The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has approved plans for a world-class CBD precinct on Hunter Street in Sydney.
The proposals are for a 58-storey building above Hunter Street Station East, between O’Connell Street and Bligh Street, and a 51-storey building above Hunter Street Station West, on the corner of George Street and Hunter Street.
The two new buildings will support additional jobs and economic growth through new commercial and retail land uses in Central Sydney.
These new commercial and retail buildings will also be linked directly by Sydney Metro West to thousands of new additional homes being turbocharged by the State Government.
The construction of Hunter Street station commenced in 2023 and is well underway with major excavation of the station cavern ongoing.
When Sydney Metro West opens, passengers will also be able to use an underground walkway to connect to metro services on the Metro North West Line and City & Southwest line at Martin Place. Connections to light rail and train services will be close by at Wynyard Station.
To drive improved placemaking outcomes for the area, Sydney Metro is using a first-of-its-kind procurement model. The planning process for Hunter Street over station development is running concurrently with the procurement of a development partner to deliver the project.
Two consortia were shortlisted to work with Sydney Metro to develop the vision for Hunter Street Station as a world-class precinct at the heart of a vibrant and connected city.
Final plans for the area are subject to ongoing engagement with industry and key stakeholders, which will continue throughout 2024.
New South Wales Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, said that this is an exciting milestone for the Sydney Metro West project, having been given the green light to continue developing the detailed designs for this brand new station precinct.
“The successful tenderer will deliver a brand new station beneath Hunter Street and two new buildings above,” Ms Haylen said.
“The 24km Metro West line will not only unlock housing supply across our city, but developments like this one at Hunter Street will be incredible new employment centres.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning & Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that the Hunter Street precinct is creating an opportunity to see more jobs delivered near a world-class transport network.
“These two new buildings will pave the way to connect people to their homes, jobs and the Sydney CBD,” Mr Scully said.
“Making sure we have enriching public spaces in our cities is an important stage in the planning process. Both stations and buildings will help revitalise Sydney’s CBD and its transformation into a 24-hour economic centre.”
Image credit: Dr.VictorWong/shutterstock.com
