The combined commercial/residential development – which will
be the first in Australia to receive a six-star green rating – met with a mixed
response, with Planning Minister Frank Sartor
describing the plans as “terrific” and saying that the final product
would be a “great legacy for Sydney”, while residents and a local
councillor still have some concerns.
The Planning Department will look at the revised concept
plan, which is the result of consultations with the community and sustainable
planning experts, within the next two weeks.
The development sets new standards for sustainable
development, with Frasers aiming for 100 per cent carbon-neutral operation.
Gas-powered tri-generation technology will be used for
power, heating and cooling, while all non-potable water will be come through
on-site rainwater collection and waste water recycling.
During the demolition of the existing site, which has
already started, 90 per cent of all waste will be recycled, including all
timber and metal products.
The park planned for the interior of the site has also been
enlarged, while artist’s impressions of the site show plants and green areas on
roof gardens and balconies.
Residents say that while they’re happy with the
sustainability and green measures in place, they have concerns about the
density and bulk of the site.
“We were hoping that by changing (the
commercial/residential mix) to 50/50 they’d lower the height of the building,
but they have increased the density, so we’re disappointed with that,”
said Lindsay Charles of the Chippendale Residents Interest Group.
She said the group still hoped there was room for discussion
with Frasers on the issue and that a community meeting would be held soon.
“Frasers have addressed all the major concerns we had
in the sustainability area,” Ms Charles told Central. “We applaud
them for that.
“They’ve increased the open space, removed cars from
the area… they’re great initiatives.”
Councillor John
McInerney said that while he was pleased by the expansion of
the park and the retention of more heritage buildings than in the initial plan
submitted to the council, he was concerned by the changes brought by an
increase in the floor space ratio.
A Frasers Property CEO Nicholas Wolf and colleagues inspect
the site.
Artist’s impression of the Broadway redevelopment, which
aims to be carbon neutral.
Source:
Central 16th April 2008.