Wynyard Walk
Review of Environmental Factors
Summary
APRIL 2012
Contents
1 Introduction2
2 Description of the proposal3
3 Planning and assessment process5
4 Community and stakeholder consultation
6
5 Environmental assessment8
5.1 Construction impacts8
5.2 Operational impacts10
6 Management of environmental impacts
7 Conclusion
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16
1Introduction
Transport for NSW proposes to deliver Wynyard Walk, a new pedestrian link within the
Wynyard precinct of the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). Wynyard Walk would
provide a world class, fully accessible pedestrian link between Wynyard Station and the
developing western corridor of the Sydney CBD and Barangaroo. The walkway would
allow pedestrians to travel from Wynyard transport hub to the Barangaroo waterfront in
approximately six minutes, avoiding steep inclines and eliminating road crossings.
Wynyard Walk would increase the entry/exit capacity of Wynyard Station to meet
current and future demands for the CBD’s western corridor and waterfront. This includes
catering for the Barangaroo development which, when complete, is expected to
accommodate up to 23,000 office works and attract up to 33,000 visitors per day.
The objectives of Wynyard Walk are:
•
provide a direct, level, safe, accessible and best practice customer experience
pedestrian access from Barangaroo to the Wynyard precinct transport hub
integrated with the existing road and footpath networks and operations of
Wynyard Station
•
provide connectivity and capacity sufficient to meet the demand of up to
20,000 pedestrians in the one-hour business day AM peak including contra-flows
•
act as a precinct activator for Barangaroo and the western corridor generally,
to enhance Sydney’s CBD
•
completion to coincide with the take up of office space at Barangaroo South.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared to support the planning
approval of Wynyard Walk and assess the environmental impacts of the project in
accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
(EP&A Act).
This summary presents an overview of the key findings of the REF, including details of
the project and key environmental aspects addressed within the REF. This summary
should be read in conjunction with the REF.
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2
Description of the proposal
Key features of Wynyard Walk include:
•
a new western entrance to Wynyard Station (Clarence Street portal) to provide direct access to the station concourse. The portal would be a five-storey structure with three levels below ground and two levels above-ground connecting to the north-west corner to the Wynyard Station concourse.
•
a new 9 metre wide and up to 3.5 metre high (internal dimensions)
underground pedestrian link from the new western entrance to Wynyard Station to the intersection of Kent and Napoleon streets (approximately 110
metres long). Two escalators, a staircase and a lift would provide vertical
transportation between the Wynyard Walk tunnel and Napoleon Plaza.
•
a new paved public pedestrian plaza, referred to as Napoleon Plaza, connecting the Wynyard Walk tunnel and bridge components, along with the
proposed City Walk pedestrian bridge (to be delivered as part of the Barangaroo development). Napoleon Plaza would be approximately 23 metres
by 32 metres wide and would include landscape elements, street furniture,
public art and lighting. Napoleon Plaza would be the western portal entrance to
the Wynyard Walk tunnel. Lift and stair access would be provided between Kent
Street and Napoleon Plaza.
•
a partially covered pedestrian bridge would span approximately 40 metres
over Sussex Street providing a grade-separated connection between the
southern precinct of the Barangaroo development and Napoleon Plaza. Lifts
and escalators connecting to the Barangaroo development would also be provided.
The estimated construction duration of Wynyard Walk is approximately 39 months, with
commencement of construction due to occur in the second half of 2012 and completion
by mid-late 2015. To support the construction works, the existing Kent Street pedestrian
tunnel would be closed between Wynyard Station and the western side of Clarence
Street. This closure is planned to occur in October 2012.
Five construction sites have been identified as being required along Wynyard Walk
including, the main worksite at the Clarence Street portal and smaller worksites at
Napoleon Plaza, the Western Distributor sub deck and either end of the Sussex Street
bridge.
Some construction impacts are anticipated and are detailed in Chapter 7 of the REF,
along with recommended mitigation and management measures in Chapter 8.
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Wynyard Walk key features
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3
Planning and assessment process
The EP&A Act establishes the system of environmental planning and assessment in
NSW. Part 5 of the EP&A Act specifies the environmental impact assessment requirements
for activities undertaken by public authorities which are permissible without development
consent under Part 4 of the EP&A Act.
