New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 9

Project
One Central Park

Location:
Sydney

Architect:
Ateliers Jean Nouvel
PTW

SENSE OF PLACE
Defined by its green walls and cantilevered heliostat reflectors, this large-scale
mixed-use development creates a new gateway to the Sydney CBD

It’s rare to acquire an entire city block for
redevelopment, but when it does happen there’s
an unparalleled opportunity for developers and
architects to make a significant contribution to the
fabric of a city.
The former Chippendale United Brewery site on
the western fringe of the Sydney CBD has been
transformed by a masterplanned joint venture
between Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui
House Australia.
But it wasn’t simply a case of throwing out the
old for the new. While the developers of the 5.8ha
site were looking to raise the benchmark for innovation and sustainability, they were also wanting to
preserve key heritage elements and give something
back to the city.
One Central Park, designed by Ateliers Jean
Nouvel, France and collaborating architectural firm

PTW Architects, consequently reflects an holistic
approach to urban design, says PTW architect
Mark Giles.
“This was an opportunity to reinvigorate an
entire precinct in what is essentially a city of small
villages. Connectivity was crucial – for so many
years the old brewery site had been closed off to
the public. We needed to open up the entire space,
hence the idea of a park-like development that
would provide through links along key axes. The
site is close to Central Railway Station and two
universities, so pedestrian traffic is high.
“In designing the tall east tower, we took into
account the height of the existing UTS building on
the other side of road, where Broadway becomes
Parramatta Road, a key arterial route. We chose to
match this height so the two towers together create
a gateway to the city from the west. There is also a

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