Premier Gladys Berejiklian orders review of planning rules after $500m Ritz-Carlton mess

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered an immediate review of the planning rules cited in the rejection of the new luxury Ritz-Carlton tower at Pyrmont.

• Rob Stokes’ last-ditch call for new Pyrmont vision
• State approved Barangaroo casino but not Ritz Carlton

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered an immediate review of the planning rules cited in the rejection of the new luxury Ritz-Carlton tower at Pyrmont.

Ms Berejiklian arrived from London on Sunday morning and acted quickly to resolve the issue that has dragged on under the watch of Planning Minister Rob Stokes.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian pictured in Sydney on Sunday after a trip overseas. Picture: David Swift

Her intervention came as United Voice, the union responsible for casino workers, lashed the government and demanded the project be approved because it would drive jobs.

“I am sending a strong message that Pyrmont is open for business and ready to be taken to the next level,” Ms Berejiklian said.

She has ordered Mr Stokes to write to Greater Sydney Commission chief Lucy Turnbull and request an immediate review of the planning rules for the Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct.

The letter refers to the public debate over the Planning Department’s rejection of a $500-million Ritz Carlton tower at The Star and asks the Commission to see if the existing planning framework “remains fit for purpose”.

“Sydney is Australia’s only true global city and we have a unique opportunity before us to transform Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct into an iconic destination,” Ms Berejiklian said.

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Planning Minister Rob Stokes. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

The Commission has been asked to review planning rules and make recommendations by the end of September on how they allow for the integration of “significant projects planned and underway” in the area.

“While individual applications will continue to be determined on their merits, this review sends a clear signal that our government believes the Pyrmont area has a bright and exciting future as a key part of the NSW visitor economy,” the Premier said.

“With a growing population, we know there will be more development in Pyrmont in the future. With that will come opportunities to build more transport links including a potential Metro station.”

PYRMONT PLAN

A more cautious Mr Stokes said the review would also include recommendations on how to support a greater diversity of development in the precinct.

“We need to ensure planning rules for the area are still relevant, particularly with major projects planned including the new Sydney Fish Market, the Ultimo Creative Arts Precinct and Bays Precinct,” Mr Stokes said.

Star Casino chief Matt Bekier. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“We must ensure that our planning system is clear and effective in supporting the type and scale of development needed in a top quality, vibrant, mixed-use precinct.

“We must also ensure that any major plans to transform the area are supported with the right infrastructure to create a vibrant destination for locals, visitors and businesses alike,” he said.

The Star’s chief executive Matt Bekier said: “We welcome the Premier’s view that Pyrmont be open for business because we believe The Ritz-Carlton development will deliver significant benefit for the local community, this city, and this State.

“Tourism is a key economic pillar but to maximise the enormous opportunity it presents we need more hotel rooms, more luxury hotel rooms, and we need them as soon as possible,” he said.

JOBS BOOM

The tower would create 1000 jobs during construction and 750 roles once completed as well as boosting tourism with a sky lobby with views over the harbour. United Voice delegate Sharon Eurlings: “Our focus is on ensuring casino workers have jobs they can count on, now and into the future

“This new hotel tower will create hundreds of jobs, giving us more certainty and more opportunities.”

United Voice delegate Sharon Eurlings. Picture: Damian Shaw

NSW United Voice secretary Mel Gatfield backed Ms Berejiklian’s tough stance.

“It’s time for the Premier to end the infighting. The Treasurer wants this project to go ahead because he sees the benefits for our city, and Minister Stokes needs to fall in line,” he said.

“We need more jobs, not less. This government must get their priorities straight and stop blocking jobs that will benefit Sydney families and the local economy.”

Originally published as Premier Gladys Berejiklian orders review of planning rules after $500m Ritz-Carlton mess