0 CONTEXT

2.3 THE FRAMEWORK PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS + OBJECTIVES The framework provides principles PLACE MANAGEMENT NSW ACT 1998 and criteria to protect and enhance the natural, cultural heritage and PROMOTE BALANCED OUTCOMES recreational offerings of Darling Harbour, including the landscape and public domain, while enabling orderly and economic development of the land ORDERLY & COMPLEMENTARY OUTCOMES ECONOMIC within the precinct. DEVELOPMENT

The principles aim to enhance Darling PROMOTE Harbour as a place to visit, work and to do business. It seeks to coordinate LAND USE, NATURAL & ACTIVITIES & BALANCED the activities of PMNSW, alongside OUTCOME CULTURAL IDENTITY HERITAGE various public and private sector players, in order to strengthen community and economic benefit over time. In LEVERAGE UNIQUE LOCATION ENHANCE AND deriving the principles and criteria, the MANAGE THE framework also has regard to a range of LANDSCAPE OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN state and local authority policies, plans and guidance. COMPLEMENTARY OUTCOMES

PROMOTE

5 DARLING HARBOUR

A range of policies, plans and guidance material, prepared by State and Local 3.0 POLICY, Government, shapes the consideration of development applications across metropolitan Sydney and Darling GUIDANCE + Harbour. Key documents and legislation to be considered as part of a development proposal for land in LEGISLATION Darling Harbour are summarised below.

NORTH WEST GROWTH CENTRE

ROUSE HILL HORNSBY

CASTLE HILL NORTHERN BEACHES NORWEST HOSPITAL PRECINCT PENRITH BROOKVALE DEEWHY

PENRITH EDUCATION BLACKTOWN MACQUARIE AND HEALTH CENTRE PARK

CHATSWOOD

ST. LEONARDS

PARRAMATTA RHODES OLYMPIC PARK

WESTERN SYDNEY EMPLOYMENT SYDNEY AREA DARLING HARBOUR BURWOOD BONDI JUNCTION

GREEN SOUTH WEST SQUARE BANKSTOWN GROWTH CENTRE LIVERPOOL

SYDNEY AIRPORT KOGARAH HURTSVILLE PORT BOTANY

LEPPINGTON

A PLAN FOR GROWING SYDNEY

METROPOLITAN URBAN AREA GLOBAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR CAMBELLTOWN MAIN ROAD/HIGHWAY HEAVY/LIGHT RAIL CBD/REGIONAL CITY CENTRE DARLING HARBOUR

