Sydney Your Say | Latest Forum Topics/News Articles

Have your say on our plans for Central and Wilmot Streets

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-18 16:08:47 +1000

Wilmot and Central Streets are situated within the Southern Precinct of the City and adjacent to the Event Cinemas Complex and the Metro Theatre. They provide a strong pedestrian link between George Street and Pitt Street.

We have developed a concept design for the two laneways that includes shared zones to optimise pedestrian use and safety while maintaining existing vehicle access.

Opportunities for businesses to generate a vibrant public street life by day and night are being explored. Wilmot Street users will enjoy an extended outdoor dining/entertaining area closed to vehicles.

The concept design features being considered include:

New high-quality paving;
Improved energy efficient LED lighting;
Raising the road to the footpath level, including the intersections at George Street and Pitt Street; and
Public artworks.

The City proposes the following traffic changes:

Permanently closing Wilmot Street between George Street and the most western driveway (HSBC car park access)
Making the remaining of Wilmot Street open to 2-way traffic
Making Central Street one-way eastbound, with entry from George Street
Removing existing traffic lights in Central Street
Removing police parking area in Central Street
Removing parking in Central Street outside the loading zone times
Removing the traffic lights in George Street (North of Central Street) and widening the signalised pedestrian crossing south of Central Street
Creating shared zones in both laneways
Extending kerbs on both sides of Pitt Street at Central and Wilmot streets to reduce pedestrian crossing distances.

The road closure and change to two-way traffic flow in Wilmot Street are interim traffic solutions that will be revisited prior to the Light Rail implementation.

Vehicle access to buildings will be maintained at all times, and existing loading zones will be retained.

Click here to see the Central and Wilmot Streets Concept Design.

For more information or to have your say on the concept design please contact Illira Margaritis, Community Engagement Coordinator on 9265 9333 or email imargaritis@cityofsydney.com.au.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 19 July 2013.

You can also view the plans at the following locations:

CBD Level 2, Town Hall House 456 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000

02 9265 9333

council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm Public holidays: closed

Redfern 158 Redfern Street Redfern NSW 2016

02 9265 9333

council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 12 noon Sunday: closed Public holidays: closed

Glebe 186 Glebe Point Road (cnr Wigram Road) Glebe NSW 2037

council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Public holidays: closed

Green Square 100 Joynton Avenue Zetland NSW 2017

council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm Public holidays: closed

Kings Cross 50-52 Darlinghurst Rd Kings Cross NSW 2011

council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 12noon Sunday: closed Public holidays: closed

How will you use the new Library & Plaza?

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 11:23:05 +1000

With the winning design announced in February 2013, the City of Sydney is working with its architects Stewart Hollenstein to refine the concept design for the Green Square Library and Plaza.

This stage of the design process includes confirming how you would like to use the space in the future and your ideas on requirements for indoor and outdoor areas, including things like technology and furniture, as well as what you will need in place to use the space at night and for different activities and events.

We are running a series of community focus groups to get your ideas and you can also have your say in our online discussion forum until Thursday 4 July 2013.

How will you use the new Library & Plaza at Green Square?

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 11:20:03 +1000

With the winning design announced in February 2013, the City of Sydney is working with its architects Stewart Hollenstein to refine the concept design for the Green Square Library and Plaza.

We are running a series of community focus groups to get your ideas and you can also have your say in our online discussion forum until Thursday 4 July 2013.

What technology will you need in the library? Think about outdoors in the plaza as well!

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 10:52:40 +1000

We know that libraries in the 21st century are as full of technology as they are with books and newspapers. The design features a connecting tower building with four levels of multipurpose technology space with a rooftop outdoor reading area.

Let us know what technology you'd like to see in the new library at Green Square - and don't forget about what you'll need outdoors in the plaza as well.

What will help make the plaza an active and safe place at night?

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 10:50:51 +1000

The plaza will be an urban living room at the heart of Green Square's commercial precinct, surrounded by high density residences and shops. It will be a place to meet up, hang out, relax and contemplate or get involved in library activities and community events.

We'd love to know your ideas on using the plaza at night. What will make it fun, active and a safe place to be?

What activities would you like to do in the new library, and what types of spaces will you need to do these?

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 10:49:58 +1000

Our winning design for the Green Square library includes a large community room - it is the entire length of the lower ground floor and has the library garden at its heart. A connecting tower building has four levels of multipurpose technology space with a rooftop outdoor reading area.

The design features 5 main zones:

Entry & Lobby Gallery
General Library
Childrens Zone
Youth Zone
Back of house and
Service desk

An amphitheatre provides opportunities for library events and outdoor reading. Download the floor plan.

We would love your feedback on what activities you would like to do in these zones and how we can design them to meet your needs.

What we've heard already:

In 2012 you told us you wanted a library that is:

Iconic and distinctive
Friendly and welcoming
Flexible spaces
Generous – in both proportion as well as the diversity and size of the collection
Environmentally sustainable
Supporting the community – opportunities for learning, productivity and social cohesion
High quality and practical
Natural light and good sight lines
Individual local character, not generic or corporate
Elements that reflect local and indigenous history
Multi-purpose space with a flexible range of welcoming spaces
Emphasis on social spaces like a reading lounge, café, study areas, TV/games lounge.

City revises energy plans for Green Square

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-13 10:34:36 +1000

The City of Sydney has re-affirmed its commitment to slash carbon emissions after deciding not to pursue a development agreement with its preferred trigeneration energy services provider Cogent Energy due to economic and regulatory hurdles.

Changes to the regulatory environment and the Federal Government’s decision to lower the future carbon price have reduced the commercial case for some of the City’s trigeneration precincts.

