- Changes to provide and encourage more space for entertainment
- More than 53,500sqm in total expected to be made available
- Oxford Street impacted by construction works and Covid
The City of Sydney today announced new planning controls designed to bolster the iconic Oxford Street precinct.
Unanimously endorsed by the Council this week, the new draft planning rules claim to “unlock redevelopment opportunities, encourage investment, stimulate business and activate streets and laneways – all while incentivising the creation of more cultural and entertainment space.”
The council estimates the move will “create more than 42,500sqm of employment floor space and 11,000sqm of new creative and cultural floor space along Oxford Street from Greens Road, Paddington to Whitlam Square in Surry Hills.”
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said a number of factors have disrupted the area.
“The construction of massive shopping centres at either end of the strip and online shopping has hurt its retailers, the lock-outs have hurt its bars and clubs and the clearway has created fast flowing through-traffic that has made it a less pleasant place to be.”
Clover Moore, Lord Mayor, City of Sydney
Covid was another factor, said Mardi Gras CEO, Albert Kruger.
“The last 12 months had a devastating impact on our once thriving and colourful Oxford Street. We welcome the City of Sydney’s new planning incentives to help revitalise this important precinct for our communities and greater Sydney.”
Albert Kruger, Mardis Gras CEO
Some of the proposed changes include allowing ” additional uses at the National Art School to support its continued educational and cultural role, and to diversify the range of supporting commercial and entertainment activities,” as well as “providing a floor space ratio increase from 0.9:1 to 1:1 at the National Art School.”
The Council will also require large sites to activate laneways.
