The plan to demolish the Woolworths store at Sydney’s Town Hall and replace it with a public piazza has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission, amid the strongest indication yet that the New South Wales Government could block the proposal.
The commission will determine whether the $150 million redevelopment qualifies as a State Significant Development. If it does, the state government would be able to overrule the City of Sydney and stop the project.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was not personally intervening to halt the scheme, but acknowledged concerns from residents, retailers, unions and business groups about the loss of a major CBD supermarket and hundreds of jobs.
“I’m not personally going to get involved and stop it,” Mr Minns said. “(But) those that live close to the city and need access to retail space have all said ‘this is going to be a big impact on us’.”
He added: “It’s in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.”
Woolworths demolition plan faces opposition
The proposed piazza would remove a group of buildings on Park Street, including the historic Hotel Coronation, a discount pharmacy and several floors of office space.
The main loss would be one of Australia’s only two-storey Woolworths supermarkets. The store has operated at the site since 1933 and attracts 6.5 million tourists and shoppers each year, while serving commuters using the adjoining train and Metro stations. A Big W store occupies the upper level.
Woolworths has said there are no equivalent sites in Sydney’s CBD where its 5,000-square-metre supermarket could be relocated.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association has warned that 1,000 jobs could be at risk. Business Sydney has also opposed the proposal, while the NSW Premier said the concerns raised by unions and the Chamber of Commerce should be considered.
“The union’s view is very clear and that is that you can’t replace like for like and that they’ve got hundreds and hundreds of workers that are on that site and have worked there for a long period of time,” Mr Minns said.
The redevelopment is being promoted by the Lord Mayor as a signature public space where people can “come together, spend time and connect”. Plans include fountains, paving, native trees and public seating, with the piazza also intended to host outdoor events.
