Planning minister halts Sydney Town Hall Square project

The NSW Planning Minister, Paul Scully, has halted work on the $150 million Town Hall Square project in Sydney. The City of Sydney had planned to build a 4,500-square-metre civic plaza opposite Town Hall, which would serve as a gathering point for various community events. Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller expressed disappointment over the sudden halt, stating that the city has been saving up for future population growth and had followed all the necessary procedures.

The Independent Planning Commission will determine if the project should be considered a state significant development due to its cost and the demolition of culturally and commercially significant buildings. Scully believes it may meet the definition of state or regional planning significance and has requested advice from the planning commission as per the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act.

The project, which involves demolishing seven buildings, including a Woolworths supermarket, has drawn opposition from the Retail Workers Union, which fears job losses.