The City has decided the first trigeneration project planned for Green Square does not currently meet performance targets necessary for the project to progress. Instead the City will continue with plans to install trigeneration systems in its own buildings starting with a plant to provide electricity, heating and cooling to Sydney Town Hall, Town Hall House and the Queen Victoria Building.

“This changed environment, while unfortunate, is only a small roadblock,” City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said.

“The economics of trigeneration at Green Square don’t stack up now, but we will do everything we can to lobby the state and federal governments for regulatory reform. All the research, technical material and scoping we have done so far will be used to pursue trigeneration systems in our own buildings and for future trigeneration precincts across the city.

“We still believe a future trigeneration network in Green Square is viable and we will ensure the development is ready for trigen, as it progresses. Council will soon consider a development application by Cogent for the building that will house a future trigen plant in Green Square, that if approved, will be valid for up to five years.

“The City will revisit trigen in Green Square once the regulatory environment makes it more attractive for large scale precincts. We believe climate change is the most pressing issue for every government, and our resolve on cutting carbon emissions is as strong as ever.”

Other factors that influenced the decision include restrictive electricity network regulations and the state and federal government rule changes that remove incentives for the development of trigeneration precincts, gas distribution regulation, and the gradual take up rates for energy from trigen as Green Square develops.

While city-wide trigeneration networks provide low carbon electricity and zero carbon heating and cooling to buildings in cities including London, New York, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen and Seoul, in Australia one of the key incentives for establishing similar trigeneration precincts has been removed through recent rule changes by state and federal governments.

Trigeneration is an extremely efficient way of producing reliable, low carbon electricity and zero carbon heating and cooling.

Draft concept plan to upgrade the intersection of Bayswater Road and Roslyn Street Rushcutters Bay

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-12 17:04:01 +1000

We invite you to comment on the draft concept plan to upgrade the open space at the intersection of Bayswater Road and Roslyn Street, Rushcutters Bay.

The upgrade will provide local people with an improved pocket of green space in the neighbourhood. The proposed upgrade includes:

increased park area;
retention of existing tree;
new concrete stairs to improve access and pedestrian circulation;
brick paving;
community artwork;
brightly coloured custom seats;
feature lighting; and
new garden beds and tree planting.

This project is part of our vision to green Bayswater Road and improve City’s local parks. Initial consultation for the upgrade took place in September 2012. The proposal gained endorsement from the Local Pedestrian Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee in September last year. We are hoping to finalise the draft concept design in July 2013.

You can download the plans here and forward your comment to Jacqui Brooks, Parks Maintenance Project Manager on 02 9246 7617 or jbrooks@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au before 28 June 2013.

How will you use the Green Square Library & Plaza?

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-12 15:01:46 +1000

With the winning design for the Green Square Library and Plaza now in place, the City of Sydney is working with its architects Stewart Hollenstein to refine the concept design.

This stage of the design process includes confirming how you would like to use the space in the future and your ideas on requirements for indoor and outdoor areas, including thing like technology, using the space at night and for different activities and events.

We are running a series of focus groups to get your ideas and you can also have your say in our online discussion forum until Thursday 4 July 2013.

All comments will be considered by the City of Sydney and the architects as part of refining the design to make sure the library & plaza can meet the needs and aspirations of the community now and into the future.

Following this stage, the architects will commence more detailed design prior to a development application (DA) being lodged in early 2014.

About the Library

A Community Room: The entire length of lower ground with the Library Garden at its heart. It is a single level, high amenity, open plan, multi-purpose space. A connecting tower building has four levels of multipurpose technology space with a rooftop outdoor reading area.

The Library design features 5 Main Zones:

• Entry + Lobby Gallery • General Library • Childrens Zone • Youth Zone • Back of House and • Service Desk

An amphitheatre provides opportunities for library events and outdoor reading. Download the floor plan.

About the Plaza

The plaza will be an urban living room at the heart of Green Square’s commercial precinct, surrounded by high density residences and shops. It will be a place for people to come together, hang out, relax and contemplate, as well as partake in a range of community activities and events.

The Plaza design features 8 Main Zones:

• Multifunction Plaza • Transport corridor • Performance terraces • The hills • The wetlands • The play space • The sun lounges • The marketplace

Have your say on the Employment Lands Strategy

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-03 16:43:46 +1000

The City of Sydney’s draft Employment Lands Strategy is now on public exhibition.

The draft strategy proposes new zoning and planning controls for a large area to the south of the city centre. The area includes parts of Alexandria and Rosebery, and a pocket of land on Parramatta Road, Glebe, and the Moore Park Supa Centa on South Dowling Street. View the map of the study area and project information.

The draft strategy focuses on retaining employment lands and making space for more businesses and new jobs. While some industrial areas will be retained for traditional industrial uses, new flexible zones will encourage multi-purpose spaces for new industries, offices for new business, small-scale retailing, new cafes and some housing.

The draft Employment Lands Strategy and the study are available for inspection at the on-exhibition page, and at:

One Stop Shop – Town Hall House

Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Green Square Customer Service Centre

100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm

We welcome your written comments on the draft Employment Lands Strategy. Submissions should quote reference: S089805 and be made in writing by 5pm, Monday 8 July 2013 to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Attn: Tamara Bruckshaw, Senior Specialist Planner

City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney 2001

or emailed to tbruckshaw@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For enquiries please contact Tamara Bruckshaw, Senior Specialist Planner, on 02 9265 9743 or tbruckshaw@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Have your say on the Employment Lands Strategy

Project Coordinator — 2013-06-03 16:37:31 +1000

We invite your comments on the City of Sydney’s draft Employment Lands Strategy which is now on public exhibition.

The draft strategy proposes new zoning and planning controls for a large area to the south of the city centre. The area includes parts of Alexandria and Rosebery, and a pocket of land on Parramatta Road, Glebe, and the Moore Park Supa Centa on South Dowling Street. A map of the area is attached for your information.

