Key features and frequently asked questions

• Mirvac Projects Pty Ltd is seeking approval of a concept proposal for the redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre, 2-10 Darling Drive, Sydney.
• The concept proposal establishes a framework for the future redevelopment of the site and includes intended land uses, building envelopes, public walk ways and public parks and thoroughfares.
• The key components of the concept proposal include:
  • a height of up to 15.5m to 30.5m (approximately five storeys) for the redevelopment of the shopping centre
  • a height of up to 166.53m (approximately 40 storeys) for the residential apartment tower
  • an area of 87,000m2 for retail (52,000m² ) and residential (35,000m² )
  • basement parking for approximately 295 spaces
  • public walk ways and public parks and thoroughfares
  • remediation, infrastructure, flooding and a strategy to achieve efficient heating and cooling and water usage.
• Further detailed development applications are required before building can commence. The development application(s) will be guided by a design excellence framework and urban design guidelines.

The applicant has stated the proposal is part of the revitalisation of Darling Harbour to further renew tourism and entertainment facilities in the area and to reinforce Sydney as Australia’s preeminent tourism destination.

For a full report on changes proposed to pedestrian access on and around the site, see Appendix S Pedestrian Access Strategy of the Environmental Impact Statement.

Appendix E Heritage Impact Statement of the Environmental Impact Statement discusses potential heritage impacts of the proposal.

The applicant has specified the proposed building heights in the concept proposal. The height along with other aspects of the proposal will be assessed through consideration of the impacts on the area and the existing development in the area.

The parking will be located in the basement levels, see Section 5.12.2. Parking in the EIS.

See section 5.29 Public Benefits and Development Contributions on page 120 of the Environmental Impact Statement.

The applicant will be able to respond to this issue along with other issues raised during exhibition in their Response to Submissions.

Further detail such as the number of apartments will be confirmed through Stage 2 of the assessment process.

A model of the development is available in the City of Sydney Council in their office lobby:

Town Hall House. Level 2, 426 Kent Street, Sydney.

The applicant is required to meet the list of requirements issued in the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The SEARs are available at the Major Projects website.

The department must assess the proposal as it has a capital investment value over $10 million and is within Darling Harbour. This constitutes a State Significant Development.

The full reasoning as to why the development is / is not approved will be provided in the Assessment Report, which will be made available on our Major Projects website once the assessment has been finalised.

Prior to lodging the application, the department required Mirvac to undertake consultation with local and State authorities, community groups and affected landowners. This has included establishing community contact channels (1800 number), letter box drops, newspaper advertisements and community information sessions. Further consultation will also take place at Stage 2 of the development application process.

Following lodgement of the application, the department has advertised the proposal in various local newspapers and has sent letters to local landowners and people that submitted comments in relation to the SEARs. In addition, the department has contacted local community groups and offered to meet community representatives to further explain the proposal and the planning process.

The exhibition of the concept proposal for the redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre is now closed.

The applicant will prepare a report (a Response to Submissions), addressing concerns or issues raised by the community, council or government agencies. The Response to Submissions will be published on our website.

The department will fully review all submissions received and carefully assess the concept proposal before making a decision or recommendation on the application.

If there are a large number of objections or the City of Sydney objects to the concept proposal, the application will be sent to the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) for a decision.

To find out more contact us via our online form.