Sydney Developers Build Taller Buildings After State Government Changes Rules

Sydney's skyline is set to grow much taller, with new rules allowing buildings up to 300 metres high in the CBD. This is the biggest change since the 1970s.
By Newsroom | Real Estate, Urban Development |

STATE POWERS ALLOW FOR SUPERSIZED PROJECTS, OVERRIDING LOCAL CONTROLS

New mechanisms enacted by the state government are facilitating the expansion of development projects in Sydney, with some initiatives enabling developers to significantly increase building scale and apartment numbers beyond what was previously permitted under local planning rules. This pathway, initially intended to address a housing deficit, is now being scrutinized for its role in resurrecting developments that had been refused or approved at much lower densities. For instance, a project on Anzac Parade in Kensington has seen its apartment count balloon from 197 to 357 units under this framework. Developers first lodge an expression of interest, after which the planning minister can designate a project as 'state-significant,' thereby bypassing some local objections and existing zoning restrictions.

SKYWARD AMBITIONS FOR THE CBD

Sydney's central business district is also slated for substantial vertical expansion. An approved 20-year development strategy will permit towers to reach heights of up to 300 metres, a significant increase that could add nearly 24 storeys to the city's current tallest commercial building, the Chifley Tower. This overhaul, the most extensive to the CBD skyline since the 1970s, is designed to position Sydney as a major global economic centre. The strategy mandates that all new buildings exceeding 55 metres must allocate at least half their space to commercial use, aiming to preserve the city's status.

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ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION

Alongside these regulatory shifts, the state is also exploring new housing typologies. Winning designs from a recent competition, encompassing varied housing forms from terraces to mid-rise apartments, are being refined for a forthcoming 'NSW Housing Pattern Book.' These designs emphasize accessibility, environmental sustainability, affordability, and adaptability, and are slated for real-world testing on five government-owned sites. The public will have an opportunity to experience these proposed future homes and vote for a preferred design, signaling an intent to engage citizens in the evolution of urban living.

URBAN TRANSFORMATIONS UNDERWAY

The physical landscape of Sydney is demonstrably in flux, with considerable investment directed towards waterfront revitalizations and the construction of towering residential and commercial structures. Projects like the Quay Quarter Tower, a redevelopment of the AMP Centre, and the Atlassian Tower at 338 Pitt Street, which will house 507 apartments and a rooftop venue, are indicative of this large-scale urban transformation. The city's skyline is projected to undergo a dramatic alteration over the next decade, driven by both regulatory changes and significant capital injections into development.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are developers building bigger projects in Sydney now?
The state government has made new rules that allow developers to build larger projects. This includes building more apartments and making buildings taller than before. This is meant to help build more homes.
Q: How much taller can new buildings be in Sydney's CBD?
New buildings in Sydney's central business district can now be up to 300 metres tall. This is much taller than the current tallest building and could add about 24 floors.
Q: What is the rule for new commercial buildings over 55 metres in Sydney?
All new buildings in the CBD that are taller than 55 metres must use at least half of their space for businesses. This is to keep Sydney a strong economic centre.
Q: Are there new ideas for different types of homes in Sydney?
Yes, the state is looking at new designs for homes like terraces and mid-rise apartments. These designs focus on being easy to get to, good for the environment, and affordable. People can see these designs and vote for their favourite.
Q: What are some examples of big development projects happening in Sydney?
Big projects include the Quay Quarter Tower and the Atlassian Tower at 338 Pitt Street, which will have 507 apartments. These projects are changing the look of Sydney with new tall buildings.