5.10.10 Success: Approval for adaptive reuse

News
date10.12.2024
 

The mixed-use development at 290 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, has secured DA approval through the Land and Environment Court, signaling a transformative step in the revitalization of the Former North Shore Gas Co. building. By leveraging the innovative 5.10(10) provisions, the project aligns with forward-thinking urban planning strategies, transcending outdated controls that often limit the potential of heritage-rich sites.

Approval was achieved despite significant deviations from current zoning and height restrictions, without the need for a planning proposal. The project skillfully incorporates heritage conservation incentives to create a harmonious balance between preservation and modern functionality. A cornerstone of the initiative is the comprehensive restoration of the heritage-listed gas showroom, including meticulous internal and external refurbishment. The project not only preserves the architectural character of the site but integrates its historical significance into the public realm through interpretive heritage artwork and adaptive reuse of original materials and elements in public spaces.

The development exemplifies a sensitive yet ambitious approach to adaptive reuse. Height restrictions have been thoughtfully reinterpreted, increasing from 16m to 44.8m along Pacific Highway and from 8.5m to 15.5m along Sinclair Street, while retaining the integrity of the heritage structure. A publicly accessible through-site link will connect Pacific Highway to Sinclair Street, fostering greater pedestrian connectivity and interaction with the site’s historical and contemporary elements.

Internally, the gas showroom will be restored to its original grandeur, celebrating its architectural and cultural legacy. Original building materials and design features will be integrated into public-facing spaces, complemented by interpretive artwork that narrates the building’s storied past. These initiatives ensure that the development not only meets contemporary urban needs but also serves as a living testament to the area’s heritage.

This project is poised to deliver a vibrant, mixed-use development that combines retail, commercial, and residential spaces while respecting and enhancing the cultural identity of Crows Nest. It marks a pivotal step in the reimagining of the neighborhood, transforming it into a destination that bridges historical preservation with modern urban living.

For further insight into the legal considerations underpinning this approval, refer to Thomas Kwok’s detailed post at Holding Redlich: https://lnkd.in/gAbrpr3r

Fuse Architects acknowledges the First Nations peoples, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, as the Traditional Custodians of the diverse lands where we live, work, and create. We admire their deep and enduring connections to the land, sea, and community. We are committed to meaningful dialogue, as we work together to honour the past and shape a harmonious future. We pay our respects to the wisdom of their Elders, past, present, and emerging.

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