Sydney Google building plan set to block views from new restaurant

A Sydney restaurant owner has accused Google of being “arrogant” after discovering four windows in his new high-end establishment will be blocked by the tech giant’s building next door.

Tech giant Google has been accused of “arrogant” and “bullish” behaviour over plans to create an $80 million ­office precinct on the city’s foreshore.

Doltone House owner Paul ­Signorelli will next month open a 160-seat restaurant and private dining room in the heritage-listed Arrow Marine building at Pyrmont.

But celebrations for the new Revy Food and Wine Bar turned sour when he learnt that four windows in the high-end establishment will be blocked by the proposed Google building next door.

The Pirrama Rd proposal, which is being considered by the City of ­Sydney, would mean some diners would be looking out on to views of a brick wall.

Doltone House owners Paul Signorelli and his sister Anna are upset about the Google building plans. Picture: Tim Hunter

“All we are asking for is a 2m setback so we can get some fresh air and natural light,” Mr Signorelli said.

“It’s a very arrogant approach. It’s bullish. I found out about it in an ­architectural magazine.

“I’m frustrated that there has been no consultation about this issue from Google.”

Mr Signorelli said Google had ­offered to purchase the century-old Arrow Marine building off him for $10 million. The offer was declined. The property is on the water near Jones Bay Wharf and the old channel Seven building, which Google is renovating in order to house 600 employees.

The Arrow Marine building is part of a unique group of early 20th century harbourside structures that point to its history as part of the “working harbour”.

An artist’s impression of Google’s new building at Pyrmont.

A Google spokesman said: “The plans we’ve developed … have been created in close ­consultation with the local community, state government, and heritage ­organisations.

“So far, we’ve held a dozen consultation sessions, which began before plans were lodged, and have received praise for going beyond what is ­required.

“Our community engagement has included three meetings with Doltone House last year, all of which were positive. These issues were not raised, however we welcome additional feedback and our plans for Site D have been on public exhibition since the start of February.”

Mr Signorelli said while Google has consulted about other parts of the precinct, they failed to mention anything about the impacts on the Arrow Marine building.

The City of Sydney and NSW State Heritage are expected to make a decision on the development in the coming months. Google said previously the new HQ building could trigger a new wave of hi-tech firms setting up shop on the peninsula.

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