The draft Employment Lands Strategy and the study are available for inspection at the on-exhibition page, and at:

One Stop Shop – Town Hall House

Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Green Square Customer Service Centre

100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland
Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm

We welcome your written comments on the draft Employment Lands Strategy. Submissions should quote reference: S089805 and be made in writing by 5pm, Monday 8 July 2013 to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Attn: Tamara Bruckshaw, Senior Specialist Planner

City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney 2001

or emailed to tbruckshaw@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For enquiries please contact Tamara Bruckshaw, Senior Specialist Planner, on 02 9265 9743 or tbruckshaw@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

More brilliant ideas from our submissions

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-31 15:00:37 +1000

Kate says:

An "Historian in Residence" program, like the poet or artist in residence versions, to promote not only the history of Sydney but the amazing historical research that is taking place in and around the city.

Anton says:

I come from the Netherlands; there are two cities there, Leiden and Leeuwaarden, which have poetry by famous poets written all around the cities. In Leiden they are printed in side walls of big old houses all around the city whereas in Leeuwaarden they are printed on the sidewalks of the city. Since Sydney is a multicultural city, I propose poems in every main language spoken in the city be printed on the sidewalks and public squares of the city. There could even be a "Poetry Walk" with a map where the poems were located, for interested tourists.

John says:

As someone who grew up in Sydney, and moved to Adelaide because of the exciting work being done here by TACSI and the IDC (both outcomes of the Thinkers in Residence program) - I would highly recommend to a council that actually wants to be innovative and engage with the cutting edge of the cultural realm, that the Thinkers in Residence is the best model I've seen to catalyse change and get innovative action happening in government - especially where this means bridging the barriers between government and community and engaging on issues that are not traditionally government's strong point. Cultural policy is definitely one of those. So - Thinkers in Residence is a model to learn from!

Wiliam says:

Brighten up the CBD with more permanent artworks in the streets (not so much graffiti). Sydney really compares poorly to other major cities when it comes to public art.

Jeremy says:

I am a life long career musician in Sydney. I would like to see a boost in venues that encourage Original music that pay the same as cover band venues. With the grandiose proposal for Parramatta Road on the table I don't think the powers that be can distinguish between cabaret style venues and ones like the Annandale which the council destroyed. There is a big difference between the two. One original venue can create a scene. This then creates more venues and expands the scene. Small bar duo or solo gigs are always going to be required as atmosphere but they do not involve the music industry as such. Writing and performing is paramount. As long as venues such as the Annandale aree allowed to be bullied out of existance by corporations, any changes are a token gesture.

Anna Lise says:

just need a little springboard and then we can run self-sufficiently, delivering cultural initiatives to the city on an ongoing basis. Currently, too often opportunities for grants and exposure through festivals are awarded to artists for one off, short term projects, making them grant-dependent and unsustainable. This might include changes as simple as altering wording for EOI's to encourage those not operating a NFP to engage. The Oxford Street / William street ideas have been great, how can this be taken further - or even have management outsourced on more/similar setups so that more creative centres can be a part of the city. And of course, I run &company, we are looking for a home, and we would love to be in the City of Sydney. We could deliver so many programs - cultural, educational, and community based - to enrich the creative culture of Sydney. I would like to hope that with all the conversations with US Tech-Shop (which I understand to still be very preliminary), the City Of Sydney Council would prioritise supporting a home-grown enterprise. It is also really important that you rethink communication strategies for the initiatives that you already offer and will offer - many of my graduate and student designers have no idea about your offerings, and I only hear about them as I'm on the mailing list. How else can you get word out to Uni's through design media including blogs and magazines, so that more people know. It would make for pretty amazingly rich pickings! that's it for now! Thanks! Very excited to see the outcomes of this process!

Phase 3 of consultation has now finished.

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-23 17:36:45 +1000

The exhibition period for the draft Master Plan for Johnstons Creek Parklands has now closed. We thank everyone who had their say on this important local project.

We will be looking at all your feedback, alongside technical and feasibility considerations as we refine the draft Master Plan. Once we have made our changes we will present the Master Plan to Council for endorsement.

Please stay tuned to this website for project updates.

So many brilliant ideas!

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-23 12:03:02 +1000

M says:

Hi, Sydney needs a giant trampopline park. Please see link http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130423/BUSINESS/304230046/State-s-first-extreme-trampoline-park-coming-Greenville?nclick_check=1

Malinda says:

Night markets for local designers, performers and artists. A designated space for street-artists. More localised venues for artists of every background including screen. Support the existing not-for-profit local venues such as the red rattler. More ways for Sydney-siders to know what is happening on a regular basis. More free events-for example a movie night similar to the other current outdoor cinemas-movies where the audience can get involved i.e rocky horror picture show. I'm sure there's more we can think of?!

Wez says:

Im tired of hearing, reading and seeing "artists" calling out for more funding... An easier pathway to success and credability in sydney! Im a sydney artist within a popup program, like any artis knows... Its a hard slog.... But no harder than setting up and managing any other business! Having a business mentor opened my eyes to this fact... Perhaps there needs to be more "real world" business based arts mentoring?? Bring on the pop up revolution!!

Lisa says:

A night like White Night Melbourne would be great and perhaps using the opera house to project the year that was each year in the lead up to the nye celebrations too would be awesome.

Sasha says:

Make new venues for musicians to play in!

Jessica:

I think there should be more legal creative graffiti/painting walls where people can express there art for all to see

Millie:

I would love to see Sydney become part of the Inside Out project which is facilitated by the artist JR who won the TED prize a year or two ago for his ambitious and thought provoking ideas about using art, particularly portraits of everyday citizens in innovative and beautiful ways to highlight social issues those people experience. JR has visited major cities across the world most notably at the West Bank and in Africa where he created art on huge tarpaulin fabric which doubles as shelter for the town's inhabitants and can even be seen from space (google earth). It would be wonderful to see our city join the conversation and would no doubt create a great tourist attraction.

