Their project comprises two office towers of 37 and 39 storeys,which will be linked to a smaller sandstone building below comprising shops,a food hall and work spaces.
The area where the towers are planned is known as the western gateway,which is the first stage of a larger redevelopment of 24 hectares which has been dubbed"Tech Central". The latter extends from the railway station to Cleveland Street at Redfern in the south.
The government's approval of the rezoning of the area to the western edge of the railway will allow buildings up to 206 metres high – compared with 35 metres previously – as well as a major increase in office space.
NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the changes to planning controls would revitalise the area and help create the country's leading centre for start-ups and innovative businesses.
"The rezoning will create the opportunity for more than 1300 jobs during construction and more than $650 million in economic benefit initially,"he said."It will transform an area that's been tired for some time into a vastly improved public place with shops,restaurants and offices."
However,the rezoning of the area to allow much higher buildings hasraised some concerns from the National Trust that nearby towers will dwarf the landmark Central Station.