6 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

3.1 POLICY + GUIDANCE Sydney City Centre Access Strategy • in relation to the public domain-to Developing the Sydney City Centre enhance and manage the landscape A Plan for Growing Sydney Access Strategy is a key action in the of the public domain and to improve, A Plan for Growing Sydney formulates NSW Long-term Transport Master Plan. maintain and regulate the use of the the NSW Government’s vision for Sydney The Access Strategy, prepared in 2013, public domain. as a ‘strong global city, a great place is the state’s first detailed plan showing to live’. In the next 20 years, Sydney’s how people will enter, exit and move in As detailed elsewhere in the framework, population will grow by 1.6 million and around the CBD over the next 20 these functions will be taken into account (1) people . The strategy provides the years. The Access Strategy demonstrates when considering any request for Land foundation for managing the growth of how light rail, buses, trains, ferries, Owner's Consent for PMNSW owned land housing, employment and infrastructure. cars, taxis, pedestrians and cyclists will in Darling Harbour. By 2031, Sydney’s economic output interact in the heart of Sydney. is forecast to almost double to $565 The Darling Harbour billion a year and there will be 689,000 Draft Central Sydney Planning Strategy Development Plan No.1 (2) new jobs . The Plan identifies six sub- The draft Central Sydney Planning The Darling Harbour Development regions that will play an important role Strategy 2012-2036 proposes the revision Plan No.1 was adopted in 1979 and in shaping the future growth of Sydney. of Sydney’s planning controls to ensure outlines a statutory framework to guide Darling Harbour, which is located in the the City’s ongoing competitiveness, development in the precinct area. Key City of Sydney Local Government Area, is appeal and resilience, at a local, national objects of the plan include: in the Central Sub-region. The Plan will and global scale. It delivers on the • to promote the development of the be supported by the yet to be released City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney Darling Harbour area as part of the Central Sub-regional Plan which will 2030 program for a green, global and State's Bicentennial Program; and offer a more detailed response to the connected city. • to encourage the development of above issues. This Strategy is the most detailed review a variety of tourist, educational, recreational, entertainment, cultural Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 of city centre planning controls since and commercial facilities within that Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 the City’s first comprehensive planning area. provides a framework that can better strategy in 1971. The strategy outlines underpin strategic planning for a more a suite of key moves that balance productive, liveable and sustainable opportunities for development to meet SEPP for State Significant Development city. This document reconceptualises the demands of the growing numbers of (SSD) / EP&A Act Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three workers, residents and visitors and their The Minister for Planning is the consent cities (Western City, Central City and changing needs. authority for development with a value in Eastern City), and is presented with the excess of $10 million for land in Darling draft District Plans to reflect the most Public Spaces - Public Life Harbour. Under the Environmental contemporary thinking about Greater The Public Spaces - Public Life report, Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Sydney’s future. prepared by Gehl Architects, 2007, was (the EP&A Act), Land Owner's Consent a comprehensive review and set of is required for a State Significant Key objectives detailed in this document recommendations focusing on the Sydney Development application, where the that are relevant to Darling Harbour CBD that extended from Central Station applicant is not the owner of the land include: in the south to in the north; to which the application relates. The • A growing city; support generation of Darling Harbour in the west to The Domain application cannot be determined new jobs, accommodate for increased in the east. It provided a framework and without the Land Owner's Consent demand of housing and increased underlying study informing the preparation having been granted. economic growth; of the Sydney 2030 Vision. As quoted Other relevant legislation • 30 minute city; increase access to job by Lord Mayor Clover Moore, it is "...a There are other SEPPs and legislation districts and improve walk-ability of blueprint to transform our CBD into a (such as The Roads Act) that may apply, city; people friendly, public transport oriented, green, connected, attractive and distinctive and proponents are required to make • A city of housing choice and diversity; city heart." their own assessment as to what is diversify housing typologies and relevant to, and required, to support a increase supply; and 3.2 LEGISLATION State Signficant Development proposal. • A city in its landscape; protect and enhance local open space systems and Place Management NSW Act increase access to these spaces. PMNSW has the following functions under its Act: Draft Central District Plan A series of Draft District Plans were • to protect and enhance the natural and developed by the Greater Sydney cultural heritage of the foreshore area; Commission in November 2016. The • to promote, co-ordinate, manage, plans establish big picture planning for undertake and secure the orderly and various districts over the next 20 years. economic development and use of the The Central District Plan applies to foreshore area, including the provision Darling Harbour and aims to facilitate of infrastructure; a network of attractive, liveable centres • to promote, co-ordinate, organise, and community hubs that are connected manage, undertake, secure, provide (1) Department of Planning and Environment, State and and conduct cultural, educational, Local Government Area Population Projections: 2014 by convenient transport links. These Final, NSW Government, Sydney, 2014 will be supported by parks, recreational commercial, tourist, recreational, entertainment and transport activities (2) Bureau of Transport Statistics, Small Area areas and cultural attractions. Employment Forecasting Model, NSW Government, and facilities; and Sydney, 2014

