Central to Eveleigh: Getting the Most from Our City

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard said it was an urban renewal opportunity unrivalled anywhere in Australia.

“We believe there is the opportunity for a world class redevelopment of the corridor on a scale that reflects Sydney’s global city status,” he said.

“Similar models have been successfully implemented in New York, Paris and London.

“By building above the rail lines and on underutilised land we can potentially make available more than one million square metres of new floor space - double the size of Barangaroo.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government was given the task of running a marathon to deliver investment and infrastructure for this state,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This is another example that we are prepared to start at a sprint – the redevelopment of the Convention Centre, our investment in light rail, the North West Rail Link, Barangaroo and WestConnex - all signal the transformation of Sydney.

“Labor had 16 years in office and it did nothing but neglect this key transport corridor, letting it languish in the ‘too hard’ basket.

“We want the world knocking on the door, to come and show us their best for rejuvenating the heart of Sydney.

“Central and Redfern could have world class stations. There are currently only three crossings over the rail lines, but building above the corridor will allow more crossings to reunite Redfern and Ultimo.

“These links are vital to the education precinct that includes the University of Sydney, UTS and the Ultimo College of TAFE NSW.

The renewal corridor extends about three kilometres from the Goulburn Street car park in the Sydney CBD to Macdonaldtown train station.

“We expect strong international interest in the renewal of the corridor as it presents an engineering and redevelopment challenge that has not existed in Sydney for decades,” he said.

Mr Hazzard said the Draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney to 2031 released in March, highlights ‘Global Sydney’ needs 114,000 new jobs and tens of thousands of new homes.

“This has the potential to result in more homes and more jobs – all with existing transport links.

“This railway corridor could be revitalised with heritage buildings protected and given new life through adaptive reuse.

“Essential access for future transport infrastructure would be preserved so the city can thrive and grow.

“The supply of new housing would also be a key component, not only for the broad community but also for students who attend nearby colleges and universities.

“The expressions of interest for the revitalisation of the area will be led by the NSW Government’s new development corporation, UrbanGrowth NSW, with input from key transport agencies.

“The City of Sydney identified the potential for significant redevelopment over the railway line at Central in its Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan.

“We will be working with the City of Sydney and all local residents in developing the plans for the corridor,” Mr Hazzard said.

For more information go to: http://www.urbangrowthnsw.com.au/news/news/central-to-eveleigh.aspx

Images provided are entirely conceptual – only to emphasise what could be delivered over the corridor.

Source: www.urbangrowthnsw.com.au/downloads/file/news/MediaReleaseCENTRALTOEVELEIGH.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the NSW Government proposing the Central to Eveleigh redevelopment?

The draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney defines priorities for maintaining Sydney’s position as Australia’s number one city and only global city. Central to Eveleigh has been identified as a Global Sydney precinct, with a capacity to create new jobs and attracting new, high value business to the CBD. This can only be done by regenerating the corridor with new development, more green space, and better access to transport and connectivity to adjacent precincts.

What type of development is proposed?

The new precinct will have a mix of medium to high density office, education, retail/hospitality and residential development including social and affordable housing. It also proposes reinforcing local links across the rail corridor, providing more open space and creating new places for people to enjoy. As an extension of Sydney’s CBD, the highest density commercial development is likely to be at the northern end around Central station with medium density mixed use and residential development within the Eveleigh precinct.

What is the process and timeframe?

Regeneration of the entire corridor is long term, underpinned by a vision that is developed by Government in consultation with the community and the private sector. UrbanGrowth NSW will commence initial market discussions with potential occupiers and developers on what is needed in order to attract investment in the corridor. At the same time, UrbanGrowth NSW will seek interest from developers for available land in North Eveleigh and Australian Technology Park.

Will Belmore and Prince Alfred Parks be used for development?

The corridor vision is to provide a continuous linear green public open space linking Eveleigh, Redfern and Central Station precincts. This provides an opportunity to enhance and increase the use of existing parks.

Are heritage listed sites of Central Station and North Eveleigh under threat?

No. The corridor vision recognises the heritage significance of the precinct which is included in both State and City of Sydney Heritage registers. Any future development will need to demonstrate how existing heritage is to be retained.

Is Government only looking at developing above the rail corridor?

While the corridor development strategy is primarily focused on the rail corridor, opportunities to include Government owned land adjacent to the corridor will also be investigated.

How will the community be kept informed on progress of the work?

UrbanGrowth NSW will be reporting regularly to Government, and any updates will be available on the website www.urbangrowthnsw.com.au. Any formal community engagement will be subject to future announcements.

Will the community have input into the development of the area?

Yes. The corridor development vision is at preliminary stage and there will be extensive community consultation. A clear planning framework will be in place before any major changes happen in the precinct.

How is the City of Sydney involved?

UrbanGrowth NSW will be closely consulting with the City of Sydney throughout the development of the corridor strategy.

What is the planning framework?

Planning framework options will be evaluated in parallel with engagement with the market and community. The future of the existing North Eveleigh Concept Plan and Redfern Waterloo Master plan will also be determined as part of this process.

Will development prevent future transport improvements?

One of the key objectives of the corridor development strategy is preservation of future essential transport access. UrbanGrowth NSW will be working closely with Transport for NSW to account for opportunities created by Light Rail, an improved bus network and Sydney’s rail future. There will also be opportunities to upgrade Central and Redfern stations.

Does Government see this as another Barangaroo?

The precinct is most likely too large to be delivered by a single development. The corridor development strategy will look at all feasible development delivery options for bringing land packages or sub precincts to market.

Source: http://www.urbangrowthnsw.com.au/downloads/file/news/C2EFrequentlyAskedQuestionsFormV4.pdf