NSW Takes Control of Sydney Town Square Project Approval
The NSW government has seized control of the Sydney Town Square project's approval process, creating regulatory uncertainty for the $150 million redevelopment.
Lauren Collins ·
The New South Wales government has asserted control over the proposed Sydney Town Square redevelopment, designating it a "state significant development." This move effectively removes the approval authority from the City of Sydney and transfers it to the state planning minister and the Planning Commission.
State Intervention Shifts Project Oversight
The intervention comes as the project, which involves acquiring and demolishing seven buildings at an estimated cost of $150 million, has faced public opposition. Both the state premier and private sector stakeholders have voiced concerns over the proposal.
The New South Wales
Typically, the government intervenes in planning decisions to accelerate development. However, this decision deviates from standard administrative procedures by occurring prior to the submission of a formal development application, introducing a layer of regulatory uncertainty.
City Defends Project, State Reviews Viability The City of Sydney maintains that the project is debt-free and architecturally sound. Despite this, the state-led assessment process will now determine the project's viability. This process will subject the proposal to a comprehensive whole-of-government review and an extended public consultation period.