Mark says:

More live classical music in the city, please! There used to be many string quartets and some classical singers at Christmas time but these seem to have disappeared. Now everything is amplified and low brow. Mass 'entertainment' that is pretty soulless. I have nothing against the man who sits outside Woolworths with his amplified music but it is pathetically 'daggy' for our supposedly international city. It makes me feel embarrassed for Sydney each time I visit the Town Hall area at night. Something more vibrant and alive is sorely needed.

Geral says:

Salsa at park, or some dance at park!

Kris says:

Annual water fight day!!!

Emily says:

More, affordable and good quality gallery spaces for new artists to showcase work.

Phillip says:

Much, much more opportunities for live professional musicians, actors, dancers and performers so that they can earn a decent income, whilst consistently provide Sydney with sophisticated and well executed live arts. Kings Cross, at present, is nothing more than a huge brothel and beat-box of canned music for kids. That area, instead, should be a centre of excellence in arts, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Thank you.

Amy says:

Campaign to bring back funding for arts in Tafe.

Victor says:

Need more INEXPENSIVE venues - especially with real pianos. Venues for rehearsing. Venues for meetings. Community venues for performing small theatre. Venues for experimental theatre, music, dance. Venues for chamber ensembles. Less alcoholic-based venues for young people. More support for new theatre, music, dance with inexpensive venues to explore and create.

Brilliant ideas from our submissions

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-20 15:07:54 +1000

Hego says:

Micro sponsorships between $100-$1000 for local streetartists to complete projects that provide utility to local residents of some sort A roving marching band like detroit has one Fines for landlords that leave their properties vacant for more than 6months A serious short term plan for events at white bay power station

Alex says:

Yes the transport should keep playing. When at a friends house till late we always think 'let's get outa here and hit the clubs' then we remember the last train is at 11.30pm or 12am then we say oh no cab way too expensive let's just stay in! Same thing with the way home there should always be public transport 24/7 at least on the weekends it will encourage people to stay out more, and increase revenues of local business's. let become a 24 hour city!

Sandra says:

As a practising artist and resident in the Kings Cross area for over 20 years it concerns me that artists are being priced out of living in the inner city. Ive been fortunate to have a really understanding land lord and one that has mindfully kept rent reasonable thus in a way supporting myself and 2 other artists that rent off him. Therefore I propose that is it possible for rents controlled for artists in the city ... and that the owners of property get discounted council rates???? Also residences built or created for artists from all forms to live for a year or two in the city..(for free or discounted rent) These artists being from all stages in their practice and from disciplines such as visual, writing, actors, performance based, film makers, ect... and not just being beginners but also mid carrer or established. Its really important for the creative soul of Sydney that the city can be reflected and represented by artists living in and amongst the city itself. My fear is that that is becoming prohibitive as more and more artists are priced out of the inner city with the increase in rents and home prices. Kings Cross and its surrounding "village" once home to a incredible collection of artisans is loosing its cultural storytellers and their energy and diversity and interpretations... thus a residency program is desperately needed!!! Also the wonderful Pine Street program could perhaps be replicated and supported by The City of Sydney in the inner city eastern suburbs? Many thanks, I have also submitted ideas regarding theatre at the recent forum.. thankyou for these opportunities.

Brent says:

There is a short section of unused, elevated roadway beneath the Western Distributor Freeway as it crosses over Sussex Street. That could be an interesting space for events or a sculpture park. It wouldn't be hard to build a set of stairs to the roadway from the park nearby.

Sandra:

The SMH ad asks - what's stopping you from getting to the shows you're reading about here? Answer - ample and convenient parking at a reasonable price.

Ella says:

Think about how great artists can influence not only their own smaller communities, but have opportunities to bring their work to a mainstream platform. Think of how many people saw the Easter show spectacular that wouldn't normally go to theatre etc... If the creators had the support to bring together artists to create a show that actually meant something, imagine how many people this would impact. It is all well and good to create more opportunities for artists to nurture their work, but I think we need a greater emphasis on exposing those who can't or don't get to see much art to it. A great way to do this is by making it compulsory in the syllabus and providing support for companies to go to schools and remote communities. Broaden the minds of the adults of the future and we may have a more accepting society.

Liane says:

Local community meeting areas for dance & socialising. I don't do heavy drinking or extremely loud music so there is NOWHERE to cater for a REGULAR social meeting place that has music for people like me. This city meets the social needs of people to age 30 and the rest might as well be dead. Whatever happened to dance & music venues where you could ALSO have conversation? When music is too loud you can't actually meet people.

Amanda says:

Hi, I'd like to see the railway / train stations 'beautified' with art murals, art deco tiling, personalised to represent the artistic community of Sydney. After travelling worldwide, and recently in New York, the underground space has been in some places made more inviting and thus creating a safer atmosphere also. There is a fantastic example that I have seen in Europe recently also. This space, as in the US could then be used to invite performers into the space also. Thank you, Amanda

Bec says:

SPACE BANK - a program that manages short or long term space within the city as it becomes available for use (rehearsal or performance, storage, office etc). This could include space from the major institutions as well or perhaps it corporate board rooms, buildings in between tenants etc. SKILLS BANK - mentoring program between big city business and the not for profit cultural sector. A lawyer from Mallesons advising a NFP on intellectual property law for example. ABAF is supposed to run this but SKILLS BANK could be a little more localised, less formal, more long term. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE - how about a visual artist in the foyer of Customs House, a video game designer in Hyde Park. Business could register thier interest and the the city could match them up with a local artist; a painter in the foyer of the AMP building.