The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (Infrastructure SEPP)
is the key environmental planning instrument which determines that Wynyard Walk is
permissible without development consent and therefore can be assessed under Part
5 of the EP&A Act. The Infrastructure SEPP aims to facilitate the effective delivery of
infrastructure across the State.
Clause 79 and 94 of the Infrastructure SEPP permits development on any land for the
purpose of railway or rail infrastructure facilities and road or road infrastructure facilities
to be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority without consent. Wynyard Walk
meets the definition for a ‘rail infrastructure facility’ and ‘road infrastructure facility’, and
is to be carried out by Transport for NSW, a public authority.
It is therefore considered that Wynyard Walk is permissible without development consent
and can be assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
Transport for NSW is the ‘proponent’ and a ‘determining authority’ for Wynyard Walk
under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
As the proponent and determining authority, Transport for NSW must examine and
take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect
the environment by reason of the activity. The REF assesses the overall environmental
impacts associated with the construction and operation of Wynyard Walk. The REF has
been prepared in accordance with Clause 228 of the Environment Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A regulation).
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4
Community and stakeholder consultation
A range of community and stakeholder engagement activities have been undertaken
prior to and during the preparation of the REF to inform stakeholders about Wynyard
Walk. The purpose of the consultation is to establish and maintain clear lines of
communication with stakeholders to identify and consider the diverse range of views
and interests.
The engagement activities undertaken include:
•
meetings with government agencies and key stakeholders
•
participation in forums, including the Traffic and Transport Liaison Group
•
letters to directly affected property owners and tenants
•
information updates on the Transport for NSW website
•
establishment of a project information line and email address
•
advertisements in local newspapers (Sydney Morning Herald, mX and Sydney
City News)
•
posters at Wynyard Station
•
a letterbox drop to an approximate 250 metre radius around Wynyard Walk
outlining the project and inviting feedback on the REF.
The REF will be publicly exhibited for a period of three weeks from 18 April 2012 to 9
May 2012. During this period, the REF will be available for download from the Transport
for NSW website. Hard copies will be available for viewing at the Barangaroo Delivery
Authority offices, level 21, 201 Kent Street, Sydney. Members of the public and other
stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission during this time.
Written submissions on the REF should be emailed to [email protected]
or sent to:
Technical Director, Planning and Environment Services
Wynyard Walk REF
Locked Bag 6501
St Leonards NSW 2065
Written submissions must be received by 5pm Wednesday 9 May 2012.
Submissions received during the exhibition would be addressed and documented in a
Submissions Report which would be publicly available on the Transport for NSW website.
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Artist Impression - Wynyard walk tunnel (indicative only; not based on a detailed
design)
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5
Environmental assessment
The REF identifies the potential environmental benefits and impacts of Wynyard Walk
and outlines the mitigation measures proposed to reduce the potential impacts.
5.1
Construction impacts
During the construction period the key impacts that are expected to occur are changes
in pedestrian and traffic movements, noise and vibration impacts, impacts to heritage
items and socio-economic impacts.
Traffic and transport
Temporary traffic and pedestrian detours would be required during construction. Traffic
impacts to the local road network during construction would primarily include the reduction
of Napoleon Street to one lane in each direction during construction, the realignment of
Shelley Street to a one way eastbound lane with a designated left turn lane and a short
right turn lane into Sussex Street, increased construction traffic and potential cumulative
impacts resulting from construction of Barangaroo in conjunction with Wynyard Walk.
To minimise these impacts, works would be undertaken in accordance with a traffic
management plan approved by the Roads and Maritime Services.
The key pedestrian impacts during construction relate to the closure of Kent Street
tunnel. This closure would result in the redistribution of demand (up to approximately
10,000 pedestrians during the AM peak period) to the surface pedestrian network,
particularly Margaret Street. During the closure of Kent Street tunnel, a pedestrian
diversion strategy would be implemented.
Heritage
Wynyard Walk has the potential to adversely affect four heritage items including:
Railway House (State heritage); Wynyard Railway Station (local heritage); the Sussex
Hotel (formerly the Big House Hotel) (State heritage) and a sandstone wall and trees
on Napoleon Street (local heritage).
