Urban Digest

Politics

IPC Approves Mirvac’s Public Domain Plans for Darling Harbour

June 22, 2025

Photorealistic render of the Harbourside redevelopment in Darling Harbour, showing the proposed residential tower, stepped podium, and adjacent public domain along the waterfront.

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has granted final approval for the public domain component of the Harbourside Shopping Centre redevelopment in Darling Harbour. This approval covers the last of three detailed applications submitted by Mirvac Retail Sub SPV Pty Ltd for the $2 billion transformation of the Sydney foreshore.

Proposal Overview: Public Domain Works in Sydney’s Harbourside Redevelopment

The approved works deliver over 11,000 square metres of new public space. These include a widened Waterfront Promenade, a rooftop garden, pedestrian links, and two new bridges.

The project reinstates the North Bridge connection to Pyrmont and builds a second pedestrian bridge over Darling Drive to Bunn Street. Other features include through-site links, stepped access, public seating, licensed areas, and public art. In addition, the developer will upgrade Darling Drive with trees, street furniture, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone.

The public domain will remain open at all hours. Mirvac and Placemaking NSW will share management responsibilities across the site.

Conceptual approach by Hassell + Snøhetta

Background of the Proposal: Urban Renewal at the Former Harbourside Shopping Centre

This public domain package forms part of the wider Harbourside redevelopment. Previous approvals covered demolition, bulk excavation, and the podium and tower construction. The site once hosted the original Harbourside Shopping Centre, which opened in 1988 and was demolished in 2023.

For earlier project stages and full background, see Urban Digest’s IPC review coverage.

Planning Framework & Assessment Pathway: NSW Planning Approval Process

The IPC became the consent authority after receiving over 50 unique public objections during exhibition. This volume of feedback triggered referral under the Planning Systems State Environmental Planning Policy.

Although the land is publicly owned, public land status alone did not require IPC assessment. The volume of objections, not ownership, determined the assessment pathway.

The site sits within the Eastern Harbour City SEPP and the Sydney Harbour Foreshores and Waterways DCP. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure recommended approval, and the IPC accepted this advice after further review.

Community Submissions and Applicant Response: Addressing Public Concerns

The exhibition period generated strong community feedback. Most submissions raised concerns about view loss, noise from events, lighting impacts, and accessibility.

Mirvac responded with design changes and additional documentation. It confirmed the North Bridge would be rebuilt to maintain access between Pyrmont Bridge and One Darling Harbour. The company limited event use in the Waterfront Garden and adjusted the event management plan to reflect this change. It also revised the lighting design to reduce light spill and added new ramps and lifts to improve accessibility.

In addition, the layout of trees and seating was changed to improve pedestrian circulation and comfort.

The IPC added further conditions. These include requirements for wind management, stronger lighting controls, and public access guarantees.

Reasons for Approval: Supporting Public Space and Pedestrian Access

The IPC found the proposal aligned with the approved Concept Plan (SSD-7874) and complied with relevant planning policies. It considered the development consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Commissioners noted the volume of community submissions and evaluated each issue in detail. They concluded that the applicant’s design changes addressed key concerns. Revised management plans clarified event limits, noise controls, lighting, and access routes.

The Commission confirmed that the North Bridge will preserve an essential pedestrian link. It also supported enhancements to landscaping and urban design that improve public amenity.

Importantly, the IPC imposed new conditions. These ensure updated event and lighting strategies are in place. They also require universal public access and regular environmental monitoring during operation.

In summary, the Commission determined that the project will deliver meaningful public benefits. These include expanded open space, improved foreshore access, and better integration with surrounding areas.