State government takes control of $150 million Sydney Town Hall Square project
The New South Wales government has assumed planning control of the City of Sydney's $150 million Town Hall Square project, designating it a State Significant Development. This move subjects the project to a more rigorous, state-led assessment process due to its complexity and impact on public assets.
Why it matters
The intervention highlights tensions between local council urban planning and state-level oversight for major infrastructure projects in metropolitan centers.
Designs for the proposed public square were unveiled in August. ( Supplied: City of Sydney )
A planned $94 million plaza in front to Sydney Town Hall has been deemed a State Significant Development.
The City of Sydney council project will now be subject to another development approval process.
The Independent Planning Commission found it could deliver "significant" public and economic benefits.
Link copied Share Share article The NSW government has moved to take planning control of the City of Sydney's Town Hall Square project.
Planning Minister Paul Scully last month forced a pause on work to create a 4,500-square-metre civic plaza outside the CBD's Town Hall, while the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) provided advice on the proposal.
Plans for the square were put on display for community feedback in August after council unanimously resolved in February to move ahead with the design and construction of the square.
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