TOGA Central

The National Trust (NSW) object to this proposal, in particular the extensive external demolition of the 1913 Parcels Post Building. Our submission is attached.

Refer attachment

The development is appropriate as it next to Central - this area should be developed into high rise buildings since it the main transport hub. Railway Square at the moment is a dirty and grim part of the city which I avoid. The redevelopment of the plaza should be of high quality and ensure that the area is clean, safe and improve access to trains, light rail, metro and importantly buses.

Henry Deane Plaza is overdue for a total makeover. It is cold and needs to be redeveloped. Redeveloping the plaza next to the new Atlassian headquarters is a fantastic opportunity that should not be missed!

Being a frequent user of the Henry Deane Plaza and the Central Station precinct, I am all too aware that the plaza and the surrounding buildings are in need of major revitalisation due to their age, condition and the lack of available amenity to service the area. The plaza is currently a high-traffic transit area with no acceptable retail or commercial offering to service the thousands of people who pass through the square on a daily basis. The site sits as a major gateway between the inner west and the city and is therefore in a prime location to create a new modern and vibrant retail and commercial precinct which takes advantage of its proximity to public transport and the nearby UTS campus. This proposed development, when coupled with the adjacent development proposals, has the ability to rejuvenate what is currently a bleak and decrepit area of the city and provide workplaces which will create abundant employment opportunities. It is for the reasons that the current Toga Central proposal has my full support

The TOGA Central project is a positive and progressive contribution to the revitalisation of the southern Sydney CBD and is critical to ensuring that the first sub-precinct within the broader Central Station renewal program is fully completed. I support this important project for the following reasons:

1. The existing Henry Deane Plaza is tired, uninspired and needs to be redeveloped. Leaving the plaza unchanged next to the new Atlassian headquarters would be a lost a opportunity for Sydney to create an important globally recognisable destination similar to the redevelopment of Kings Cross Station in London.
2. The architecture and design by Bates Smart is of the highest quality and appropriate for the prominence of location and will age well over the long-term.
3. The heritage post office building is in poor condition and needs to be reinvigorated. This project will improve access to the building and allows more of the public to enjoy the building through the change of use from hotel to retail.
4. The mixed use building is important to ensure amenity for the large amount of commercial office being delivered. The mix of uses is key to creating a destination which people wish to visit outside of business hours at night and on weekends.
5. With the global success of Australian born tech businesses like Atlassian, Sydney needs a home for tech and innovation that will attract the world's best businesses and talent.
6. Central Station is underutilised and needs to transform from a transit hub into a fully fledged destination in its own right. The new development around Central will allow this to be achieved.
7. The TOGA Central project seems to be providing key pedestrian links and will make the Central surrounds a safer environment for people traveling to UTS.

Central has long been overlooked for meaningful development. Central, is far from a destination in people's minds, and is rather an access node for Surry Hills, Darling Quarter and the City. I support this development (and the others around it) being a means to provide revitalisation and connectivity to the area. Developments should be a mixed use to bring a diverse group of users at various times of day and night.

The Station is also in need of development. Our 'Central' station is by far the most unappealing station in the city with nothing to offer from a retail or hospitality angle. Look at Kings Cross or St Pancras in London as prime examples of what a modern transport hub should be.

Sydney has long talked of a Tech-hub but has yet to truly deliver on it. Having Atlassian, UTS and to a degree TAFE located in this hub might actually achieve what has long been attempted.

I am excited and intrigued by the redevelopment of CPS Sydney. Having spent many hours commuting and visiting this part of Sydney, I know personally that it has been a difficult and unrewarding journey for decades.
It is all about change now. How exciting it is to read though the TOGA submission.
In particular, the TOGA submission will enhance and activate Henry Deane Plaza whilst creating a vibrant new public space for commuters and visitors. The transformation of the Heritage Post building into a new meeting place for local workers, visitors and the community will be something truly remarkable. The design and form of the building is sympathetic to it's history, and signals a new frontier evolving for the people of South Sydney. For decades this precinct has disappointed visitors with it's lack of character and public amenity. What the TOGA design & built form delivers is a chance for Central Station to finally have a beacon that signals; "here lies the true heart and soul of South Sydney".

Extension of time to the exhibition period so that it closes at Close of Business on the 4th October 2022 rather than the 26th September 2022.

Now is the perfect opportunity to build commuter, long term and courier parking for Central station

CASA has reviewed the TOGA Central, 2 & 8A Lee St, Haymarket Aeronautical Impact Assessment of 15-Jul-2022 by Strategic Airspace. CASA has no objections to the proposed project. CASA assessed the building under the Airspace Regulations on 22 August 2022. Copy of CASA assessment enclosed.

It would be useful to have more new hotels around Central Station.

I feel desperately angry and sad to see yet another example of government mis-management and developer greed that is very quickly destroying the fabric of Sydney. Partially demolishing a heritage building and then allowing an enormous tower to wrap over and above it is just appalling. This would not be allowed in major European cities, where heritage is something to be respected and looked after. By labelling proposals as being 'state significant', heritage can be mercilessly obliterated here in NSW.

Duplicate of agency advice.

Submission Attached