Campbell's Stores Reuse

This proposed development represents a gross misuse of publicly owned land, comprising as it does the use of publicly owned land to create a commercial development. If it proceeds , Campbell's Stores will lose part of its heritage setting, with its northern end hidden, & higher ground levels To accommodate a basement for the glass building) would bury the Campbell's Stores ground floor level almost to the top of its doors..
The HIckson Road streetscape, comprising mainly 19th century buildings between George St & Towns Place, will be significantly compromised for short-term gain. The Government will have sold out the heritage significance of Campbell's Stores to accommodate bars & retailing. The people of Sydney will be the losers.
The Government recently announced a review of government-owne land around Sydney Cove. It is incomprehensible that any Government department would make decisions about Campbell's Stores before this review is completed.
I strongly urge that this proposed development be rejected.

Oppose the demolition of Campbells Stores, one of the iconic remnants of Sydney's foundation days. The Rocks stands for heritage and history we must preserve this at all costs as proof of our history. Tourists visit the Rocks because of its heritage beauty not to see a glass box which can be put somewhere, we are lucky to have loads of space. The glass box can be put somewhere else where it will be more suitable.
Why destroy to replace when you can keep and build elsewhere

No development on Campbell's stores site. the glass box can go somewhere where it can be admired and valued on its own merit.
It is criminal to destroy Sydneys' iconic landmarks and historic buildings.
The Rocks is the most important historic place in the Rocks and all tourists come to view our interesting past in these buildings.
Don't destroy 'Sydney's important past especially in the Rocks.

The Secretary
NSW Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Attn.: Acting Director - Key Sites


Dear Madam,

Re: "Remediation, Renewal and Adaptive Re-Use of Campbell's Stores", The Rocks
(SSD 7056)

As a proud resident of The Rocks, I write to strongly object to State Significant Development Application SSD 7056. It is an application that truly compromises not only the heritage value of the Campbell's Stores but also of The Rocks as a whole. Visitors come from all over NSW, Australia and truly throughout the world to see the birthplace of Australia. They expect to see heritage buildings and venues being preserved and respected not compromised by Dubai type development.

Although there are many serious issues that are raised by this application regarding non-compliance as to height and building envelope restrictions (SCRAS); conservation policies (as per CMP); hours of operation; and insufficient noise, wind and air quality assessments,
I will mainly restrict my objections to the aspect of this application which is most onerous - that which relates to the proposed building on Bay 12. This 4 story (not 3 story as per their application) Glass Box building is intrusive, ill-conceived and totally inconsistent with the historic 19th century, heritage nature of Campbell's Stores. This Glass Box building would be the tallest built element along the promenade and along with its flat roof would dwarf the much shorter gable roof line of the Campbell's Stores. To see the artist rendering of The Box next to The Stores makes one scratch one's head and say "What were they thinking?". In addition, this Glass Box building has a cocoon type undercroft of 2.5m in height - one might be forgiven to wonder what undesirable use this might put to. And as for the proposed use above this undercroft, the developer claims the proposed building use to be upmarket retail and then in the same breath applies for operating hours up to 2:00 AM. What type of retail outlets operate till 2:00 AM - maybe a David Jones Night Club or a maybe Myers Wine Bar?

In conclusion, we need to do better. We need to formulate a plan not just for Campbell's Cove but a Master plan, a holistic plan for the whole of The Rocks as stated by the Premier Hon Mike Baird on 28 September 2015, "Government is examining the most appropriate land use planning, heritage and management framework for The Rocks precinct". This application clearly does not fit this description. It is inappropriate as to size, function, design and location. It is clearly a piece meal approach requesting numerous
variances which amount to spot rezoning and submitted prematurely to slip under the public radar. It takes publicly owned land away from public use and for the benefit of one developer. The land that Bay 12 occupies could and should be a prime location for a beautiful public piazza at historic Campbell's Cove by Sydney Harbour foreshore.

I respectfully request your rejection of application SSD 7056 in its present form.

Regards, Anthony J. Plaia

I am writing this submission to STRONGLY OBJECT to the proposed glass box building adjacent to Campbell's Stores. It's ugly, hideous, completely incompatible with the heritage nature of the site and quite simply an outrageous idea.

Perhaps whomever thinks this is a good thing to do, should stop, take a breath, and have a cup of tea, a good lie down and come to their senses. The people of Australia, the residents of the City of Sydney, and the millions of people who come from all corners of the world to see our beautiful and historic Rocks do not deserve to have this dreadful piece of architecture thrust upon them.

Let's use that space to honour the history of the Rocks, and the people who came before us. Clear Bay 12, add to the green space with a small pond, some beautiful native Australian flowers, a few benches, a quiet place to reflect upon the beauty of our harbour and how incredibly fortunate we all are to call Australia home....

Don't go any further with this plan. Please, take a minute.

Respectfully,
Georganna Plaia

I object to Development Application SSD 7056 because it includes the development of a four (4) storey Glass Box commercial structure on public land. This proposed structure is not only intrusive as to size, design and function but it is also completely incompatible with the historic nature of Campbell's Stores and heritage precinct.

Campbell's Stores built in 1839 is heritage listed, is a prime example of 19th century warehousing architecture and the only remaining type on the fore shore of Sydney Cove. This heritage building is one of the most prized landmarks in the The Rocks.

