Last week we heard some disturbing news from the Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Dominic Perrottet. The Government Architect’s Office, which currently competes with the private sector for architectural projects, is to have its staff slashed from 120 to about 12 as part of a move to strengthen its focus on providing strategic design advice to government.
The Institute welcomes the move to an advisory role; it meshes with our campaign for greater ‘professionalism and consistency across the whole of public sector procurement. But we question how the GAO can possibly fulfil this role effectively with a staff as small as 12. I am seeking a meeting with the Minister on this issue as soon as possible.
The Bays Precinct
The Bays Precinct program will transform 80 hectares of under-utilised government- owned land and 94 hectares of harbour waterways two kilometres west of the Sydney CBD into a destination that could contribute significantly to the economic, cultural and social well-being of the city and the state over the next 50 years. It will be the largest urban renewal program in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics.
Four NSW Chapter members attended the international summit held on 19/20 November last year. Joe Agius subsequently provided a list of principles for a strategic plan for the precinct to UrbanGrowth NSW at the CEO’s request.
I attended a stakeholders’ summit last month and was also impressed by the genuine openness of the consultation process being pursued, a far cry from the closed processes used for the development of the Barangaroo and Darling Harbour precincts. As a result of this meeting the Institute will take the opportunity to make a submission as part of Urban Growth’s “call for great ideas” initiative to document what the Institute regards as good process for brief formulation, procurement and design review and quality.
Later this week I will have the opportunity to interview the UrbanGrowth NSW CEO for a forthcoming edition of Architecture Bulletin focusing on the strategic contribution of architects and architecture to urban renewal.
Chapter News
It was a pleasure to welcome new Chapter Manager Audrey Braun and introduce her to Chapter Council members at our June meeting. Audrey is already settling in very well as she is briefed on the many strands of her multi-faceted role. We are also anticipating the imminent appointment of a new Architecture Bulletin editor and media officer.
NSW Architecture Awards
Tickets are selling fast for this year’s awards ceremony, to be held at the prestigious and historically significant Sydney Town Hall on Thursday 2 July. I hope to see you there with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Planning Rob Stokes, Chapter Council and members. Fenella Kernebone will again be our knowledgeable and engaging host for our ‘night of nights’.
Shaun Carter
NSW Chapter President