Green precinct plan for Sydney brewery

Revised plans for the 5.8 hectare old Kent brewery site were revealed Tuesday, including 10 intertwined commercial and residential towers - one partially overhanging a heritage-listed pub.

The plan's backers say the Broadway site provides an opportunity to rebuild a whole city block in the heart of a major city.

Their plans include underground parking for 2,000 cars; a gas-fired power station with hot water and building heating to be generated from its exhaust, rain catchment and recycling infrastructure, plus a large public park.

Developer Frasers Property say the precinct is likely to attract the highest rating for environmental sustainability.

"It's likely to be the first 'six green star' precinct in Australia," University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Institute for Sustainable Futures director Stuart White said at the unveiling.

Dr White has had input into the planning for the site which is opposite the UTS campus.

The plan also includes transforming Kensington Lane into a pedestrian walkway filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars.

More than 30 historic buildings - including a tall brick chimney - are retained and incorporated into the design.

French designer Ateliers Jean Nouvel, who was awarded architecture's top Pritzker Prize for 2008, will take on a major design and oversight role.

Frasers Property chief operating officer Nicholas Wolff said the development would not impact on the operation of The Australian Hotel.

"The hotel on the corner of Abercrombie and Broadway is retained in this concept ... and it will remain a drinking hole for the students of UTS," he said.

Demolition of sections of the brewery is underway, and Frasers Property will submit its revised concept plan for state government approval within two weeks.

Pending approval and community consultation, building work on the site could commence early next year with construction to take six to eight years.

NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor said his primary goal was to improve Sydney's built environment.

I've got bad news for you - I did not bring my rubber stamp," the minister said at the unveiling of the concept.

"I hope the proposal is as good as you say it is ... we've got a bit of sceptical stuff to do but hopefully we will come out of that and Sydney will be a better place for it."

Photo: A Sydney brewery will be turned into Australia’s greenest urban precinct, housing 13,000 people.

Also See:

Minister Sartor’s Release: Minister Reviews Revised CUB Proposal

Frasers Media Kit: Frasers Property's vision for 6 green star urban quarter on Broadway