Dear Supporter,
Allianz Stadium Redevelopment
Infrastructure NSW (INSW) is holding Community Information Sessions over the next fortnight in the Captains Bar, Level 2, Sydney Football Stadium. The redevelopment may have a major impact on the community and a lesser impact on Moore Park. We therefore encourage as many people as possible to attend one or other of these sessions to understand what’s being proposed and express any views they may have. Feedback provided to Infrastructure NSW will be used in developing an Environmental Impact Statement to be lodged in June.
The sessions will be held on:
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Thursday 3 May, 5pm to 8pm
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Tuesday 8 May, 5pm to 8pm
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Saturday 12 May, 10am to 1pm
These will be drop in sessions, with experts and story boards available to explain different aspects of the proposed redevelopment.
Approval under the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 will be sought in two stages:
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The Stage One development application will seek approval for the demolition of the existing stadium, and approval of a concept design for the new stadium and surrounding retail and function uses.
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The Stage Two development application will seek approval for the detailed design, construction and operation of the new stadium.
A fact sheet is [here] Details of the planning process and timeline are [here].
The Head of Projects NSW, David Riches and some of his team met with us last week. Some points which emerged are as follows:
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The proposed stadium will be a colosseum style stadium (circular all the way around, not dipping at ends) but with the highest point about the same as at present.
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The footprint will be slightly southwest of the existing stadium.
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The old fig tree opposite Oatley Street (photo below) will be retained.
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The stadium design doesn’t include provision for a gym, swimming pool or tennis courts.
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No information was provided concerning the proposed “retail and function uses”.
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Driver Avenue is outside the stadium footprint and will not be permanently closed as part of the SFS redevelopment.
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Pending planning approval, demolition is to start in January 2019. Work hours will be 7am to 6pm Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm Sat.
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Materials will be reused as much as possible eg crushed concrete will be recycled.
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During demolition and construction, all equipment will be kept on the existing SCG carpark, not on Moore Park.
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INSW is fully aware of the Moore Park Master Plan and wants to ensure the new stadium has regard for it, wherever relevant.
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Consistent ‘wayfinding’ signage around stadium and through Moore Park is proposed to guide people to the Tibby Cotter walkway, relieving pressure on the Anzac Parade/Moore Park Road intersection
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It is expected that a Community Consultative Committee will be established by the Dept of Planning, but not until December 2018. The Department has published a set of guidelines, published [here], which sets out the role of these Committees.
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In the meantime, INSW has said it will continue to consult with other stakeholders while they are developing plans for the new stadium.
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INSW is required to make a development contribution (the amount was not disclosed). However, this will be paid to the City of Sydney, not the Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust. We believe that a significant proportion of the funds should be allocated towards the Moore Park Master Plan and will be exploring this issue further.
The SCG Trust will also be holding information sessions for members on:
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Wednesday 2 May, 8am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm
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Sunday 6 May, 3pm to 5pm
Members might like to ask about the Trust’s plans for a new gym, swimming pool and tennis courts. We note that buildings such as the Sheridan and those used by the Roosters (and formerly by the Waratahs) and NSW Cricket Association are all slated for demolition. The Trust hasn’t yet provided details of any proposed replacement building(s).
We believe that any new substantial building on SCG land should be subject to the same level of transparency and community consultation as Infrastructure NSW is applying in the case of the stadium redevelopment. We therefore urge the SCG Trust, in proposing the construction of any new building(s), not to use the exemption it has under its Act from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Local Government Act 1993, but to use the relevant processes under these Acts to engage fully with the community.
Michael Waterhouse
Convenor
Saving Moore Park Inc.
1 May 2018
http://www.savingmoorepark.com
