Fort Street Public School Mod 1 - Design and layout changes

The Millers Point Community Resident Action Group were supportive of the original design approved by DPIE. We object to the proposed Mod 1 application in relation to the adverse impact on the Met Building and increased building heights on new buildings.

The new height of the building "J" in the proposed modifications should not be allowed to proceed. There is no benefit to the school for the new height, and it goes against the character of the original building. There will be impacts to the surrounding buildings and the harmony of the community will be lost, or the very least disturbed. We need to stand true to our principles and not allow developers to bully their way into making decisions without concerns for the wider community.

I have owned two apartments in the Stamford Marque at 161 Kent St Millers Point for the past 13 years and lived in one for 10 years before moving to The Rocks. I love Millers point and the way the council has maintained the originality of the community and architecture. I object to the extension of the height of the building on the basis that is in contradiction to the environmental plan which was submitted and agreed to as part of the approval process.

I request that the new buildings do not extend above the height of the existing structures so as to maintain the quality of the area and the current streetscape and views for all concerned.

Paul Mulholland.

I have been made aware that there will be an extra level added to the Fort Street Public School project. The addition of this level was not in the original plan and sets a dangerous precedent for any other work on heritage buildings. Not only will the extra level block some of the view of lovely fig trees from my residence the additional level does not comply with the Conservation Management Plan.

The renovations for the Fort Street Public School building shouldn't include any further additions to the original plan.

Thank you

We found out about the project from other members of the Kent St community...... so consulation was not as you say.
In the State Signnifiant Development Assessment it says that "the Met Building will be the dominant building and 6.2.3. says the maximum height will not exceed the Met Building" so why has that altered?
Surely as in Table B2 Principle 1 ... it says the development should be "sympathetic to heritage.....and not significantly alter the existing views to and from the site."
Please stay with the principles......

From this initial design to todays proposed modification (SSD-10340-Mod-1), I’m writing to object for the following reasons.

Under the Fort Street Public School Redevelopment, State Significant Development Assessment (SSD-10340) document, one factor for its approval was its ‘low scale’ build, ensuring the historic Met Building remained the highest building on site (factoring in slope of the site). This provided a visual transition to the Bureau of Meteorology and surrounding buildings. Under these proposed changes, Building J, would have a roofline above the Met Building, essentially detracting from the historic preservation of our community. This breaks the original Conservation Management Plan (CMP) Policy 25.3, which states “Maximum heights of new buildings should not exceed those of the existing heritage items to which they are locationally and visually related”. In addition to this, Policy 25.5 notes “The Bureau of Meteorology should remain as a dominant building on site (both in height, and architectural form)”. This revision completely disregards these conditions.

The SSDA Notice of Decision (Dated 7th October 2020) raised concern over the intrusiveness of the proposed lift over run located on the Met building. Nevertheless, the architect with modification-1, creates additional concern by adding an additional level with lift over run on top of building J. This change compromises the preservation of these historical landmarks by undermining the original intent and scope of the extension. Under the revised development, the school would lose the lower basement of Building G, with plant/store rooms being relocated throughout the buildings. Furthermore, the additional level on building J doesn’t yield a higher pupil count, nor does it provide an increase in overall classroom space, yet Observatory Hill suffers a loss in harmony. These proposed changes come at the cost of the Millers Point skyline, does injustice to our historical values and undermines the historical preservation process that is in place today.

I am unsure if this modification has been perused as a cost cutting approach (due to scale of excavation work, sites location and historic surroundings), however, this additional storey would be a ‘visible box’ from numerous locations. Curio Projects has confirmed this with their report, stating that modification-1 would yield a minor to moderate negative impact on the skyline. I believe it is only fair that we as residents expect that the original CMP is adhered to, in principle, to ensure the historic buildings within Fort Street Public School are sympathetically revived and enhanced whilst holding true to their historical value. If this revision is accepted, it will be at the detriment of Observatory Hill and I believe will start a precedent of builders revising plans for the betterment of themselves over the community who lives and works there.

The vitality of our community comes from its historical significance, low rise skyline and beautiful parks and greenery. Observatory Hill is at the heart of Millers Point, a place where locals and Sydney siders come to appreciate the history and beauty. Under the original application, community feedback was supportive of the new buildings as long as the roofline was below the highest historical roofline (being the historic Met Building). It is evident that our voices weren’t considered when revising the Fort Street Public School Modification-1. A clear disregard to the documented feedback and community values, further supported by the lack of consultation with residents of the area.

I thank you for taking the time to review my objection.

Please find attached a submission from the Fort Street Public School Parents & Citizens Association objecting to the Modification.

I object to the proposed modification to the Fort Street Public School development, specifically the bulk of and additional floor added to Building J. From my home I look out at the School and associated buildings every day and at the Observatory behind it. The hill and its buildings reflect the amazing history of our area. The changes completely alter the character of the historical buildings in front of us. These buildings are a key part of the heritage of Observatory Hill and should be protected across all critical view lines.

I am also concerned that after lodging a very detailed proposal in 2020, we are now presented with what appears to be an arbitrary modification that overrules the critical CMP included in the original Proposal for the Development. That original study included a detailed Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) and Conservation Management Plan (CMP) which many in our area took comfort in.

Millers Point owners and residents take pride in the heritage of the area and indeed many owners of heritage houses have made a significant investment of time and money complying with heritage requirements. It seems a ‘slap in the face’ to see Government now overruling these principles.

We are currently doing significant work to preserve the natural beauty and important heritage the area provides both to those of us who live here and to those visitors spending time here. Millers Point is a critical asset and we can’t afford to have its value destroyed, modification by modification.

This is of especial concern when the planned changes do not increase the usability of the school but appear to be a cost-saving measure.

Consequently, I object to the proposed Modification to the Fort St Primary School redevelopment.

See attached

The National Trust objects to this major modification. Please refer to attached submission.

I object to the proposed modification to the Fort Street Public School development, specifically the bulk of and additional floor added to Building J. From my home I look out at the School and associated buildings every day and at the Observatory behind it. The hill and its buildings reflect the amazing history of our area. The changes completely alter the character of the historical buildings in front of us. These buildings are a key part of the heritage of Observatory Hill and should be protected across all critical view lines.
I am also concerned that after lodging a very detailed proposal in 2020, we are now presented with what appears to be an arbitrary modification that overrules the critical CMP included in the original Proposal for the Development. That original study included a detailed Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) and Conservation Management Plan (CMP) which many in our area took comfort in.
Millers Point owners and residents take pride in the heritage of the area and indeed many owners of heritage houses have made a significant investment of time and money complying with heritage requirements. It seems a ‘slap in the face’ to see Government now overruling these principles.
We are currently doing significant work to preserve the natural beauty and important heritage the area provides both to those of us who live here and to those visitors spending time here. Millers Point is a critical asset and we can’t afford to have its value destroyed, modification by modification.
This is of especial concern when the planned changes do not increase the usability of the school but appear to be a cost-saving measure.
Consequently, I object to the proposed Modification to the Fort St Primary School redevelopment.

Dear Jenny,
Please find attached the delegated advice from the Heritage Council of NSW.
Hendry Wan
Senior Heritage Officer - Major Projects
Heritage NSW | Department of Premier and Cabinet