Under the draft plans,the historic Paint Shop building could be turned into a commercial space or put to other uses,while several new public squares will be incorporated into the precinct,including one fronting Wilson Street.
If approved,the area will have up to 450 new apartments in buildings ranging from three to 28 storeys,the final designs of which are yet to be determined. The Paint Shop is oppositeCarriageworks,the art space at the Eveleigh rail yards.
Cities,Infrastructure and Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes said the 10-hectare parcel of land had been off limits to the public for more than a century,and he described the Paint Shop building as an “incredible canvas” to re-imagine Redfern-North Eveleigh.
“We’re transforming the old rail yards by restoring and protecting their heritage value,building new homes and offices while creating more than 14,000 square metres of public space,including a new town square and public parkland,” he said.
Under the draft plans,15 per cent of the apartments in the area will be deemed affordable or social housing,while a further 15 per cent are earmarked for so-called diverse housing ranging from student to build-to-rent accommodation.
Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore said the government’s master plan must deliver on the potential of the innovation precinct and meet the needs of the community.