7 DARLING HARBOUR 4.0 THEMES

4.1 NATURAL + CULTURAL HERITAGE

CONTEXT European Heritage Markets and Exchange For thousands of years, the Gadigal When European settlement arrived, the An essential part of Darling Harbour people of the Nation hunted and bay was first called Long Cove because has been its association with the various fished around Tumbalong, and from of its unusual length, but the name markets of Sydney. When Governor 1788, the First Fleet gathered shells Cockle Bay was soon preferred due to Macquarie moved the city’s first market for lime burning for buildings in the the presence of shellfish. It is said that to a site on George Street it was only place they called Cockle Bay. As shell the abundance of food helped the first a short distance to the market wharf gathering gave way to industry and European settlement ward off starvation in Cockle Bay where the city’s produce shipping, the bay was renamed Darling until the Second Fleet arrived. It was was off-loaded. The street to the wharf Harbour and its evolution has reflected through the cockles and cockle shells was soon called Market Street, and the major trends in waterfront renewal that the Gadigal and British colonists market site later became the Queen across the developed world. In its became entangled in a shared history Victoria Building. To help with the most recent incarnation, it has been including the burning of shell middens expanding needs of the city, a market transformed from a working port and to make lime for motar, aiding the building was built, known as the Corn industrial area, to a place of leisure, colony and contributing to the industrial Exchange. Around this time, wool stores entertainment and cultural activity. Since revolution of Australia. became prominent on the western edge its inception, Darling Harbour has been of Darling Harbour due to the close a place that has constantly evolved and Maritime and Industrial Development relationship between rail and shipping, reinvented itself to meet the needs of a A steam mill built on the corners of providing a superior and preferred changing and growing population. Harbour and Pier Streets marked freight facility to Circular Quay. the commencement of the industrial By the 1950’s, the economic success revolution in Australia in 1815. Without Aboriginal Heritage of Darling Harbour as an industrial a railway line, coastal shipping was Darling Harbour forms part of the centre had started to decline. Road the primary means of goods arriving traditional lands of the Gadigal people, and rail infrastructure emerged as a to Sydney. As a result, warehouses, who are part of the Eora Nation. Gadigal preferred land use to shipping. When markets and mills grew around the country stretches from Sydney City to road infrastructure projects dominated edges of the harbour. The deep water, South Head and to the inner-west area the 1960’s, the Western Distributor was sheltered harbour and proximity to the near Petersham. The Gadigal people conceived to alleviate traffic volumes business district meant the precinct used the harbour for food and transport generated by the Harbour Bridge. Due became an integral part of Sydney’s up the River. Campsites were to the presence of existing buildings and industrial strength. The railway line located along the shore, particularly infrastructure, it was decided that an connecting Darling Harbour to the during the winter months when fish above ground highway was needed to NSW rail system was completed in and shellfish were a primary part of redirect the traffic above the city streets. their diet. The Gadigal called the area 1855, coinciding with trade unionism Tumbalong because of the seafood and the Iron Wharf which provided In the 1970’s Darling Harbour was falling found in the harbour, meaning ‘of place modern facilities for freight, signifying into disuse, with the last goods train where seafood was found’. The shoreline the importance of Darling Harbour leaving Darling Harbour in 1984. Neville was littered with shell middens, the to both rail and shipping. In 1902, the Wran, the NSW Premier, announced accumulated remnants of shellfish. was built, completing the Government’s decision to redevelop an important route into the city from Darling Harbour and return it to the the west. The swing and span gates are people of Sydney in time for Australia’s still operated by the original machinery, 1988 Bicentennial celebrations. making it the oldest electrically powered swing bridge in the world.

8 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

In 1998, ten years after the renewal of • was dramatically transformed from Darling Harbour as a major convention, an industrial basin to an international events and tourism precinct, Cockle Bay entertainment and tourism precinct, PRINCIPLE wharf was constructed. The following included as the focus of Australia’s year work was undertaken to prepare bicentennial celebrations in 1988 for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, • is the site of an authentic Chinese PROTECT, ENHANCE which utilised the Sydney Convention and Garden, created in the style of a AND INTERPRET Exhibition Centre as a venue. Shang Dynasty courtyard DARLING HARBOUR'S Enduring Assets Heritage Management NATURAL AND CULTURAL While Darling Harbour has continually Darling Harbour contains ten items on HERITAGE. evolved, it remains highly valued with the State Heritage Register: a number of enduring characteristics • Building, 121-127 Sussex Street including: • Warehouses (former), • its open waters edge 139-153 Sussex Street CRITERIA • role as a focus of activity • Building, 161 Sussex Street • central location • Terrace Houses, • nexus in the city’s movement network 163-169 Sussex Street • a western backdrop to the city centre • Dundee Arms Hotel, 1. IDENTIFY, PROTECT AND ENHANCE • above and below ground 171 Sussex Street EUROPEAN AND ABORIGINAL archaeological resources • Corn Exchange, HERITAGE INCLUDING THE WORKING 173-185 Sussex Street HARBOUR, PAST INDUSTRIAL LAND Heritage Significance • Pyrmont Bridge, Sydney USE AND ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Darling Harbour is significant to Sydney, • The Carousel, Concourse under NSW and Australia because it: Western Distributor Sydney 2. SAFELY ENHANCE AND IMPROVE • has layers of rich archaeological • Darling Harbour Woodward Water HARBOUR INTERACTION AND deposits and resources that record Feature, Harbour Promenade LEVERAGE THE UNIQUE SETTING ON and demonstrate significant phases in Darling Harbour its development back to the cockle- • Hydraulic Pump Station (former), COCKLE BAY rich mud flats once harvested by the 17 Little Pier Street, Haymarket Gadigal people 3. PROTECT THE GENEROUS AND OPEN CHARACTER OF THE FORESHORE AND • was the cradle of Australia’s industrial It also contains ten locally listed items. revolution, where innovation produced These include a diversity of elements PUBLIC SPACES IN AND AROUND industrial refrigeration, steam flour ranging from archaeology, buildings DARLING HARBOUR milling, steel works, gas works, ship and other elements such as the building and repair and a myriad of railway corridor around Cockle Bay. 4. PROMOTE A COORDINATED other industrial enterprises While these items are individually and FORESHORE EXPERIENCE TO DARLING • was a birth place of trade unionism collectively significant, and contribute to HARBOUR AND BEYOND in Sydney and the site of legendary an understanding of Darling Harbour’s strikes and actions that gradually evolution, they also contribute to the produced enlightened working character and image of the Darling conditions across the nation Harbour precinct. • was a place of departure and return for Australian soldiers in World War I and World War II • was a key site in the post-war migration program where thousands of migrants and refugees from war-torn Europe first landed on Australian soil

