Mirvac Secures Harbourside Development Approval

26 June 2021

MIrvac have obtained approval for the controversial $700m redevelopment of Sydney’s Harbourside Shopping Centre.

Mirvac sought concept approval for the redevelopment which would see the existing 1980s-era shopping centre demolished and replaced with a new residential, retail, dining and entertainment precinct. The proposal found significant objections from the City of Sydney and locals due to concerns over excessive development and overshadowing, predominantly as a result of the inclusion of a large 42 storey residential tower in the middle of the site.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment finalised its whole-of-government assessment of the proposed redevelopment in March this year, concluding it was suitable for approvable subject to conditions; however, the NSW Independent Planning Commission is the consent authority because the Department received an objection from the City of Sydney Council, as well as more than 50 ‘unique’ public objections.

The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the project this week saying that the conditions imposed on its approval of the proposed multimillion-dollar Harbourside Shopping Centre redevelopment will mitigate key impacts and ensure design excellence.

Key issues raised in submissions centred around land use; the height and scale of the proposed tower and podium; visual impacts and view sharing; heritage impacts on Pyrmont Bridge and Woodward Fountain; and public access to and overshadowing of the Darling Harbour foreshore.

The concept approval clears the way for demolition of the existing Harbourside Shopping Centre and sets the parameters for the redevelopment of the site which will incorporate a new mixed use development comprising a new retail/commercial space and a residential tower. The total maximum Gross Floor Area will be 87,000m2 of which 45,000m2 will be non-residential uses.

Further Information

See NSW Independent Planning Assessment planning page on this project;

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