City of Sydney councillors have unanimously voted in support of a planning proposal for 187 Thomas Street, Haymarket that will pave the way for a 227-metre, 47,000 square metre commercial tower.
Proposed by Adelaide developer Greaton, with an indicative scheme designed by FJMT, the 47-storey tower is described as a mixed-use “hybrid village,” with multiple uses combined within a vertical arrangement, each with their own identity and requirements but sharing common facilities.
It will be structured around a six-level innovation hub and include related functions such as hotel accommodation for business visitors, work space to support start-ups and retail and event space.
The scheme also includes additional publicly accessible open space adjacent to the planned future public plaza on Quay Street.
Planning documents note that 187 Thomas Street, Haymarket lies at the convergence of several precincts where the technology sector, knowledge-intensive creative and start-up industries are emerging, such as the Ultimo-Camperdown Collaboration Area, the NSW Government’s Tech Central precinct and the Western Gateway sub-precinct adjacent to Central Station.
The indicative design for 187 Thomas Street, Haymarket, prepared by FJMT.
“This site has locational and site-specific advantages that will allow a future tech hub and innovation precinct to flourish and succeed,” states the proponent. “It represents a one-off opportunity to create an ‘exemplar’ development that future facilities (including the Central to Eveleigh Innovation Precinct) can learn from and leverage off.”
The tower will be located within the Central Sydney Planning Strategy’s Haymarket/Ultimo tower cluster and the maximum planning envelope has been designed with four distinct visual elements to decrease bulk as the tower rises and maximize daylight access.
The tower’s design will be subject to an architectural design competition.
The planning proposal will now be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for determination.