Rebecca says:

Cheap studio, housing and reatil spaces let small creatives crack into the city.

Linda says:

Embrace poetry Have signs around the city with poems on them. Have more sculptures in the city.

Anushka says:

Think Tanks, along the lines of TEDx - I want to hear from design thinkers, authors, photographers, visual artists, film directors. I'd like to see libraries have boardroom type spaces fitted out with technology like data projectors, Wi-Fi,TVs, wipe down walls ie group spaces that can be hired, for community groups who don't have offices to meet, talk, brainstorm. I'd like to see more indigenous performing artists brought to the city.More indigenous language, stories and arts taught to the non-indigenous population.

Jessica says:

As 16 year old student living in Sydney, there is no denying that Sydney is already bountiful in creative, cultural events. Recent ones that I personally have enjoyed were the 13 Rooms exhibition executed brilliantly by Kaldor Public Projects, but I would like to see a stronger focus on performance art projects and installation based works. Also would it be too much to ask that we have a Biennale every year? Probably would to asking too much considering it is called the Biennale. One thing that I have high praise for is the Art Gallery of NSW for running a program that supports Low SES school communities.

Anna says:

Enliven & develop inner city culture by giving artists access to more & cheaper studios, as a low earning artist it is almost impossible to create art & art communities in the city and surrounding suburbs because the rent on studios is so expensive! There are quite a few old empty/unused buildings that would be great studios, would reduce crime in the area and make for a more vibrant community. The government needs to make it easier for people to create artist studios, I have seen so many studios struggle with local council red tape that they have either been forced to close down or never get started, its ridiculous!

Community members wanted for Cooks River Alliance

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-17 15:22:47 +1000

Are you interested in our environment? Would you like to join the Cooks River Alliance Board of management? You do not need any special skills or experience, just an interest in the Cooks River and a passion for making a difference!

The Alliance is now calling for expressions of interest for Community Representatives who will have a say on the direction of the Cooks River Alliance, and provide unique local resident perspectives.

The Community Representatives will help councillors govern the Cooks River Alliance, and make sure local issues are on the table. Applications close Friday 31 May 2013.

The Alliance is made up of 8 councils in the Cooks River catchment area, who are working together with communities, for a healthier Cooks River. The councils have a long history of collaborating for the good of the River, and are now seeking three volunteer Community Representatives to further the cause.

The City of Sydney Council is a founding member of the Cooks River Alliance, which includes Ashfield, Bankstown, Canterbury, Hurstville, Marrickville, Rockdale and Strathfield.

Community Representatives will join the current Alliance Board, made up of one councilor from each member council. The councils have joined to use the combined resources, experience, knowledge and skills within councils and communities, to work on the complex environmental challenges of the Cooks River catchment.

Preference will be given to applicants who live in one of the 8 member council areas. Community Representatives will attend 4 meetings per year, held on weekdays from 6 – 8.30PM at locations across the Cooks River Catchment. All residents are welcome to apply.

Application information can be found on the Cooks River Alliance website.

Closing date for applications: Friday 31 May, 2013

Contact & Questions

Chris Hudson, Project Manager, Cooks River Alliance

Phone: 9748 9644 Email: chris.hudson@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

New page for development applications in Green Square

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-17 15:18:17 +1000

If you would like to keep in touch with development applications in the Green Square urban redevelopment area, then you can visit the Green Square Development page on the City of Sydney's website. For more news about the Green Square area you can also visit the City of Sydney website or the Green Square community hub.

You can also sign up to a monthly e-newsletter by contacting Cara Levinson, the Community Development Worker for Green Square by email clevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Our plan for new community facilities in Green Square

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-17 14:43:33 +1000

The City of Sydney has developed a master plan for the former South Sydney Hospital site in Joynton Avenue, Zetland and we invite your feedback on the plan until Monday 17 June 2013.

The site has been identified by the City as the appropriate location for new community facilities for the Green Square Town Centre and the wider Green Square area.

The master plan outlines the layout and uses for the site. Read more on our Green Square page.

Planned new community facilities for Green Square: Send your feedback

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-17 14:04:27 +1000

The City of Sydney has developed a master plan for the former South Sydney Hospital site in Joynton Avenue, Zetland and we invite your feedback on the plan until Monday 17 June 2013.

The site has been identified by the City as the appropriate location for new community facilities for the Green Square Town Centre and the wider Green Square area.

The master plan outlines the layout and uses for the site. In the first stage, three heritage buildings are proposed to house community facilities, including creative art spaces, studios, exhibition areas and a community shed. A childcare center catering for up to 60 children will also be created. A fourth heritage building will be restored for green technologies and affordable housing is to be located on the site.

The second stage on the northern end of the site is proposed to consist of a new community hall, youth space, specialist medical centre and rehearsal space.

View the master plan

The hospital site master plan is now available cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/OnExhibition.

Printed copies are available for inspection at:

One Stop Shop at the City of Sydney

Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney

Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Green Square Service Centre

100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland

Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm

Have your say

Submissions can be sent through the feedback form on the grey tab on this page; emailed to saphillips@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or by posting your submission to:

‘South Sydney Hospital master plan’

Chief Executive Officer

Attention: Sabrina Phillips

City of Sydney

GPO Box 1591, Sydney, NSW 2001

Please send your submission by 17 June 2013.

Corporate Plans on exhibition

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-14 16:41:56 +1000

The City of Sydney is producing its corporate plans to meet the Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements set by the NSW Government. You can have your say on the following draft plans before they are adopted:

• Community Strategic Plan 2013 (Sustainable Sydney 2030)

A plan for the sustainable development of Sydney to 2030 and beyond. It expresses the community’s vision and the City’s commitment to a green, global and connected city.