9 DARLING HARBOUR

4.2 ORDERLY + ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CONTEXT For most of the year sunlight is a Darling Harbour is nearing the 30th desirable quality for public spaces in anniversary of its 1980’s renewal Sydney. Future development should as an entertainment, leisure and seek to limit additional shadowing of tourism precinct. Many of the buildings the public spaces and places including constructed at the time are at or near Tumbalong Park, the Chinese Garden of the end of their economic life. Renewal Friendship and the waters edge. of older buildings in Darling Harbour can The balance of development providing enhance the precinct and create an even renewal with public benefits enhancing better place for business and visitors. the character and qualities of Darling A key characteristic of Darling Harbour Harbour will be a key consideration for is its high quality open waterfront, civic development. spaces and the forum it provides for major public gatherings and events. RECENT AND CURRENT Its position in the city and landscape DEVELOPMENT qualities are key factors in the original A number of recent projects have begun conception of the precinct and have to transform Darling Harbour including: underpinned its emergence as one of Sydney International Convention, Sydney’s most iconic destinations. Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct The relationship of buildings to the - the development includes the Sydney waters edge is a key driver in defining Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre, the the experiential quality of the foreshore Theatre and ICC Sydney Hotel providing public domain. A sense of openness is an cultural, commercial and retail uses. important characteristic, particularly for The development includes The Boulevard evening events where the night sky is the - a new pedestrian promenade linking stage for light show displays. Quay Street to the waterfront at Darling Successive renewal initiatives have Harbour. The SICEEP development in maintained a stepped transition from Darling Harbour has led renewal of the tall building clusters in the heart of the precinct and provided high quality public CBD to a human scale environment domain and world class entertainment at the waterline. The setback of taller facilities. buildings reduces the apparent scale of development which achieves a balance Darling Square - Darling Square that maintains a sense of openness while comprising a mix of residential, supporting higher intensity development commercial, community, retail and to activate the public domain. student accommodation uses. It will house 5,000 new residents and include new towers in the south-west and north- east areas of the precinct.