Wynyard Walk requires a number of alterations to Railway House, including a new
street level entrance to York Lane and construction of the new tunnel connection to
Wynyard Station. The new York Lane entrance has been designed to be sympathetic to
the Art Deco character and façade of Railway House.
The connection of Wynyard Walk to the Wynyard Station concourse would result in the
loss of a small section of original wall tiles within Wynyard Station. It is anticipated
that the loss of these tiles would have a minor impact on the heritage significance of
Wynyard Railway Station.
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The Wynyard Walk bridge across Sussex Street would have an impact on the visual
setting of the Sussex Hotel and sandstone wall and trees on Napoleon Street. The
construction of an alternative goods handling access to the Sussex Hotel may also
directly affect this heritage item; but would enable the hotel to continue its operations.
Noise and vibration
Exceedance of noise management levels is predicted at a number of receivers
throughout the various phases of the construction of Wynyard Walk. Some minor
vibration impacts may also occur during the excavation of the Wynyard Walk tunnel
and northern section of Napoleon Plaza.
To minimise noise impacts, works would generally be undertaken during standard
construction hours (Mondays-Fridays 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm with
no works on Sundays or public holidays). However, certain works may be required
outside these hours to minimise other impacts.
Construction noise and out-of-hours work would be managed in accordance with Office
of Environment and Heritage’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline and Transport for
NSW’s Construction Noise Strategy where practicable.
A construction noise and vibration management plan would be developed prior to
construction commencing which would detail the proposed noise and vibration mitigation
measures for the construction of Wynyard Walk.
Socio-economic
Key potential social impacts resulting from the construction of Wynyard Walk include:
• construction disruption to local residents, commuters and business users,
including increased traffic on the local road network, loss of parking and
potentially increased travel time for pedestrians as a result of diversions
required away from construction worksites and the closure of Kent Street
tunnel
•
impacts to amenity including potential increases to existing noise, vibration,
and dust levels and the potential for increased traffic congestion or additional
light spill during evening/night-time works
•
impacts to visual amenity through the creation of construction worksites, site
sheds, machinery and other equipment which would detract from the
existing visual integrity and character of areas around Clarence Street,
Napoleon Street and Sussex Street.
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Key potential economic impacts resulting from the construction of Wynyard Walk
include:
• a decrease in trade/demand for services occurring due to the temporary
rerouting of pedestrians away from existing businesses during construction
is possible. Some businesses (such as food and take-away stores) may however
benefit from increased trade from construction workers or demand for
construction-related services
•
the project would generate approximately 80 jobs as a direct effect during
peak construction works
•
temporary acquisition (or partial acquisition) of property.
5.2
Operational impacts
During operation, the key impacts that are expected to occur are the changes to existing traffic and transport arrangements, impacts on visual amenity and socio-economic
impacts.
Traffic and transport
The operational impact of Wynyard Walk for pedestrians is anticipated to be positive
through the provision of a dedicated pedestrian link that would directly connect the
transport hub of Wynyard with the growing commercial and residential development of
Barangaroo and the western corridor. Wynyard Walk would result in reduced pedestrian
travel time and would minimise conflicts of movement between pedestrians and cyclists,
buses, taxis and private vehicles through the provision of a grade separated pedestrian
link. It is anticipated that the journey time from Wynyard to the Barangaroo waterfront
would be approximately six minutes, which is approximately half the time it would take
if Wynyard Walk is not constructed.
Road network changes as a result of Wynyard Walk would include the closure of
Shelley Street, between Lime Street and Sussex Street, and the reduction of Napoleon
Street to one lane westbound and two lanes eastbound. The closure of Shelley Street
would not occur until Globe Street is linked to Lime Street and opened to the public, as
part of the Barangaroo South development.
Visual impacts and urban design
The design has been, and will continue to be, developed in consultation with the City of
Sydney and the Transport for NSW Design and Sustainability Review Panel to ensure
best practice urban design principles are applied and visual impacts reduced.