• Corporate Plan 2013–2016

A four-year delivery program of major activities and financial estimates to implement the strategies in the Community Strategic Plan.

• Operational Plan 2013/14

Projects and programs for the next 12 months with details of the annual budget, proposed rates model, and fees and charges.

• Resourcing Strategy

Identifies how the City’s resources (financial, workforce and asset management) will be used to achieve the goals set in the Community Strategic Plan. The four draft plans will be on public exhibition from 15 May to 12 June 2013. You can see the draft plans on the City of Sydney website at: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/OnExhibition

You can also see printed copies at:

• One Stop Shop

Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney

Monday to Friday: 8am–6pm

• Redfern Neighbourhood Centre

158 Redfern Street, Redfern

Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm; Saturday: 9am–noon

• Green Square Community Centre

100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland

Monday to Friday: 10am–6pm

• Glebe Library and Customer Service Centre

186 Glebe Point Road (cnr Wigram Road), Glebe

Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm

• Kings Cross Neighbourhood Centre

50–52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross

Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm; Saturday: 9am–noon

Have your say:

We want to know what you think of the draft plans. Email your submissions to corporateplan@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Post your submissions marked ‘Draft Integrated Planning Documents’ to:

Chief Executive Officer

Attention: Jeremy Pendergast

City of Sydney

GPO Box 1591, Sydney, NSW 2001

Submissions close at 5pm on 12 June 2013.

On exhibition: Crown Street Improvements

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-13 13:46:51 +1000

In December 2011, we showed you our plans to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and provide more outdoor dining space. We have expanded the proposed works to include paved footpaths, stone kerbs and Smartpoles.

The City’s revised plans include:

• Wider footpaths on both sides of Crown Street between Devonshire and Cleveland Streets to create more pedestrian space and opportunities for outdoor dining;

• New kerbs and paving, street furniture, seven more trees and landscaping;

• Improving lighting by adding 13 Smartpoles and moving overhead power lines underground to reduce clutter at the at the Cleveland, Crown and Baptist intersection;

• A continuous paved footpath along Crown Street across Miles and Lansdowne Streets;

• A raised pedestrian crossing on Crown Street north of Lansdowne Street to replace the two speed humps;

• Combining two city-bound bus stops located outside Commonwealth

Bank and 513 Crown Street into one stop at 525 Crown Street (Surry Cutters, near Miles Street);

• Moving the southbound bus stop at 586 Crown Street (outside Special Lights) to 614/616 Crown Street, south of the new raised crossing;

• Realigning traffic signals at the Cleveland, Crown and Baptist Streets intersection and removing the slip lane at Baptist Street to improve pedestrian flow;

• New paving and garden beds along Baptist Street from the NSW Mounted Police to Boronia Lane in line with works recently completed in the street;

• New paving and public art along the Crown to Wilshire Street pedestrian link; and

• Standardising parking times, with 2P parking from 8am–6pm, 4P from 6pm–10pm

We would love to hear your feedback.

Your comments will be considered in the next phase of the design and the proposal reported to Council for endorsement. The necessary approvals from the State Transit Authority and Roads and Maritime Services will then be sought to allow this project to begin.

You can view and download these design plans at:

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/on-exhibition/closed-exhibitions/details/crown-street-improvements

Please submit your comments by 6pm, 2nd June 2013 to Adam Lander at alander@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or by post to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Attn: Adam Lander

City of Sydney

GPO BOX 1591

Sydney NSW 2000

May 2013 Project Update

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-09 14:52:44 +1000

The project is progressing and the following activities have taken place since March this year:

March – May 2013:

Consultation with children at St James Primary School: Consultation with local school children has helped refine the design for the playground and inform interpretative elements in St James Park. Plans of the developed playground design will available soon.

Existing Tennis Building: A Development Application for the removal of the existing amenities building has been assessed and approved. The demolition will occur with the park renewal.

Habitat Garden Design:

Community feedback has been considered alongside technical issues to further refine the design for the habitat garden. The consultants inspected native plantings at Wood Street Reserve Forest Lodge and are working with the City’s Urban Ecologist to select the plant species and planting layout.

The Planting Strategy Plan shows the plant height, locations and some suggested planting groups. The planting design aims to maximise habitat and maintain sun to adjacent properties. The draft planting design and draft landscape plan can be seen here.

The plan retains the Plumbago and Murraya shrub plantings and the informal open grass area. It will also allow clear sightlines to the back entrances of adjacent properties to promote safety for community members.

The park contains a mixture of mature Jacaranda and Celtis trees. Where possible trees have been retained and protected. Three trees will be replaced: two suppressed Water Gums, and one Celtis tree adjacent to the sandstone retaining wall, this allow us to carry out the remediation works.

The remaining Celtis Trees will have some of their lower branches thinned to allow more sunlight throughto the native habitat planting below. Celtis sinensis is considered an environmental weed and a tree management plan will be developed for the staged removal of the two remaining Celtis trees over the next 5-8 years. They will be replaced with native trees.

A low barrier fence is proposed to protect the native planting and habitat areas. The park is currently designated a dog on-leash park. Dogs must be under effective control at all times. There are no plans to change the dog management controls.

Remediation A contamination study has confirmed that John Street Reserve had previous industrial uses and contains poor quality soil and ash fill.

An interim Environmental Management Plan has been prepared to outline park use and maintenance requirements until the remediation works have been undertaken.

The soil remediation works will be undertaken to make the reserve suitable for public use into the future. The decontamination & remediation works will result in the removal and capping of soil in some areas in the park.

A range of remediation treatments have been developed with the Site Auditor to protect and retain trees and the shrub plantings (see plans here).

A Development Application will be submitted for the remediation works in mid-May.

