NSW Government approves new student accommodation building for Darling Harbour’s ‘Darling Square’ precinct
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment last week announced it has approved an application for more student accommodation in Darling Square as part of the renewal of Darling Harbour.
The new building will provide a fully catered student accommodation facility for up to 668 students in 520 rooms. Plans include a 22-storey Urbanest building with large communal spaces, a central courtyard and bicycle parking.
A Department spokesperson said the application was publicly exhibited between November and December 2015.
“There were seven submissions received from Government agencies. No public submissions were received,” the spokesperson said.
“The key issues raised during consultation were the size of student rooms, design quality, bicycle parking, security, use of the central courtyard and rooftop area.”
“The Department finds the proposed new accommodation building is of a high design standard with acceptable room sizes, privacy, and facilities including bicycle parking for future students.
The Department has approved plans for the construction of the new 22-storey Urbanest building and addressed issues raised during consultation with the following conditions:
- South-facing windows must be treated to prevent overlooking into other apartments and increase privacy;
- A Crime Prevention Assessment must be provided to ensure safety for students in the proposed central courtyard; and
- The applicant must provide an updated wind assessment to address wind concerns in the central courtyard.
This new student accommodation will be built next to an already approved 20-storey Urbanest building at Darling Square.
The 20-storey building has also had an application approved to add a communal rooftop terrace, a movie screen and a pedestrian bridge linking the two accommodation buildings.
The Department has approved the modification request with the condition the new communal rooftop area is accessible to all students.
“The sites will be subject to on-going audits and site inspections by the Department’s compliance officers to ensure the company is adhering to its strict consent conditions.”
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 26 April, 2016