Calls for park above new Sydney Metro station
THE State Government wants to build a new skyscraper above the Sydney Metro site in North Sydney — but residents are fighting for a park instead.
Mosman
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mosman. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A PLAN for a skyscraper above the Victoria Cross Sydney Metro station has been met with anger.
The State Government is seeking approval to build a landmark 42-storey commercial and retail hub above the new station in North Sydney.
Residents voiced their concerns about the planned development at the latest meeting of North Sydney Council and called for green open space.
Bruce Donald told the councillors it was their opportunity to deliver a heart to the business district.
“It’s a CBD without a heart,” Mr Donald said.
“We have been waiting for this opportunity to present a parcel of land which could create that heart.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. If we let something like this happen you can write North Sydney off as a windswept bunch of canyons where people will come and go.”
The station is currently under construction and the Metro will make it possible to travel to Martin Place in five minutes via a new harbour tunnel. Passengers should be able to catch the Metro by 2024.
IN RELATED NEWS
John Hancox, from the Wollstonecraft Precinct community group, told the meeting that a new park would transform the area.
He would like the government to consider not building above the station.
“The no building option would allow a truly magnificent public plaza the likes of which are seen the world’s major cities,” Mr Hancox said. “Such a development would attract people to the CBD on weekends and evenings.”
Other options proposed by residents included a square with a cultural building housing a gallery, theatre and cafes.
Residents urged the council to negotiate with the State Government for a better design for the site.
IN RELATED NEWS
Cr Zoe Baker agreed with the speakers saying it was a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to put forward a creative vision for the North Sydney CBD with visionary open space.
“The heart that the North Sydney CBD that has been advocated and planned for more than 40 years finally has its moment,” Cr Baker said.
On her recommendation the councillors voted to advocate for design options that promote a public plaza.
The submission to the State Government will also ask for consideration of no building above the station and closing a section of Miller St between Berry St and the Pacific Hwy.