$123M INVESTMENT IN REDFERN GIVEN PLANNING GO-AHEAD

A major media hub proposed for the Australian Technology Park at Redfern has been given planning approval by the NSW Government reports a media Release from Minister frank Sartor on 6^th February 2007.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the $123 million proposal is a direct result of the Government’s efforts to drive new jobs and investment to Redfern and Waterloo.

“This project will be the biggest commercial investment in Redfern for at least a decade and is a major boost for urban renewal,” Mr Sartor said.

“The new state-of-the-art facility at the Australian Technology Park (ATP) is set to house two of Sydney’s biggest media companies, Channel Seven and Pacific Magazines.

“The new production studios and commercial offices are expected to bring up to 2,000 permanent jobs to Redfern and create up to 600 construction jobs, including at least 60 jobs for indigenous workers.

“This project marks the next stage in the ATP’s transformation from 14 hectares of disused railway workshops into a world class technology and business centre.”

The new 43,500m2 media complex will be built on vacant land and includes four television studios and a 12-storey office building.

A new public plaza will be created as part of the project, along with ground floor retail shops and cafes.

A concept plan for the project was publicly exhibited in September and October 2006 and issues raised in submissions led to a number of changes and conditions:

·          A proposed Communications Tower has been reduced in height from approximately 15 metres above the roof of the plant room to 5 metres;

·          A proposed landscaped open roof was not clearly defined and any future use of the roof area as an outdoor terrace will require further planning approval;

·          A noise management plan will be put in place during construction and operation of the facility to minimise any impacts.

Mr Sartor said he had also approved an Early Works Project Application allowing the site to be excavated and archaeological investigations to take place.

“This is a landmark project for Redfern that will provide a major boost to the local economy and employment opportunities.”

http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/other/media_releases/070206%20_atp.pdf

Original Announcement: http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/other/premiers_media_rel_280606.pdf

Concept Plans:http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/06_0149.asp