Still planning Melbourne mega-tower
Australian casino operator Crown Resorts has prevailed in its battle to protect the “sweeping views” that were part of its plan to develop a high-rise resort in Sydney Harbor. Another development project planned by the state-run Barangaroo Delivery Authority would have obscured those billion-dollar views, which include Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Crown Resorts and co-litigant Lendlease argued that the BDA broke its agreement to preserve the views of those iconic landmarks. On December 14, the State Supreme Court agreed. Justice Robert McDougall ruled that the BDA “breached the development agreements between it, Crown Sydney Property and two Lendlease parties. The Authority considered various bids to develop Central Barangaroo without first discussing and negotiating with Crown and Lendlease ways to retain the sight lines that the Crown and Lendlease buildings would otherwise enjoy.” The court added that the views are “of great value to Crown and Lendlease.”
When complete, Crown Sydney will stand 271 meters tall (about 89 stories) and include a six-star hotel, residential apartments and a VIP casino, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. The addition will also make Crown the only casino company operating in both Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s two biggest cities.
In other Crown news, according to Casino News Daily, the company says it’s still committed to building Australia’s tallest skyscraper, One Queensbridge at Crown Melbourne, but hasn’t completed financing for the project, which, like Barangaroo, carries an $US2 billion price tag.
The hotel and residential tower far exceeds local planning limits, and the government’s decision to OK the project has been criticized by critics as a “free kick” for Crown, said Premier Daniel Andrews. But Andrews defended the decision, saying the scheme has “state significance.”
At 323 meters (106 stories), One Queensbridge would be Australia’s tallest building by far, with a six-star 388-room hotel and 708 residential apartments. It will be located on Queensbridge Street in Melbourne, across from the casino. Crown’s joint venture partner is Schiavello Group. According to the firms, it could take five to six years before the tower is completed and open.
