Two-tower apartment development greenlit on Sydney's Hyde Park

Sydney's skyline is set to transform with the approval of new dual-tower development plans overlooking Hyde Park in the heart of the city. 

The project, which is linked to Chinese developer Shimao Group Holdings, will comprise 259 apartments across two 28 and 30-level towers, set above commercial and street-level retail at 175 Liverpool Street.

The design, selected through a competitive process that highlighted Bates Smart as the winning scheme, was praised for its thoughtful integration with the surrounding environment, including a respectful approach to the adjacent ANZAC War Memorial and Hyde Park.

"To respect the primacy of the Memorial we designed a ‘quiet’ building free from visual distractions and unnecessary formal manipulation, that would not distract from the visual prominence of the memorial," the statement read.

The project's suitability for the site and its context, with careful consideration given to neighbouring developments, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall urban setting was one of the crucial aspects contributing to the approval of the proposal.

The mix of land uses, including residential, commercial, and retail, is also expected to invigorate the area's vitality without compromising environmental or amenity standards. 

Moreover, amendments made to the initial proposal address community concerns, underscoring a commitment to responsible urban development.

This approval adds to the interest in development around Hyde Park, reflecting a broader trend of urban revitalisation in Sydney. 

With projects like 111 Castlereagh Street by Cbus, the City Tattersall Club redevelopment by ICD, and Deicorp's Hyde Metropolitan down the road, the approval of the dual tower highlights Sydney's ongoing commitment to balanced urban growth.