Opposition is mounting to the New South Wales government’s proposal to demolish and redevelop Sydney’s historic Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay.
The “revitalise Blackwattle Bay" plan includes the construction of 16 new towers up to 45-storeys high, as well as a shopping and business district.
The government has designated the Sydney Fish Market as a State Significant Precinct (SSP), which mean it can fast track developments it deems are sites of significance.
The rezoning means it can relax the application of State Environmental Planning Policies and override local council planning processes. It is also designed to undermine any push back from residents.
Other controversial SSPs under development include the Sydney Football Stadium, the Pemulwuy Project (a redevelopment of Aboriginal housing known as “the Block” in Redfern), the Habourside and Eastlakes Shopping Centres, Cockle Bay, Coffs Harbour Bypass and WestConnex.
Glebe resident Emily Bullock, who is campaigning against the redevelopment, told Green Left that the government is not consulting. “It claims to be consulting by asking people to place submissions into Infrastructure NSW by August 20. But they started moving on the over-development ... over one year ago.”
Bullock said the plan is “only proposing 30 hectares of green space for at least 1500 flats and within the 30 hectares they include footpaths, roadways, not actually greenery.
“This ‘green space’ is totally shaded under Anzac Bridge, and we have heard there is a skateboard park idea for it.
“The 45 storey apartment blocks will be … higher than the top of the Anzac Bridge. They [NSW government] have stated there will be 5% affordable housing out of the entire complex. We know the apartments in that category will be the unsaleable ones, with the view of motorway pillars.
“The Sydney skyline is already so dominated by high-rise, private buildings. The [Crown] casino at Barangaroo is 80 stories high, casting a shadow over the city and flashing reflected light on the harbour and Glebe and Pyrmont residents.”
Bullock urged community members to lodge a submission in opposition to the proposal before August 20.
More than 800 locals have made a submission to the initial proposal, including community groups such as the Glebe Society and Hands Off Glebe.