Dear Editor<\/p>\n
I write in response to the article published in The Sydney Morning Herald today (4 May 2013)
\n\u2018Keating gives blessing to Packer\u2019s big plans\u2019 by Sean Nicholls on page 7.<\/p>\n
The latest episode in the Barangaroo saga reveals yet another assault on the public interest.
\nIn addition to the financial assessment of the competing Crown and Echo Entertainment
\nunsolicited casino hotel proposals, the government must undertake an assessment of the public
\nbenefits (or otherwise) of these proposals on what is left of the public domain at Barangaroo.
\nWhat will be the impact of such a monumental building on the low-scale and people-friendly
\ncommunity facilities proposed for the harbour side of Barangaroo Central?<\/p>\n
The government is charged with the responsibility of protecting the public interest on this
\nimportant piece of public land.<\/p>\n
Rather than protecting the public interest, successive governments have allowed private
\ninterests to gain primacy in determining the re-configuration of this major site.<\/p>\n
This is occurring again: encroachment on areas previously public, renegotiation of heights,
\nquestionable uses, disregard for previous masterplans, no public consultation, and proposals so
\nunconscious of their context they may as well be in Dubai.<\/p>\n
Mr Packer’s misguided comparison of his designs with the Sydney Opera House – a public
\ncultural building that is highly responsive to its context – is both ludicrous and offensive.<\/p>\n
Joe Agius
\nNSW Chapter President
\nAustralian Institute of Architects<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"