Parramatta: Safety fears over hotel planned for 55 Aird St
A western Sydney hotel design likened to a stack of coffins is one of the developments the government wants to fast track to stimulate the economy post COVID-19. But critics have slammed the proposal as it is also revealed how the development could be set for a major twist in how it is used.
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A Parramatta hotel design likened to coffin storage has been one of the developments the State Government wants to fast track as part of its plans to turbocharge the economy after the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of the government’s recent announcement to prioritise the 18-storey, 155-room hotel at Aird St, the proposal divided Parramatta Council, with those objecting to the Mako Architecture-designed building labelling it an eyesore, a prison without windows and likened it to a stack of coffins.
However, the government’s changes to planning rules in Parramatta pave the way for the tower and a million dollar jobs boom.
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said the move would enable a development application to be lodged for the hotel with ground floor retail.
“Parramatta’s growth continues and a new hotel in the heart of its CBD will attract
more visitors to western Sydney,” he said.
“This rezoning will help create 32 much-needed construction jobs, ongoing retail and
hospitality job opportunities and potentially bring a $15.9 million of economic
investment.
Mako Architecture’s design was selected as the winner in the council-led design competition, which Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said demonstrated the council’s commitment to high-quality design.
“This project is yet another example of how council is setting new standards in design
excellence as Sydney’s Central River City continues to attract job-creating
investment,” he said.
The council has undertaken more design excellence competitions than
any other NSW council.
But opponents’ perspectives was far less flattering when the hotel plan was raised at the council in July.
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Liberal councillor Benjamin Barrak condemned the design for failing to have any architectural merit while independent councillor Lorraine Wearne said the building was only fit for the storage of coffins and more crowded than pallets in a Coke factory.
This week, Cr Wearne said the council or community would not have a say on the hotel or other developments until the government handed back powers.
“The State Government controls local government, it’s that simple,’’ she said.
“The state promised to give planning powers back to the people. The state lied.
“We don’t get to comment on that. Council has no say in it. Councils and the community have a right to have some say … that right’s been taken away.’’
Along with the aesthetics, she again criticised the size of the 650sq m site, near Westfield.
“I think the site’s too small, it’s unworkable. How do you get people in and out safely, I don’t know,’’ she said.
Despite this, Cr Wearne said it was better to have a hotel than an apartment block, which would generate more traffic movements from residents.
The site is a bottleneck of drivers navigating their way to and from Westfield.
But a unit block instead of a hotel tower could be the reality.
The proposal includes an alternative scheme that would allow for an apartment
tower to be built instead.
The applicant has agreed to pay up to $177,660 for public domain improvements in the CBD if an apartment tower is undertaken.
The hotel proposal is one of 11 projects being determined under the government’s fast track program.
COUNCIL’S GETS THE SHOVEL READY
Parramatta is Australia’s fifth largest economy and the council is implementing a state government-backed program to help fast-track shovel-ready projects to stimulate the state economy.
The Prioritisation Assessment Program is one of the first to be rolled out across NSW, following an invitation from the government to prioritise development applications and planning proposals for projects that will generate jobs in Parramatta.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said, to be considered under the program, development applications and planning proposals would be required to generate jobs before and after construction, create a level of investment or consumer expenditure and meet required time frames.
“This program is not about taking short cuts or cutting corners, but reprioritising existing council resources to help eligible shovel-ready projects progress at an accelerated rate, while continuing to follow due process and boost public benefits,” Cr Dwyer said.
City of Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman said the program, developed with the support of the Planning Department, focused on driving investment in major local projects and community infrastructure.
“We anticipate that the program will focus on a small number of priority projects that will drive long-term employment options in our city, while contributing to services for the wider public,” Mr Newman said.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes said:
“This is a great example of a council taking up the challenge and working in lock-step with the NSW Government to get great outcomes for their local area and the state.”
For details of the eligibility criteria and how to apply to have your Development Application or Planning Proposal considered for accelerated assessment, visit here.