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The key operational impact that is anticipated to occur as a result of Wynyard Walk is
the change to visual amenity of the precinct as a result of the above-ground elements
of the development at the following locations:
• Clarence Street portal: the design of this building would be of a modern
appearance that is consistent with the surrounding commercial and residential
developments, whilst being considerate of the State heritage building (Railway
House) to the east of this site. The Clarence Street portal would comprise of
a two storey above-ground structure with potential for future commercial
development above this site
•
Napoleon Plaza (see artist impression over page) and western tunnel portal:
the proposed retaining wall within Napoleon plaza would include materials
such as sandstone to reflect the historic nature of the Hickson Road Wharf
precinct. The western tunnel portal would also use elements of sandstone
cladding to link the tunnel portal to the new retaining wall. The location of the
western tunnel portal has been designed so as to maximise sight lines between
the tunnel portal and the main desire line towards Barangaroo. Through the
urban design and landscaping of Wynyard Walk and Napoleon Plaza there is
a positive opportunity to activate this area of the western corridor.
•
Sussex Street bridge: the design and materials used for the construction of the Sussex Street bridge would provide for a structure that is modern, including
extensive use of glass and other visually lightweight materials. Some potential
loss of view towards the Sussex Hotel would occur from Sussex Street (to the
south of Shelley Street).
These three locations are integral elements of the Wynyard Walk experience, adding to
the distinctive style of Wynyard Walk and creating visible landmarks that activate new
pedestrian spaces. Wynyard Walk would provide high quality public art and signage,
enhancing the sense of place and encouraging community interaction. The public art
would integrate with the proposed urban and landscape design.
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Artist Impression – Clarence Street portal (indicative only; not based on a detailed design)
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Artist Impression - Napoleon Plaza and the tunnel portal (indicative only; not based on a detailed design)
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Socio-economic
Key social impacts, which are largely positive, during the operation of Wynyard Walk
would include:
•
providing improved access to services and jobs through an efficient and reliable
pedestrian transport to the Barangaroo precinct, providing access to new
commercial, residential, retail, cultural and entertainment facilities
•
providing improved access to public spaces and urban connectivity through
the provision of a continuous linkage between Wynyard Station and Barangaroo
and the western corridor of the CBD that is currently segregated by a number
of roadways, staircases and pedestrian crossings
•
providing a dedicated, grade separated pedestrian link that would assist in
minimising conflicts of movement between pedestrians and cyclists, buses,
taxis and private vehicles
•
improving safety, accessibility and operation through the activation of areas
within the surrounding precinct, provision of design elements for mobility
impaired users and the addition of safety elements such as CCTV and
appropriate lighting to reduce the opportunity for crime and increase the sense
of safety and security
•
acquiring or partially acquiring a number of retail and commercial properties
within the vicinity of Wynyard Walk.
Key economic impacts during the operation of Wynyard Walk include the following:
•
The economic growth of Sydney is supported by providing a grade separated
pedestrian link from the transport hub of Wynyard to Barangaroo.
•
Retail trade has the potential to increase in the immediate vicinity of Wynyard
Walk due to improved accessibility creating a larger customer base (predominantly
provided by the development of Barangaroo), increased pedestrian activity
and an enhanced level of amenity.
•
The journey to work transport mode targets of Barangaroo are supported to
help minimise future road congestion. However, some negative impact may
occur as a result of the removal of one westbound lane of Napoleon Street
due to the creation of Napoleon Plaza and western tunnel portal.
•
Local residents and workers travelling by public transport to Wynyard Station
would have improved, direct access to places of employment and residences,
in particular within the Barangaroo precinct.
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6
Management of environmental impacts
A number of mitigation measures are identified in the REF to manage environmental
impacts during construction and operation of the project.
A construction environmental management plan would be prepared to manage the
construction of Wynyard Walk whilst operational measures would be incorporated into
RailCorp’s existing environmental management systems. A community liaison plan
would also be developed and implemented throughout construction.
Chapter 8 of the REF summarises all of the proposed mitigation measures.
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7Conclusion
The REF has been prepared in accordance with all the relevant environmental
planning legislation, including the Infrastructure SEPP and Sections 111 and 112 of the
EP&A Act and the EP&A Regulation. The REF has ensured that Transport for NSW has
examined and taken into account to the fullest extent possible, all matters that have
the potential to affect or are likely to affect the existing environment as a result of
the development of Wynyard Walk. The REF concludes that the impacts of Wynyard
Walk with the application of mitigation measures are not likely to significantly affect the
environment.
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