Sofitel Darling Harbour: Where a helipad will be built in the Sydney CBD
An ambitious vision to build a helipad in the Sydney CBD has been revealed, with hopes it will help revive business and tourism in the city. SEE WHERE IT WILL BE BUILT HERE.
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Groundbreaking plans for a helipad to be constructed on top of a Sydney CBD hotel has been revealed to the public by Australia’s largest hotel investor.
Dr Jerry Schwartz has unveiled his vision to establish a permanent helipad on the roof of his Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hotel in an effort to boost the city’s business and tourism revival.
Dr Schwartz told NewsLocal the Darling Harbour Helipad would be built on the rooftop of his 38-storey Sofitel hotel — at the heart of the Darling Harbour business, tourism and convention precinct.
“Given the devastation to Sydney’s tourism and business economy as a result of coronavirus, there is no better time to introduce the concept of a CBD helipad to help revive the city’s economic fortunes,” Dr Schwartz said.
“The world’s great cities – such as London, Paris and New York – have CBD helipads, and even Melbourne offers city helicopter transfers to the River Yarra helipad.
“Darling Harbour is designated as a dedicated tourism, convention and business precinct, which makes it’s the ideal location for a permanent helipad.”
Currently the nearest helipads are located at Bankstown and Mascot, however, Dr Schwartz said traffic on Sydney’s road network means connections to the city aren’t reliable.
Dr Schwartz said the helipad would also be available to use by emergency services
“We would envisage that world leaders could arrive at Sydney Airport and be flown direct to the Darling Harbour Helipad to make a keynote address at the International Convention Centre,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that this infrastructure would significantly benefit Sydney’s business and convention profile and provide delegates attending the ICC and Sydney CBD the highest security, while also ensuring disruptions to city traffic are minimised.”
Dr Schwartz said the project could act as a coronavirus economic stimulus and put Sydney on the map “as one of the world’s great convention cities”.
Plans will be submitted to the City of Sydney Council for the project, with consultation earmarked for surrounding residents and businesses.
He said the flight path for the helipad would be finalised after consultation with air traffic control authorities.
You can learn more about the project by visiting darlingharbourhelipad.com.au.