MULTIPLEX'S ambitious $1.5 billion North Bank development will go back to the drawing board following concerns raised during the public consultation process.
Yesterday, the
Bligh said whilst 80% of the public made it very clear that it wants to see something done with this dangerous and neglected part of the CBD.
“The process however did highlight a number of concerns about the project and 57% of respondents do not support the project proceeding its current form. The major areas of concern are river impacts, height of buildings, cultural heritage and visual amenity.”
Bligh said the Government was taking on board the concerns and would be working with Multiplex to revise the project to make it more acceptable to the public.
“There are a number of improvements that could be made to the project to address the public’s concerns. However, to deliver the project at no cost to the Government there will still need to be substantial development on the site,”
Bligh said the Government would be asking Multiplex to review its proposal in light of the public comments and come back with revised design for Government’s review.
“Based on public feedback, we will be entering into negotiations with the preferred developer for the North Bank project, Multiplex Developments, in regard to its proposal for the redevelopment of the riverfront precinct,” she added. “The proposal put forward by Multiplex was for a more intense development than envisaged when Government last consulted with the public on the project. Higher intensity development is being considered because the Government wants to deliver this project at no net cost to the people of
“Due to this change it was important for Government to test public opinion on the project,” Bligh said.
Multiplex was awarded the job in February this year to redevelop the riverfront land from
Amongst other amenities, the Multiplex proposal included four office buildings, three residential buildings and one mixed hotel office building are proposed.
These buildings step up from eight levels to one building of 37 levels, which pales when compared to
Multiplex Developments Australia director Shane Bulloch said this will be one of the most significant projects ever undertaken in
Bulloch said Multiplex’s initial design was based on the guidelines provided by the State Government including the footprint of the site and the requirement that it be built at no cost to taxpayers.
“It is encouraging that more than 40% of respondents supported the initial design which detailed the creation of a $1.5 billion world class waterfront precinct.
“The feedback process did reveal some concerns from the public about some aspects of the initial design. Multiplex will now work closely with the State Government to revise the design to reflect that feedback while remaining within the development guidelines,” he concluded.
Australian Property Journal
