Three mixed-use buildings in Sydney’s Green Square town centre, previously approved by the City of Sydney, have once again been proposed – the latest in a series of urban renewal plans for the former industrial locality.
The development has been in progress for a long time, with Bates Smart appointed as the architect in early 2016 through a design competition.
Approval for the three buildings (known as site 7, 17 and 18) had previously been granted by council across two development applications, however, a shift in the market reflecting a desire for larger owner-occupied dwellings drove a design re-think.
A new application has been filed with all three developments comprised in the one single submission. Outlined in the plans are proposals for a 160storey building and a 13 storey-building, designed by Tzannes, and a 20-storey building by Bates Smart, to be located at 960A Bourke Street, Zetland.
Approval for the three buildings (known as site 7, 17 and 18) had previously been granted, however, a shift in the market reflecting a desire for larger owner-occupied dwellings drove a design re-think by Bates Smart.
Image: Bates Smart
Key design changes for site 18 include a reduced retail offering from two storeys to a single storey at ground level, increased communal amenities with a wellness centre, business lounge and music room proposed across the second floor totalling 147 square metres and a 46 square metre lounge bar on the roof, a single level of penthouse apartments has been replaced by three levels of penthouse apartments, the lobby has increased in size and integration of operable shading to the Northwest and Southwest facades.
Proposed for the building frame and balustrades at site 18 are powder coated aluminium in matte white and charcoal, alongside clear glazed windows. The base of site 18 has been designed as a stone plinth with punctured window openings. Expressed sandstone corners and a dynamic stepped form at the building’s base along Paul Street, provide an opportunity for a highly visible public art integration.
Updated designs for sites 7 and 17 by Tzannes.
Image: Tzannes
For sites 7 and 17, the building separation distances remain the same as per the previous application. For floors affected by window glare and privacy issues, mitigating measures have been adopted including glazing angled away from the boundary, directing views down the street, recessing living spaces behind balconies, as well as the integration of internal blinds and window modifications.
Previous plans for the facade of the buildings considered the two sites as siblings in their expression, forming a cohesive backdrop to the plaza. The updated form of the buildings feature more accentuated curved lines and a change in brick colour for site 17. Both buildings have been designed to complement one another, while also displaying individual identities through differing materials, vertical and horizontal articulation. Apartments placed at the centre of the site 7 tower and wings of the site 17 tower, as well as a residential podium above site 7’s retail offering, again provide variation between the two building facades.
The proposed communal open spaces on site 7 and site 17 also remain consistent with the previous application, however, a desire to embed biophilic design into the architectural character of the development led to the proposal of edge planting on all levels.
All residential parking for sites 7, 17 and 18 remain located in the integrated basement carpark, accessible via Tweed Place.
Planning documents state Green Square “has undergone radical change in recent years” through the completion of public domain and community infrastructure projects such as the Green Square Library and Plaza, Community Centre, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the Drying Green. Ensuing project endeavours include the Green Square Public School, as well as more retail developments.
The development application has been filed with the City of Sydney, with plans now on exhibit.