10 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

The Goods Line - A green spine, following the former Darling Harbour rail corridor between Ultimo Road and the , providing PRINCIPLE CRITERIA pedestrians and cyclists with a direct connection between Central Station and Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and Ultimo. It provides direct access to a UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES 1. RENEW AGEING ASSETS AND DEVELOP number of key public, education and cultural institutions including UTS, TAFE TO INTENSIFY ACTIVITY LAND TO ITS POTENTIAL, WHILE NSW, the ABC Ultimo Centre and the AND RENEW AGEING EXPANDING AND ENHANCING THE Powerhouse Museum. The spine also INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC DOMAIN AND PUBLICALLY provides visitors with a range of leisure ACCESSIBLE SPACE activities, including picnic areas, shaded UNDERUTILISED SITES, grassed areas to sit, table tennis tables, WITH A BALANCED 2. BALANCE THE SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT study pods, and a children’s play area. It is a new public space for pop-up events APPROACH THAT WITH THE BENEFITS IT BRINGS TO THE and outdoor movies and performances. PROTECTS THE LEGACY OF PEOPLE OF NEW SOUTH WALES The Ribbon - A luxury hotel and serviced DARLING HARBOUR FOR 3. PROVIDE FACILITIES TO SERVICE apartment development with retail FUTURE GENERATIONS. AND SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL offerings and a new Imax Theatre. The development will include a hectare of CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION public domain renewal. CENTRE AND DARLING HARBOUR’S The renewal that has occurred and is INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS under construction is driving and will AS A PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR continue to drive, increases in visitation CONFERENCES AND EVENTS through the new conference and entertainment facilities, accommodation, 4. CREATE A COMFORTABLE AND retail offerings and new public domain DISTINCTIVE URBAN PRECINCT WITH with improved accessibility. ENGAGING EDGES, INTERFACES AND FUTURE ACTIVITY AND PLACES TO DWELL AND OCCUPY CATCHMENT 5. INCREASE PEDESTRIAN AND VISUAL The ongoing success of the precinct’s activation calendar, combined with PERMEABILITY THROUGH THE changing demographics from the PRECINCT growth of the surrounding residential, tourist and employment population, has 6. CREATE IMPROVED ACCESS AND increased pressure on the finite capacity VISIBILITY TO THE PRECINCT TO DRAW of the waterfront, public spaces and key ATTRACTION FROM SURROUNDING movement routes. DISTRICTS AND THE CBD Darling Harbour will need to service an increasingly larger local catchment with 7. PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY DESIGN FOR various land uses including residential, BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE office and hotels in addition to its existing PUBLIC DOMAIN user base of Sydneysiders, international and domestic tourists. 8. PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN AND PLACEMAKING OUTCOMES

11 DARLING HARBOUR

4.3 LAND USE, ACTIVITIES + IDENTITY

CONTEXT These characteristics differentiate Darling Harbour’s ongoing success has Darling Harbour from other Sydney been underpinned by a clear image precincts and districts. and identity, focused on its waterfront New consumer expectations and market location and notable concentration trends are emerging globally. Key of major attractions, cultural and demographics such as the millennial community events, open public spaces generation are favouring experiences and entertainment venues, anchored that are creative, original and authentic. by the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct Changing preferences are driving a wider (SICEEP) and calendar of established shift to more sophisticated, experience- events. led place making, reflected in the rise of curated events and activation, and Darling Harbour stands out as a increasing investment in people places colourful place of celebration, for major such as the High-line in New York and events, sunsets and open water, against Chicago Riverwalk. a backdrop of places variously dominated by green open spaces, trees and cultural heritage. Its significant open spaces are not overwhelmed by surrounding development. Its lower density contributes to the perception of Darling Harbour as a place of respite and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visual cues from within the CBD and surrounds provide an attraction for people to come to the precinct and enjoy its unique offering. It supports activity generated by tourism, events and entertainment activities, with a mix of residential, employment and retail offerings.

12 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPLE CRITERIA

FOSTER A MIX OF 1. SUPPORT LAND USE AND ACTIVITIES USES THAT BROADENS THAT ACTIVATE AND DRIVE THE THE APPEAL OF SUCCESS OF THE PRECINCT AND DARLING HARBOUR PROVIDE FOR THE DIVERSE NEEDS AND AND CAPITALISES EXPERIENCES OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW ON ITS NATURAL SOUTH WALES AND BUILT ASSETS, 2. PROVIDE AN INSPIRING MEETING REINFORCING ITS ROLE PLACE THAT FOSTERS INNOVATION AND AS A DESTINATION FOR CREATIVITY CULTURAL EXPERIENCES 3. INCREASE THE INTENSITY AND MIX OF AND EVENTS, AND AS A COMPLEMENTARY USES PLACE FOR THE DAY-TO- 4. REINFORCE AND EXTEND THE DAY LIFE OF THE LOCAL PROVISION OF SHORT STAY COMMUNITY. ACCOMMODATION TO SERVICE AND SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 5. PROMOTE GREATER LEVELS OF ACTIVITY THAT CATER FOR THE NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTIAL, OFFICE WORKER AND VISITOR CATCHMENT 6. SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN CULTURE, EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 7. ENSURE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT IMPACT THE ONGOING ROLE OF DARLING HARBOUR AS A FORUM FOR MAJOR EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND THE NIGHT TIME ECONOMY 8. IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO EXISTING AND PROPOSED PUBLIC TRANSPORT 9. PROMOTE CONNECTIVITY AND PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES TO AND THROUGH THE PRECINCT

