The draft master plan for the Redfern-North Eveleigh precinct is centred on an area known as the Paint Shop,which was named after the 135-year-old brick workshop where the state’s passenger trains were overhauled until 1988.
An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Paint Shop precinct,on the left,opposite Carriageworks.NSW government
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 opposite,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.
The redeveloped precinct will include up to 450 apartments under the draft plans.NSW government
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.
“The master plan should maintain the strong,special heritage character of the area and connection with First Nations communities,” she said.
The City of Sydney council will be briefed on the plans in the coming weeks,after which it will make an assessment of the proposal.
Trains were overhauled at the historic Paint Shop building until the late 1980s.Wolter Peeters
The redevelopment of the Paint Shop area is part of longer-term plans for a large tract of government-owned land stretching from Central Station to Redfern and Eveleigh.
Stokes said the plan for the Paint Shop would celebrate Redfern’s deep Indigenous connection and industrial past while creating dedicated spaces for start-up businesses and improved active transport links between Redfern Station,North Eveleigh and the local cycle network.
The land is now owned by the,a controversial rail corporation that controls billions of dollars worth of the state’s rail assets.
Confidential documents have previously shown that of 24 hectares of government-owned land in and around Central Station,as well as the Paint Shop sub-precinct,are strategic priorities for TAHE over the next three years.
The plans for the area around Central Station include 100,000 square metres of hotels,apartments or student accommodation,and more than 40,000 square metres of shops,restaurants,cafes and bars.
The draft master plan for the Paint Shop area will be on public exhibition until August 25.
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