Plans for a new public square in the centre of Sydney are now in doubt after the New South Wales (NSW) planning minister, Paul Scully, declared the project "state significant". This decision removes the approval process from the City of Sydney.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore had released designs for the plaza in August, which included a fountain and native trees, with completion anticipated by 2031. The council had been finalising discussions to acquire and demolish seven buildings for the project, with demolition and construction expected to cost $150m.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has previously stated his opposition to the project, citing concerns about its cost and potential disruption. However, in a statement on Friday, Lord Mayor Moore welcomed the state significant declaration, expressing confidence in the proposal's merits and stating that the City owns the buildings and has saved funds for the project over 40 years.
Under the state significant development pathway, the planning minister is typically the consent authority, unless the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) is delegated the role. Mr Scully stated that the IPC would determine any proposal submitted by the City of Sydney, allowing for a rigorous whole-of-government assessment and public input.