13 DARLING HARBOUR

4.4 PUBLIC DOMAIN + URBAN STRUCTURE

4.4.1 CONTEXT Darling Harbour's public spaces have The open character, generous waterfront evolved to support key functions associated promenade, open spaces and activated with major public events and celebrations building edges are key qualities that and the high volume of pedestrian define the experience of being at Darling movement through and within the precinct. Harbour. The physical profile of the waters edge has been heavily influenced by its form The experience of being at Darling which is largely comprised of a suspended Harbour provides a strong sense of deck over the modified waterline. This place and connection to the wider city, profile has constrained the extent of soft with long range views to surrounding landscape and tree planting possible urban districts and landscape features. adjoining the waters edge. The existing promenade is dedicated to through movement and the role of Darling Harbour occupies a strategic Darling Harbour as one of Sydney's position in the wider active travel primary civic gathering and celebration network and is a key threshold for cycle spaces. These two functions dominate access to the CBD from the west and the experience. south west, particularly Pyrmont and the long-term urban expansion and Buildings adjoining the promenade intensification zone at Glebe Island. create a clearly defined edge promoting Cycle access through the precinct needs a strong linear spatial experience with to be considered in conjunction with few pockets of space to slow down, stop the high levels of pedestrian activity or dwell. More tree cover is needed at and movement associated with the core the waters edge to make the space more purpose of Darling Harbour as one of attractive as a place to relax or spend Sydney’s significant people places. time during hotter months. A more coherant experience of moving to or from Darling Harbour should be promoted from adjoining urban precincts. Physical and visual connections should be strengthened to address barriers associated with topography, current built form and infrastructure, particularly as the precinct relates to the main pedestrian movement networks in the CBD, Pyrmont and UTS / Central station area.

14 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPLE CRITERIA

CREATE A COMPELLING, 1. CREATE A SPECTACULAR AND COMFORTABLE AND INVITING PLACE FOR LEISURE AND DISTINCTIVE PUBLIC CELEBRATION REALM THAT IS 2. PROVIDE A SAFE, SMART, SECURE INTEGRATED WITH THE AND UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE SURROUNDING URBAN PLACE AREAS AND MAXIMISES 3. INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF GREEN THE FUNCTION, ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC DOMAIN ATTRACTIVENESS AND UTILISATION OF THE 4. PROVIDE CONTEMPORARY, HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC DOMAIN, AND WATERFRONT AND AN IMPROVED WATERS EDGE PUBLIC SPACE IN THE EXPERIENCE PRECINCT. 5. PROVIDE A DIVERSITY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN EXPERIENCES INCLUDING SANCTUARY SPACES THAT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO LINGER AND DWELL 6. PROVIDE A GREEN, SHADY EXPERIENCE THAT OFFERS RESPITE FROM SUMMER HEAT 7. IMPROVE THE QUALITY, CAPACITY AND CONVENIENCE OF PUBLIC REALM CONNECTIONS TO THE SURROUNDING URBAN AREAS AND REDUCE THE ISOLATING EFFECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND DARLING HARBOUR

15 DARLING HARBOUR 5.0 SUMMARY OF PRINCIPLES + CRITERIA

NATURAL + ORDERLY + CULTURAL ECONOMIC HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPLE PRINCIPLE PROTECT, ENHANCE AND UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERPRET DARLING INTENSIFY ACTIVITY AND RENEW HARBOUR'S NATURAL AND AGEING INFRASTRUCTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE. UNDERUTILISED SITES WITH A BALANCED APPROACH THAT PROTECTS THE LEGACY OF DARLING HARBOUR CRITERIA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. 1. IDENTIFY, PROTECT AND ENHANCE EUROPEAN AND ABORIGINAL HERITAGE INCLUDING THE WORKING HARBOUR, PAST INDUSTRIAL CRITERIA LAND USE AND ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 1. RENEW AGEING ASSETS AND DEVELOP LAND TO ITS POTENTIAL, 2. SAFELY ENHANCE AND IMPROVE HARBOUR INTERACTION AND WHILE EXPANDING AND ENHANCING THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND LEVERAGE THE UNIQUE SETTING ON COCKLE BAY PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE SPACE 3. PROTECT THE GENEROUS AND OPEN CHARACTER OF THE 2. BALANCE THE SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT WITH THE BENEFITS IT FORESHORE AND PUBLIC SPACES IN AND AROUND BRINGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW SOUTH WALES DARLING HARBOUR 3. PROVIDE FACILITIES TO SERVICE AND SUPPORT THE 4. PROMOTE A COORDINATED FORESHORE EXPERIENCE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE AND HARBOUR AND BEYOND DARLING HARBOUR’S INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AS A PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR CONFERENCES AND EVENTS 4. CREATE A COMFORTABLE, DISTINCTIVE URBAN PRECINCT WITH ENGAGING EDGES, INTERFACES AND PLACES TO DWELL AND OCCUPY 5. INCREASE PEDESTRIAN AND VISUAL PERMEABILITY THROUGH THE PRECINCT 6. CREATE IMPROVED ACCESS AND VISIBILITY TO THE PRECINCT TO DRAW ATTRACTION FROM SURROUNDING DISTRICTS AND THE CBD 7. PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY DESIGN FOR BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE PUBLIC DOMAIN 8. PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN AND PLACEMAKING OUTCOMES

