The battle of barbecues and blocked views: $2b Sydney tower faces fresh fight

The divisive $2 billion tower reshaping Darling Harbour is facing fresh resistance after residents of nearby apartments complained about blocked water views and noise from rooftop bars and events.

Mirvac submitted a $63.5 million plan to develop the public spaces around the 42-storey luxury apartment block rising from the rubble of the bulldozed Harbourside Shopping Centre.

Mirvac is pursuing the next stage of planning approvals for its divisive $2 billion Harbourside redevelopment. Credit: Mirvac

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has backed the proposal, arguing improved parks and public areas would help revitalise Darling Harbour and foster a “lively and engaging city”.

But the plan for the waterfront garden, promenade and pedestrian bridges attracted more than 50 negative submissions, which means it has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission.

The developer’s pursuit of the final stage of planning approvals for the sprawling project follows years of stiff opposition from locals and the City of Sydney over its proposal to knock down the dilapidated 1980s shopping centre and replace it with the high-rise, mixed-use development.

The waterfront precinct stretches 240 metres and will eventually feature units, restaurants, bars, shops, offices, a new 3500-square-metre park and improved pedestrian connections between the harbour and Pyrmont.

The vast majority of objections to Mirvac’s proposal to build and operate the public areas came from residents of the One Darling Harbour apartment block on Murray Street in Pyrmont, which is home to about 750 residents.

Apartment owner Rick Sellers was among those who objected to the proposed changes to the northern podium’s waterfront garden and landscaping, which he said exceeded the already approved height limit by up to 1.2 metres and would have a “substantial impact” on views from his unit.

“What was a grassy rooftop with occasional low-growing shrubs … is now proposed to be public space with large trees which will well exceed the building envelope previously approved by IPC.”

Sellers said the podium levels of the new development should not be used after midnight.

The 42-storey luxury apartment tower is taking shape on the harbour front west of Sydney’s CBD.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

“The potential for people to hold parties, barbecues, etc, on the podium levels, if not restricted to none after midnight, will have a negative impact on the lifestyle of permanent residents living around Darling Harbour and in particular, on east-facing residences in One Darling Harbour.”

Savita Prabhu agreed that the proposed soil mounds, trees, and shrubs would disrupt vistas from his unit, which he bought “to enjoy the beauty of the city and heritage-listed iconic Pyrmont Bridge views”.

Prabhu said that any licensed premises allowed to operate on the podium should have to close at midnight.

“If the rooftop bars remain open after midnight on the proposed podium 40- odd metres from the building, noise impacts on the One Darling Harbour residents could be detrimental to their health.”

Dawn Veloskey, who has lived in the apartment block for more than 20 years, said she had been surrounded by “incessant, acoustically unsound noise, and unhealthy dust and debris”.

“Mirvac is deliberating and unilaterally deciding what is best for all of Sydney, to the blatant disregard not just of the residents of One Darling Harbour but to the public at large.”

The department’s assessment noted concerns raised about noise disturbance from proposed events at the site, as well as the 24/7 use of the waterfront garden and adjacent outdoor dining areas.

It said Mirvac, in response, had amended its proposed landscaping and event management plan, so that only “low-impact” gatherings and events, such as yoga classes and similar activities, would occur in the public waterfront garden, around the waterfront steps, and in a northern pedestrian area.

The redevelopment will create a new 3500-square-metre park on top of the retail centre and adjacent to Pyrmont Bridge.

“Additionally, the applicant clarified that the waterfront garden would serve as a local park, be limited to a maximum of 1000 persons, remain alcohol-free, include no amplified music, and be monitored by 24/7 security,” the department said.

The department said the project would provide “substantial public benefits” including a space for passive recreation, pedestrian bridges, upgrades to the Darling Drive cycleway, a widened waterfront promenade and improved connections through the precinct.

“The proposal would not result in any unacceptable noise impacts, as events are not approved in the Waterfront Garden, noise generated from the park would remain below background noise levels, and the site is situated in the established entertainment area of Darling Harbour.”

Mirvac’s chief executive of development Stuart Penklis said the company had worked with the state government, City of Sydney and thousands of residents, landowners and businesses on plans for the “much-loved” area for the past five years.

“Delivering an expanded open space and public realm is a key part of our commitment to deliver a revitalised Harbourside for all to enjoy, that adds public green spaces to the Darling Harbour precinct.”

The IPC has scheduled a public meeting on the revised plans in May.

In 2021, the commission approved the developer’s redevelopment proposal with conditions to mitigate concerns that the tower would overshadow the waterfront promenade, constrict access to the public foreshore, and disrupt residents’ views. The redeveloped precinct is due to open in 2026.

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