New "green" plans for former brewery site revealed

Although the initial concept plan was approved by Planning Minister Frank Sartor, the owners, Frasers, recently briefed a small group of community representatives about their decision to reduce the massing of multiple high-rise towers along Broadway and increase the amount of green space across the 5.7 hectare precinct.

The revised proposal reveals a major change in the location of buildings, in order to improve sun access and allow for extra green parklands along the length of Wellington and Balfour Streets. This will transfer much of the bulk onto the Broadway edge of the site and eliminate one of the high-rise towers proposed for the north-east section.

Greens Councillor Chris Harris, who has been instrumental in lobbying for such changes, says that the original plan approved by Minister Sartor was "irresponsible" because it did not require the developer to address the obvious climate change impacts of the development. He was also critical of Clover Moore's support for inappropriate development conditions.

"But to Frasers great credit they have responded by introducing initiatives that will potentially create a six-star precinct," Cr Harris said. "We may end up with a development that is sustainable and something that local residents can live with."

These latest plans also show the inclusion of a tri-generation system that will not only power the site, but provide hot and chilled water for air conditioning and extensive water capture. An on-site blackwater system will also treat and recycle sewage.

An expected reduction in roadways and vehicle access will allow for the provision of more pedestrian and cycle ways.

And in a bid to reduce the amount of on-site parking, incoming residents will be given the opportunity to 'sell back' their allocated car parking spaces when no longer required.

"Although still in draft form, the revisions looked exciting and address many key concerns," the Combined Chippendale Community Groups said in a statement following the briefing. "We were pleased to see a revised street layout and changes to the massing and location of buildings to reduce environmental and urban footprint, as well as improve the site's integration with historic Chippendale."

While happy about these initial changes, active community members like David Pocklington are hoping there will be further debate about the inclusion of affordable housing in the development. But Mr Pocklington understands that the State Government-imposed 'levy' of approximately $30 million - earmarked for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority - will prevent Frasers from making any significant investment in affordable housing.

The City News understands that these plans may undergo further revisions before they are lodged with the Department of Planning and presented to the public.