The state government recently approved a development strategy for the southern boundary of the market, known as Gurrowa Place. This project will consist of a mix of housing and offices, including built-to-rent apartments and student housing, with a focus on providing housing options and creating open space. However, concerns have been raised about the proposed architecture of the towers, which are described as banal and lacking in sustainability and human-centered design. The new buildings will overshadow the market and lack intimacy in the proposed open space.
The plan calls for significant changes to existing roads and open spaces around the market, including the removal of the Franklin Street Reserve and the construction of a 50-storey tower. Existing roads will be redirected to pass in front of historic South Sheds, disconnecting them from the market. The existing ground level car park will be repurposed as a public square, with a new underground car park for 220 cars. Critics argue that the emphasis on building scale and car parking contradicts contemporary urban design principles and will lead to increased traffic congestion.
Despite the need for funding for construction and market improvements, the focus on large, profitable buildings and car-centric design is seen as outdated. Alternative transportation options, such as E-buses, bicycle lanes, trams, and trains, are available and could help alleviate traffic congestion around the market. The scale and design of the proposed buildings, particularly the massive south wall overlooking the city, have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the surrounding area and its aesthetics.
Overall, there are concerns about the proposed development strategy for Gurrowa Place, including the architecture of the towers, the impact on existing roads and open spaces, and the emphasis on car-centric design. Critics argue that the project fails to consider sustainability, human-centered design, and alternative transportation options. The scale and design of the buildings raise questions about their impact on the surrounding area and the overall aesthetic of the development.
