17 April 2008
The call for expressions of interest for the first stage of Barangaroo was great news and the government should consider Jan Gehls criticisms of the parkland, according to the Urban Taskforce.
Professor Gehl made the comments at last nights City Talk.
Barangaroo should be a living example of the kind of compact, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighbourhood essential to the future of our city, Mr Gadiel said.
Its crucial that workplaces, shopping, and recreation areas should all be within walking distance of each other.
The proposed 11 hectares parkland is to be at the northern end of the site, while the highest buildings are clumped together at the southern end.
The design of the site would be improved by more evenly distributing the parkland and new homes and workplaces.
This would allow office workers, residents and visitors to move easily between buildings and the public open space.
It will also create more potential for a more dynamic urban environment featuring cafes, restaurants and wine bars.
We must avoid creating a park that is empty and unused. Higher density residential buildings will inject life into the area, locate more people close to their work and ease the strain on Sydneys transport system.
Mr Gadiel said the industry strongly supported the Barangaroo development and he congratulated the Premier on todays announcement.
The extension of Sydneys business district westward is vital to the maintaining Sydneys preeminent role, he said.
This expression of interest will be embraced by industry.
Theres a lot of excitement about this opportunity to help contribute to the future of our city.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.
The NSW development industrys annual turnover is $35 billion and employs 180,000 people, accounting for six percent of the States total employment. It is the fifth largest contributor to the State economy.
