James Packer is seeking to add up to 20 storeys above the allowable height limit on his planned $1 billion hotel and casino complex at Barangaroo, receiving support from former Prime Minister Paul Keating and both Labor and Liberal backing in NSW.
Keating told the Sydney Morning Herald that he is hoping the new building will be reminiscent of a 'Brancusi' sculpture and he thinks it should be taller than the surrounding towers and a 'diva' in the area.
It supports the view of Barangaroo architect, Lord Richard Rogers, who says the hotel should provide an ‘‘exclamation mark’’ for the area.
‘‘If it’s going to have height it ought to be a sculptured building, perhaps something like a Brancusi sculpture,’’ Keating said.
He added: "It’s diminutive compared with the three towers next to it, yet it’s supposed to be the diva on the stage.’’
Later at a public event in Sydney, Packer jokingly commented on Keating's affection for architecture.
"I love listening to Paul talk about architecture - it's like listening to someone read Fifty Shades of Grey," he said.
He added that he is interested in the idea of holding a design competition for the new casino which is being developed by Lend Lease.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell this week announced that the proposal for the six-star hotel resort with VIP-only gaming facilities has moved to the second stage of government consideration.
“Crown’s submission is that the development would see up to $1 billion invested in NSW and would result in more than 1,200 jobs,” O’Farrell said.
An artist’s impression of James Packer’s proposed 6-star hotel and casino at Barangaroo. Image courtesy SMH
(Pictured right: Bird in Space, Brancusi )
“As Sydney’s first six-star hotel, it would be a world-class tourist facility which would help us compete with other global destinations particularly in the lucrative and booming Asian tourism market," O’Farrell said.
Architecture & Design has sought comment from Crown Limited.