Flood Modelling - A flood study of the Johnson Creek catchment area identified potential flooding to the rear of properties on Hegarty Street adjacent to John Street Reserve. To reduce the frequency and mitigate the severity of potential floods, a range of improvement works are proposed. These include:

A low park boundary wall on John Street to deflect stormwater flow along John Street to Hegarty Street;
A 300mm high raised mound (levy) and barrier fence along the western park boundary to restrict water movement to adjacent properties; and
A shallow turf grass basin in John Street Reserve to increase water infiltration and reduce peak stormwater loads.

The preliminary stormwater modelling indicates these measures will have little benefit unless the level at the entry of the private access lane west of the reserve is raised. We will be meeting adjacent residents to discuss possible improvements.

Additional site survey is needed to finalise the flood modelling and assess the potential impacts of stormwater and run off. The surveyor will be in the area over the coming weeks.

Parking - The on-site parking spaces adjacent to the amenities building will be removed to increase the park area. We are investigating the provision of additional on-street parking spaces in the surrounding streets. Some options may include:

Relocate the John St Reserve park maintenance service entry (1 space)
After hours parking in St James Lane (2 spaces).

We are currently seeking RMS approval of the Shared Zone in John Street, St James Avenue & Woolley Lane. Further resident notifications will be undertaken if changes to the on-street parking are proposed.

We will hold ongoing meetings with interested stakeholders including Blue Wren Sub Committee and the Friends of John Street Reserve to provide an update and seek input into the design. Meetings will be arranged as needed and it is anticipated these will be held bimonthly in the park. The next meeting is on site on Wednesday 15 May 2013 at 4:30pm. Please contact us if you would liked to be involved.

George Street Transformation - Next Steps

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-09 14:20:06 +1000

The Public Exhibition of Next Stop: 21st Century George Street has now closed. Thanks to everyone who visited Customs House or submitted feedback during the exhibition. In total, we received over 500 comments!

We will now wrap up all the feedback received and report the findings to Council. The consultation report will then be handed over to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) along with the final version of the City's George Street Concept Design.

TfNSW has recently started on the Environmental Assessment, which is expected to be on public exhibition in the second half of 2013.

We will be updating this page regularly to keep you informed on everything George Street and light rail related. The Question and Answer section on this page will remain open, so please feel free to ask questions about light rail.

More ideas!

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-07 16:53:32 +1000

Triin says:

Whenever I go up the Center Point Tower, there are so many unused rooftops I can see in the CBD. Could City of Sydney turn some of them into nice and safe beautiful little simple gardens? A couple of benches and a bit of grass would create little havens for people to escape to, provide peace of mind and after that creativity will flow! One great example of such a garden is on the rooftop of NSW Parliament House.

Liza-Mare says:

Comments on the City of Sydney Cultural Policy. In building on all of the great work that Council has done in raising the visibility of the Aboriginal people in Sydney, Council policy should be consistent across all Council policy documents in its up front recognition of the original custodians of the Sydney Area as the Cadigal people of the Eora Nation. (Sustainable Sydney 2030 Community Strategic Plan (2011) states: The Council of the City of Sydney acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land - Australia. The City acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney). 03 Scope – ‘deﬁning’ culture Council policy should be consistent across all Council policy documents in their acknowledgement of Aboriginal culture as the oldest living culture in Australia. (Sustainable Sydney 2030 Community Strategic Plan (2011) states The Council of the City of Sydney recognises Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures). Who are we talking about when we say ‘the cultural sector’?- Whilst the city states in the draft Cultural Policy that the “cultural offering of Sydney self-evidently comprises the work of many diverse cultural and commercial organisations” the Council policy should be consistent across all Council policy documents in their acknowledgement of the contribution made by the Sydney Aboriginal arts and cultural sector. Aboriginal arts and culture is fundamental to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the City. 04 The value of culture. Council policy should be consistent across all Council policy documents in their recognition the vital role that Aboriginal arts and culture plays in the lives of Aboriginal society and is an important element in the fabric of the Aboriginal and wider communities.

Kelly says:

More flexible model to assist artists with creation of spontaneous public works outside of its official commissioning process. The City missed out on having an uncommissioned mural work recently by a globally renowned visiting artist because it didn't have the sufficient channels to respond to and support the creation of the proposed work.

Matt says:

The only barrier for arts in Sydney is economical. If Sydney would adopt a similar professional-artist specific consideration for subsidised living costs the way that Belgium and Germany have then the arts community would not need to choose between raising children and raising art, between living without cockroaches or living without ideas and passion, and the expiry date on ones arts practise would be pushed towards a level of sustainability as a life long endeavour, rather than a splash-in-the-pan joy ride of their early 20's.

Jen says:

I moved here from Madrid and they really know how to get people out into the streets! Lots of free events all year round, really well advertised. They use bus stops as great real estate for promoting the full programmes of the events all year round. All of the bus stops also have maps of the city, with all metro and public bus lines so you can check out how you can travel to these events - it's often easier on public transport than people think but I think the perceived hassle of travel often puts people off attending. Instead of using tv screens in buses to spy on people, they use them to deliver the news and promote what's going on in the city. They also provide free wifi across the public transport system which again could be used as ad space on the login page. Of course, Spain as a nation is renowned for partying (every town / neighbourhood has its own unique week-long annual festival in which everyone in the town gets involved - they love it). So, culturally a little different to Oz, but I really felt that the City of Madrid, with all of the services and events they organise, wanted me to be part of the community. In summary, use train stations and trains, bus stops and buses trains as advertising and information real estate - make it easy for people to participate. Once they start, they will continue!