I object to the Development Application SSD 7056. My primary objection is the proposed construction of a multi storey glass box building on Bay 12 directly adjacent to Campbell's Store.

Campbell's Store has a NSW State listed heritage classification and this proposed building is completely incongruous to the Campbell's Cove site and totally inconsistent with the heritage characteristics of the Stores.

Campbell's Stores occupies a unique presence not only in the Sydney Cove but also throughout the entire historic precinct of The Rocks. Campbell's store is an excellent example of 19 th century architecture and history that has an immense contribution to the historic ambiance of The Rocks. The Rocks is one of Australia's finest and premier tourist destinations for both Australians and Overseas visitors.

Please do not allow the Bay 12 building to be approved. It will ruin the look of the heritage buildings and use up valuable open space.

I object to the SSD 7056 because of its inclusion of a multi-story glass box building proposed to be sited directly adjacent to Campbell's Stores which is a heritage listed, prized landmark in The Rocks. This glass box building is
totally incompatible in size, function and design to this historic venue and uses public land for the benefit of a private developer. Please reject this proposal.

I object to this Development Application for building a modern Glass Box building in The Rocks. The Rocks is not Darling Harbour, it is not the CBD and it is not just any other Village. It is the birthday place of contemporary Australia. It needs to be preserved, it needs to be respected and if any renewal is necessary it should be part of a master plan that is compatible with its historic nature. It should not be a piece meal application with numerous requests for variances which amount to spot rezoning and should not allow use of public land for the commercial benefit of one developer.
Please protect The Rocks from this disastrous proposal.

I wish to put forward my objection to Development Application SSD 7056. The proposal does not fit with the concept of remediation, restoration or adaptive use of this important heritage site. Appendix V _Consultation Report shows minimal consultation with the local residents and does not provide any meaningful information regarding concerns and objections that have been expressed. The "glass box" is out of character and the size will result in it visually overtaking the site.
Campbell's Stores is heritage listed, and deserves an approach that recognises both the importance of retaining this piece of heritage and demonstrates a respect for the role it has played in the history of the area.

I object to the development application SSD 7056 concerning Campbell's Cove. This will undermine an important heritage site from Sydney's colonial past. the land between Campbell's stores and the Park Hyatt hotel should, in my opinion, remain open space. Otherwise the character of the area will be ruined.

I am writing to appeal to you not to allow the construction of the proposed and monstrous multi-storey commercial building on public land adjacent to Campbell's Stores in the Rocks. The construction of the proposed building will destroy the heritage and "streetscape" importance of the precinct.
Please don't visually drown the area forever in just a short - term grab for yet more revenue: Leave the space open for the enjoyment of the community and visitors alike.
To approve it would be vandalism of a high order.

I object to Development Application SSD7056 because of the erection of a four storey "box like" construction on public land.
The proposed building, adjacent to Campbell's Stores would be both intrusive & inappropriate.
The Heritage listed Campbell's Stores is the only remaining example of the warehouses common around Sydney Cove in the days of sail. The site goes back to 1799 when purchased by Robert Campbell, often referred to as "The Father of Australian Commerce".
This fine building is unique & contributes greatly to the character of The Rocks which plays a major part in Sydney's invaluable tourist industry.

This proposed development application does not adhere to the Conservation Management Plan for Campbell's Stores endorsed by The Heritage council in July 2014, it is in non-compliance as to height and hours of operation as per Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority Scheme and is totally premature given that The Premier of NSW announced on the 28th of September 2015, the formation of a comprehensive study " to exam the most appropriate land use planning, heritage and management framework for The Rocks precinct." It also and more importantly includes the building of a Glass Box Commercial Building on public land next to the heritage listed Campbell's Stores and which is totally incompatible with The Stores 19th century historical architecture. The Glass Box building's size, design and location is not only detrimental to Campbell's Stores but to the entire Rocks village whose visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the historical architecture and heritage buildings of the birthplace of contemporary Australia. I strongly object to this application SSD 7056.

I object to the Development application plan SSD 7056 of the multi storey glass building on Bay 12 directly adjacent to Campbell Stores.

The proposed construction is not in keeping with the historic area and the other surrounding well maintained heritage buildings. This region is where visitors and residents admire and respect the remarkable presence of historic architecture.

I object to new developments decisions prior government review around The Rocks Precinct

This area is of historical and local importance, developing it would compromise both these areas and create an eyesore on the harbour. The area should be left undeveloped to enhance the local area, history shouldn't be compromised for the sake of unnecessary development.

We oppose the erection of a glass building on the public land alongside Campbell's Stores. This will be inappropriate and totally out of place in our beautiful heritage area.

This Development Application SSD 7056 should be rejected outright because it proposes to build multi-story hideous Glass Box building directly adjacent to heritage listed Campbell's Stores which is on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and across listed Sydney Opera House. This hideous Glass Box building's size, design is an absolute eyesore and does not fit with its surroundings i.e. Campbell's Stores' is a heritage design and much with a much shorter gamble roof line.

This Glass Box structure takes valuable public land on Sydney Harbour foreshore for private commercial purposes is inexcusable and it is an abomination for public space given up for private gain. This land should continue to be for the use of all Sydney siders and visitors could enjoy Sydney's beautiful Harbour view. We can do better and should do better - this application should be rejected.