The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has released amended designs for Johnson Pilton Walker’s (JPW) Sydney Harbour intervention. The original designs, released in February this year, were revised after they drew an inordinate amount of public criticism.
The area in question is Campbell’s Cove, the largely public and open space surrounding the tourist-heavy Circular Quay area. Upgrades were proposed as part of a $73-million project to “enhance everyday use” while preserving and protecting the heritage seawall around the western end of the Quay.
Despite the criticism, JPW’s designs have been left largely untouched since the first public exhibition in February. According to Anthea Sargeant, the executive director of key sites and industry assessments at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the redesign represents a de-cluttering of the original plans, and a removal of several elements such as the previously planned boardwalk extension near the Park Hyatt hotel.
Several additions have been included in the new designs, such as a 10-metre wide promenade, an outdoor leisure area, and improved access connections running east to west between Campbell’s Cove, Hicksons Road and The Rocks. Other measures are being taken to protect existing landscape elements.
“To protect existing fig trees, paving would be designed to avoid disturbing the roots. [Eight] existing Livistona Palm trees would be transplanted, with an arborist’s advice, to the northern side of the entry road to Campbell’s Cove Plaza,” says Sargeant.
“The previously proposed boardwalk extension adjacent to the Park Hyatt has been removed from the application, and the heritage-listed wharf railings and gate would be preserved.
“We highly value community feedback, and the Department will take it into consideration when assessing this proposal.”
JPW’s new designs will be kept open for public comment until 15 December 2017. The full plans can be viewed here.
