Project Sydney: State Library the jewel in the crown of Macquarie Street makeover
EXCLUSIVE: PROJECT SYDNEY - THE State Library of NSW will become an even greater tourist destination with a stunning rooftop bar modelled on one at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
NSW
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THE State Library of NSW will become an even greater tourist destination with a stunning rooftop bar modelled on one at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, as part of an ambitious rejuvenation plan for Macquarie Street’s most famous heritage buildings.
There are also significant plans to open up previously off-limits outdoor areas at the rear of the World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks to the public.
The Macquarie St enclave is home to some of the most historic buildings in Australia, including the heritage section of the library (which dates back to 1910), Hyde Park Barracks (1817), NSW Parliament (1811), Sydney Hospital (1869), the original Mint building (1811), and the Land and Property Information building (1908).
But many of these landmarks are largely closed to the public, with some barring entry altogether.
The buildings are located on some of the most desirable real estate in Sydney, with Macquarie St historically regarded as the Sydney CBD’s grand boulevard.
Generating most excitement is the proposed multimillion-dollar plans for the Mitchell Library — the sandstone heritage section of the State Library — which could be completed as early as 2018.
The library is likely to have a rooftop bar, function centre and restaurant as its planned showpiece, which would have sweeping views of the Botanic Gardens, the Opera House and Lady Macquarie’s Chair.
The rooftop bar will draw parallels with New York’s iconic Met, which also features a similar bar that overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Government studies have shown few of the historic Macquarie St buildings attract visitors, particularly on weekends, despite being adjacent to the Domain and Botanic Gardens — which are among Sydney’s most popular open spaces.
But government architect Peter Poulet will today release draft guidelines to ensure that any rejuvenation of the Macquarie St enclave helps its historic buildings to preserve and even enhance their heritage character.
It is also hoped the facelifts will open the buildings up to new generations of locals who have never visited them.
There is also a plan to open up the rear courtyards of the Land and Property Information building and Hyde Park Barracks.
The developments will be formally announced in a speech today by Minister for Property Dominic Perrottet, who told The Telegraph last night he had asked Property NSW to co-ordinate a plan to open up the precinct and its heritage to a new generation of locals and visitors.
“These buildings tell the story of our city and our nation,” he said. “We want to create iconic locations for people to enjoy. Over time much of the heritage has become locked away, suffocated and hidden in plain sight, with piecemeal additions to buildings like the Land and Property Information (LPI) building, pokey access, and lots of dead space. Our history deserves better.”
The LPI building is currently boxed in by an office building widely regarded as the ugliest in the historic enclave. It is understood preliminary plans have outlined a proposal to knock this building down, and create a civic square in its place. Meanwhile, the opening up of the adjacent back plaza of Hyde Park Barracks would play a significant role in giving the property further prominence.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes said last night: “Macquarie Street is packed with incredible architecture and heritage, but over time the additions to the precinct have diminished that heritage.”
Any future projects would “enhance the heritage of the precinct as a whole”.
TOWERS OF POWER IN LIGHT RAIL WAKE
Ian Paterson
TOWERING new apartment blocks, restaurants and entertainment precincts will transform the inner southeast suburbs of Kensington, Kingsford and Randwick.
Fuelled by the construction of the light rail along Anzac Parade towards the racecourse, the area will get a new lease of life and leading architects are drawing up plans for a series of spectacular developments.
They include water parks, noodle markets and green apartment towers with restaurants and bars creating new cosmopolitan precincts to encourage people to enjoy pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Randwick City Council established the K2K Urban Design competition, offering $300,000 in prizemoney, after it received five unsolicited bids from developers to build residential towers up to 26 storeys high following the announcement of the light rail.
Four finalists have now been chosen and the winner will be announced on Monday.
Randwick mayor Noel D’Souza said he was stunned by the quality of the entries.
“The town centres of Kingsford and Kensington run along Anzac Pde and are an important transport corridor,” he said.
“The townships have changed considerably over the years and are going through another period of change with the construction of light rail.
“(It) provides us with an opportunity to innovate these suburbs along Anzac Pde to create a new streetscape that is inviting to residents, students, visitors and businesses.
“We want to see ideas that will revitalise this neighbourhood and leverage the benefit that light rail will bring.”
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