Construction of the Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig Archaeology Education took place between September 2008 and October 2009.  The majority of the new buildings are raised on pillars above the archaeological remnants to minimise the impact of the new development and to maintain visual and physical access to the archaeology of the site.  During construction, the site was covered in a layer of scaffolding to protect the archaeological remnants.

 

Planning Process

On 28th August 2007, YHA submitted the Environmental Assessment Plan for the Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig Archeology Education Centre to the NSW Department of Planning. 

The display period for the Environmental Assessment Plan for the Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre closed on 21st October 2007.   The NSW Department of Planning has reviewed the submissions received.  On the 8th February, 2008 the Minister for Planning, Hon Frank Sartor, announced that approval for the development was granted.

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority: Call for Proposals

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority manages and cares for the site and in 2006 called for proposals for a suitable development to safeguard the future of the site. From this process four development proposals were selected by an expert evaluation panel. The panel, which included members of the NSW National Trust, the Historic Houses Trust and the NSW Heritage Office, provided valuable assistance in drawing up key considerations for the site. Of primary concern was the need to:

• Protect this unique site and to make it publicly accessible.
• Create innovative synergy between the site and The Rocks area.
• Conserve and interpret the site and its remains.

The proposal by YHA, involving a consortium of archaeologists, heritage specialists, education and urban design experts, was designed to revitalise the past, recognise the present and realise the future and to create a vital, new experience in The Rocks.

In July 2006, the Minister for Planning, Hon Frank Sartor, announced YHA’s submission as the preferred development for the site.

Why was YHA’s proposal the preferred development?

Development of the site was significantly constrained and necessitated inventive design work to ensure the site was protected and would also provide a viable enterprise for the developer.

YHA NSW was the winning tenderer for the site in it proposing a light-weight, elevated building development that retained the open nature of the site and, by way of the archaeology education centre, incorporated a means by which interpretation of the site could be expressed to the public.

YHA submits Major Project Application

On 1 August 2005, a new section, Part 3A, was introduced to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (“the Act”). Part 3A and its accompanying Regulations and Guidelines (the latter yet to be gazetted), contains a new assessment and determination framework for Major Projects. If a development within the Sydney Harbour Foreshore has a capital investment of more than $5 million it is deemed to be a Major Project. As such Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig is deemed to be a Major Project and Part 3A of the Act applies. In September 2006, YHA submitted a Major Projects Application to the NSW Department of Planning for the development of a YHA and archaeology education centre. The Project Application was accompanied by a Preliminary Environmental Assessment.

On 29 November 2006, the Department of Planning provided a copy of the Director General’s Environmental Assessment Requirements under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

What consultation has been done in the design phase?

A Design Review Panel was formed to assist in the development of a design that was sympathetic to the heritage values of the site and locality as well as providing for a viable enterprise. The Panel comprised representatives from The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, The Department of Planning, the Heritage Office and YHA.

YHA undertook direct consultation with government agencies and community organisations, held public meetings and site tours for interested stakeholders and advised surrounding residents and property owners through letter-box drops.

In addition to these direct consultations, YHA has also instigated indirect public consultation through the following processes:

• Creating The Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig website
• Signposting the site for passing traffic and pedestrians.
• Holding a public open day on the site on 11th March, 2007.
• Conducting structured, focus sessions with targeted, small groups of international, independent travellers.
• Conducting structured, focus sessions with primary and high school teachers.

YHA will continue to consult with the community throughout the development of the project and into its operation.

What planning instruments and guidelines are relevant to this development?

The following Acts are relevant to the subject proposal:

• Part 3A Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
• Heritage Act 1977.

The following state environmental planning policies are relevant to the subject proposal:

• State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005.
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 11 – Traffic Generating Development.

The following regional environmental plans are relevant to the subject proposal:

• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005.

The following local planning controls and policies are relevant to the subject proposal:

• The Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA) Scheme.
• City of Sydney Visitor and Tourist Accommodation DCP 2006.
• Sydney Harbour Foreshores and Waterways Area DCP.
• SHFA The Rocks Lighting Policy.
• SHFA The Rocks Signage Policy.

YHA submits Environmental Assessment Report

As required by the Director General and Part 3A of the EP&A Act, on August 28, 2007 YHA submitted an Environmental Assessment Report for the project to the Department of Planning. This assessment indicates that the proposed development will result in positive social, environmental and heritage outcomes, whilst providing a viable form of redevelopment on this sensitive site.

The Assessment concludes that the site is suitable for the proposal and that the development of the site as a YHA, archaeology education centre and shop is consistent with the public interest.

The proposal was on public exhibition, and available on the Department of Planning website, from the middle of September 2007 for one month.  

Approval Granted

The NSW Department of Planning received several submissions regarding the development.  In response to these submissions YHA prepared a Preferred Project Report for review by the NSW Department of Planning.  On Friday 8th February, 2008 the Minister for Planning, Hon Frank Sartor, announced that approval for the development had been granted.