$40m pedestrian plaza in North Sydney CBD could be ‘dead duck’ without Govt backing

A key supporter has expressed concern that a proposed pedestrian plaza in the heart of the North Sydney CBD could be sunk unless the NSW Government gets on board.

A key supporter fears plans for a world-class pedestrian plaza in the heart of the North Sydney CBD will be “a dead duck” unless NSW Government funding is secured within months.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou told The Daily Telegraph the long-standing vision for a $40 million Miller St makeover to complement the now-open Victoria Cross Metro station has reached a timeline crisis.

His warning comes as Business Sydney and North Sydney Council prepare to call for government dollars to help create the 7,500sqm plaza by closing Miller St to traffic between the Pacific Highway and Berry St.

Informal discussions have taken place with key government ministers, but formal backing for ‘Miller Place’ is yet to be secured.

An artist’s impression of proposed Miller Place plaza at North Sydney, which supporters say desperately needs an injection of funds from the NSW government.

According to Mr Nicolaou, the plans to deliver North Sydney’s version of Martin Place need to be locked down as soon as possible, with the Metro operational and Lendlease close to completing mixed-use developments around the station.

He said including the plaza in the massive delivery pipeline would be the most cost-efficient and least disruptive option for North Sydney workers and residents.

“The deadline for a decision on this precinct-building project is fast approaching and could disappear within six months,” Mr Nicolaou added.

“Lendlease has completed the Metro project and will soon complete the commercial development above the station.

“It makes sense for Miller Place to be part of that overall development.

“It would be a huge own goal for our city if this opportunity for an internationally renowned plaza was squandered. We don’t want it to end up a dead duck.

“The plaza would cost an estimated $40 million but is likely to cost significantly more without a seamless progression from the current Victoria Cross project.”

According to council, the North Sydney workforce is forecast to grow by more than 20 per cent from 80,000 to almost 99,000 by 2036.

The 7500sqm plaza is designed to complement the Victoria Cross Metro station.

Population growth will also increase pedestrian activity by 50 per cent, with 22,000 more people using streets and public spaces every weekday.

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said Miller Place would inject “vitality” into the North Sydney CBD.

“That is why North Sydney Council has committed $9 million towards the project,” she added.

“Giving the North Sydney CBD ‘a heart’ … was first championed in the 1970s. For over a decade, North Sydney Council has been planning for just that. That social heart is Miller Place.

“Over $11 billion in investment has catapulted North Sydney into the second fastest growing CBD in the country, and the opening of the new Metro has brought North Sydney closer to the rest of Sydney.

“Rather than being too far from the action, North Sydney … is only three minutes from Barangaroo or five minutes from Martin Place.”

Originally published as $40m pedestrian plaza in North Sydney CBD could be ‘dead duck’ without Govt backing