'barangaroo hotel'

the winning proposal for sydney's biggest hotel more than 100 metres out over the harbour
has sparked a heated debate amongst the local community. while no developer has been
allowed construction out over the water before, the proposal put forth by british architect
richard rogers aims to embark on this untouched territory and, in doing so, help redevelop
the area of east darling harbour.

some argue that it breaches the height and density restrictions for the area it is set to be
constructed in, as well as bypasses sydney's ban on building over water. meanwhile,
rogers has pointed out that proposed design will benefit the currently 'non functional'
old container wharves at east darling harbour.

'there’s no reason why, in the 21st century, we should not build lightly – we have to tread
very lightly – out into the water.'- RR



the hotel sitting on a 150 meter long pier aims to provide a different view of the habour
with a better oversight of the opera house. moreover, the construction of the wharf, according
to sydney's premier kristina keneally, would also improve access to the habour for visitors
of barangaroo. however, for some it is questionable whether the hotel may just be a newer
version of the 'blues point tower', a widely criticized apartment tower at mcmahons point.










aerial view of the east darling harbour with extended pier


aerial view of the east darling harbour


a model of the proposed hotel at barangaroo
image © brendan esposito

to encourage debate about the site, the barangaroo delivery authority hosted a public
meeting last night with lord rogers and the former prime minister paul keating, arguing
the merits of the scheme.