16 FRAMEWORK FOR LAND OWNER'S CONSIDERATION OF STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT

The following principles and criteria have been developed for consideration in determining whether Land Owner's Consent will be granted for development applications in Darling Harbour.

LAND USE, PUBLIC DOMAIN ACTIVITIES + + URBAN IDENTITY STRUCTURE

PRINCIPLE PRINCIPLE FOSTER A MIX OF USES THAT BROADENS CREATE A COMPELLING, COMFORTABLE THE APPEAL OF DARLING HARBOUR AND DISTINCTIVE PUBLIC REALM THAT IS AND CAPITALISES ON ITS NATURAL INTEGRATED WITH THE SURROUNDING AND BUILT ASSETS, REINFORCING ITS URBAN AREAS AND MAXIMISES THE ROLE AS A DESTINATION FOR CULTURAL FUNCTION, ATTRACTIVENESS AND EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS, AND AS A UTILISATION OF THE WATERFRONT AND PLACE FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY LIFE OF THE PUBLIC SPACE IN THE PRECINCT. LOCAL COMMUNITY.

CRITERIA CRITERIA 1. SUPPORT LAND USE AND ACTIVITIES THAT ACTIVATE AND DRIVE 1. CREATE A SPECTACULAR AND INVITING PLACE FOR LEISURE THE SUCCESS OF THE PRECINCT, AND PROVIDE FOR THE DIVERSE AND CELEBRATION NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW SOUTH WALES 2. PROVIDE A SECURE, SMART, SAFE AND UNIVERSALLY 2. PROVIDE AN INSPIRING MEETING PLACE THAT FOSTERS ACCESSIBLE PLACE INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY 3. INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF GREEN, PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE 3. INCREASE THE INTENSITY AND MIX OF COMPLEMENTARY USES PUBLIC DOMAIN 4. REINFORCE AND EXTEND THE PROVISION OF SHORT STAY 4. PROVIDE CONTEMPORARY, HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC DOMAIN, AND ACCOMMODATION TO SERVICE AND SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL AN IMPROVED WATERS EDGE EXPERIENCE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 5. PROVIDE A DIVERSITY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN EXPERIENCES, 5. PROMOTE GREATER LEVELS OF ACTIVITY THAT CATER FOR THE INCLUDING SANCTUARY SPACES, THAT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTIAL, OFFICE LINGER AND DWELL WORKER AND VISITOR CATCHMENT 6. PROVIDE A GREEN, SHADY EXPERIENCE THAT OFFERS RESPITE 6. SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN CULTURE, FROM SUMMER HEAT EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 7. IMPROVE THE QUALITY, CAPACITY AND CONVENIENCE OF PUBLIC 7. ENSURE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT IMPACT THE ONGOING DOMAIN CONNECTIONS TO THE SURROUNDING URBAN AREAS, ROLE OF DARLING HARBOUR AS A FORUM FOR MAJOR EVENTS, AND REDUCE THE ISOLATING EFFECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE ENTERTAINMENT AND THE NIGHT TIME ECONOMY AROUND DARLING HARBOUR 8. IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO EXISTING AND PROPOSED PUBLIC TRANSPORT 9. PROMOTE CONNECTIVITY AND PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES TO, AND THROUGH, THE PRECINCT

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