World's biggest home brew - and room for 13,000 at the inn

Under the plan, the $2 billion project on the 5.8-hectare site at Broadway has an increased floor space ratio but more public open space and a redesign the developer hopes will allay residents' concerns about overshadowing.

The project will double Chippendale's population.

Apartment buildings on the site, which will eventually house up to 13,000 people, will make up 50 per cent of the project.

Commercial and retail premises will represent the balance, with a total of 250,000 square metres of floor space, up 6 per cent from the original plan.

The development, by Dr Quek's company, Frasers Property, will be bordered on the eastern side by an "edgy" car-free laneway of cafes, bars and galleries.

The design, incorporating the old brewery and other heritage buildings, will aim for a six-star energy and water rating. "This site will have a revolutionary effect on Sydney's southern gateway," Dr Quek said yesterday when unveiling the masterplan, which allows for 10 buildings, one as high as the tower of the University of Technology, Sydney, across the road. Professor Stuart White, from the university's Institute for Sustainable Futures, is involved in the planning. The developers are aiming to recycle 90 per cent of materials from demolition work.

Residents, yet to be briefed about the plan, welcomed the energy- and water-saving initiatives. However, they were concerned about the size and height of the buildings, said a member of Chippendale Residents Interest Group, Lindsay Charles.

"We are still concerned about the density," Ms Charles said.

"All the winter sun comes from the Broadway end so there could be some major overshadowing. And how can a small suburb like Chippendale cope with a doubling of its population? Will people just drive into this complex and go up to their apartments in lifts?"

The amended plans will have to be approved by the Department of Planning. The Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, said yesterday the project would join Barangaroo [the Hungry Mile] at East Darling Harbour as a new "book-end" for the city. "These sites will deliver much-needed commercial space, new homes and major new parks for Sydney," he said.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/worlds-biggest-home-brew--and-room-for-13000-at-the-inn/2008/04/08/1207420389596.html

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