Josh says:

Please have more mini festivals and events within the city. I love th promotion of roof top gardens, and would also love to see people being able to lease a little veggie patch or garden in the CBD. We could rent it only for a year, for a nominal fee, and you could then have a chance to grow some organic vegetables of your own, or some flowers, enable composting, etc. many people in the CBD have no real chance to grow anything substantial and this would be a great way to let people get in touch with nature and their neighbours. The TKTS idea is great too. Open our events to more people! I think more street festivals like they do in New York is great too. Especially how they close off a main street and have a big event on the road. I love the way that Randwick Council enabled easy applications for street parties with assistance with traffic management plans. We should do this too!

Here are some of your suggestions:

Project Coordinator — 2013-05-06 15:44:29 +1000

Faye says:

In comparison to other modern cities Sydney can be rather inferior when it comes to accessibility for people with disability, this includes public transport, physical access to buildings and other attractions. All cultural events in Sydney should have to consider accessibility issues and meet particular criteria.

Michelle says:

I am a 33 year old who left Australia at the age of 18 due to the lack of a great music scene. I have recently returned after 12 years of American life and I must say, I do lament the lack of OPTIONS here in Australia. First of all, many many venues that used to be no longer are. Secondly, the promoters in Australia do NOT aim high. And when we DO have festivals like Vivid, Sydney amongst others the selection of Black artists covering the spectrum of funk, soul, dancehall are close to none unless they are on a boutique label. I do not go out to those performances because I do not want to spend money on artists I do NOT enjoy seeing. However, I am more than happy to spend top dollar and get the best seats on the rare occasion when someone I like comes here. Bilal will be here in May, but I am still stunned that artists like Jill Scott, Maxwell, D'Angelo etc continue to NOT be toured down under despite a devout fanbase. Considering the response Erykah Badu got when she came her (sold out shows) Australian audiences are ACHING for EXCEPTIONAL live music played by EXCEPTIONAL musicians but we continue getting shortchanged. I love live music, I truly miss living in cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta that are teeming with amazing concerts every week. Here I am lucky if I go out 2/3 times a year...no options, no diverse, quality options at all :/

James says:

Public Transport - targeted special event transport arrangements... each special events gets extra buses or trains to bring in and take away people from that event. We'd also like to be able to afford more events, as most like Carmen are too expensive. Arts as well as sports in Youth centers More street art/artists, live music

Ben says:

- Make pole-postering NOT a crime and install proper posts (bigger and more numerous than the token posts erected a few years ago) for postering. Keep in mind that young creative artists/bands/promoters cannot afford traditional advertising and must resort to this form of promotion. Moreover, while the city may get complaints from stuffy residents who see posters as and eyesore, majority of us LOVE the arty feel of a city that is plastered and walls painted with murals, ART all around. If you want a sterile, souless place without noise or colour, then carry on banning postering. - Small grants (and numerous ones) to help artists produce would be great. $2000 K would nbe enough per grant to get a person on their way well and truly. - Drop RENT of all properties and shopfronts that could well be rented by those who wish to make small bars, cafes, clubs or interesting shops that don't sell Armani suits. London has exploded culturally, esp in the arts, because of low rents and cafes and performance spaces have been popping up everywhere.

Tanya says:

More hidden creative icons like Angel Place's birdcage art work. We need more of these hidden large scale artworks and sculptures to be included into out city. A secret art trail can then be developed allowing locals and tourists to follow a hidden journey of discovering art throughout our city. Kind of like the small bar scene - unless you know its there you miss it... this kind of thing but for art and connect it as a trail.

Elias:

Sydney is thankfully a city with a great creative culture, and a home to some of our more prominent artistic figures. All the events, festivals and the intimacy of the community give the impression to a young Sydney sider that a career in the creative field is not a pipe dream. However there needs to be a more direct and accessible pathways scheme from tertiary institutions that takes creative students into the workforce of their field. There are so many young people who go to a university or a college to be trained and struggle for years to find a way into their industry. Employers tend to favour people with hands-on experience, rather than education. A lot of students out of high school feel that a tertiary education is a strong leg to stand on when looking for work in the creative field, but in their experience of job hunting they find that employers don't really care about their degree. It's an understandable position, to favour experience over education, but with limited funding, there are only unpaid internships available for tertiary graduates and with some of those graduates swamped in debt as a result of uni bills, a lot of us can't afford to work for free. Moreover, because these internships are the only positions available for us, they become incredibly competitive and in some cases, interns feel exploited. Thankfully though there are several institutions that do lead their students into the creative workforce but there are some that don't even have a careers advisor, or equivalent. The minister for arts spoke at my graduation two years ago and said "Mining is a finite resource, but our creative resources are boundless and environmentally friendly".

Liz says:

More professional street art (Aboriginal art would be great) on empty walls, a bit like in Berlin. More pubs/clubs dedicated to live music.

Sarah says:

I would like to see more venues for live music - the current offerings are pretty dismal. The other issue I find frustrating is the lack of efficient public transport around the city at night, it makes going out very expensive when you have to factor in cabs etc. It would be great if there were more shuttles etc operating at night around key creative precincts - and even better if they were free! I would love Sydney to host such events as the New and London Art Book Fairs. It would be great to have grants available supporting the start-up and operation of non-profit organisations like Printed Matter:http://printedmatter.org/about/ Also the MCA adapting a program/concept like MoMA's PS1 would be fantastic I could go on all day!! ha! Thanks!

Amaranta says:

I want street art to be legal even if you just make some more legal walls for street artists in and around the city it would make the city come alive.

Nick says:

One of the big impediments to making art in Sydney is the cost of studio space and the cost of living generally. I know artists who spend so much time working just to live and pay for their studios that they end up having no time to make art. And another young artist who despite showing in a big name gallery cannot afford to live in Sydney. This artist plans on leaving Australia because this is cheaper option.