This was published 4 years ago
The Star rules out appeal against Pyrmont casino tower refusal
By Megan Gorrey
The Star casino group has ruled out an appeal against the rejection of its proposed $530 million tower at Pyrmont, and faces a nervous wait as the state government develops new planning controls that could clear the path for the project to go ahead.
The Independent Planning Commission found in November the Star Entertainment's controversial 66-storey hotel and apartment tower plan was "overly obtrusive" and should not proceed.
An artist's impression of The Star's proposed 237-metre tower at Pyrmont. Credit: NSW Planning
The casino group had until the end of February to appeal the commission's decision in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
A spokesman for Star Entertainment said the company would not challenge the decision but staff "of course remain committed to driving tourism" and are keen for further development at The Star.
"We now await the finalisation and release of a Pyrmont masterplan later this year."
Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, has said the "door's not closed" on a new hotel and apartment tower in Pyrmont. He is of the view larger scale developments can be balanced with the area's heritage elements.
Mr Stokes said the Berejiklian government was "working on a bold new masterplan for Pyrmont that will allow it to be the city’s next entertainment and innovation hub".
"We’re keen for The Star to collaborate on this work to ensure any new development is delivered as part of a strategic plan for a revitalised peninsula."
The Star lodged ambitious plans in 2018 for a luxury 220-room Ritz-Carlton hotel and 204 residential apartments, as part of a half-a-billion dollar gamble to lure wealthy Chinese tourists. The proposal also included a neighbourhood centre, library and function spaces.
Business groups and the tourism sector had backed the proposal, arguing the project would draw tourists and ease a shortage of luxury hotels. However, some residents, prominent architects and the City of Sydney council argued the proposal was out-of character for the low-rise area.
The rejection of the proposal unleashed a torrent of criticism from some development players and high-profile media supporters, including 2GB's Alan Jones and News Corp's The Daily Telegraph.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian intervened to direct the Greater Sydney Commission to complete a review of Pyrmont's planning controls to ensure they were "consistent with the government's vision for its future".
That review recommended a masterplan for the Pyrmont precinct considering the character and potential of its various districts, and establishing a timeframe and options for implementation.