The transformation of Sydney’s Pitt Street precinct, featuring two skyscrapers soaring over 300 metres, has moved closer to reality following the City Council’s endorsement of proposed planning rule changes for the 56–60 Pitt Street site.
These amendments raise the maximum building height on the site from the current limit to 310 metres and increase the permissible floor space, enabling the construction of a 70-storey, next-generation commercial tower.
The development aims to deliver premium office space, alongside new public amenities including a plaza and a pedestrian through-site link connecting Pitt Street with Spring and Gresham Streets.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the project, stating: “Central Sydney continues to be Australia’s leading economic centre for business investment and a preferred location for workers, residents and visitors.
“This project will provide more office space, a high-quality design and outstanding public places, in the form of a new public plaza and a pedestrian through-site link connecting Pitt Street to Spring and Gresham streets.”
The Council’s approval coincides with the finalisation of plans for a neighbouring tower at 1–25 O’Connell Street, which is expected to reach 319 metres in height.
Developed by Lendlease, this 71-storey building will offer 150,000 square metres of commercial office space and incorporate innovative features including a public through-site link, a precinct logistics hub providing shared loading docks for multiple businesses, and adaptive reuse of heritage structures.
Both towers are situated within the northern tower cluster of Central Sydney, a precinct favoured by finance, legal, property, and technology sectors.
Lord Mayor Moore emphasised that the development aligns with Sydney’s Central Planning Strategy, described as “the most significant review of planning in the city centre in over 45 years”.
She remarked: “If we want Sydney to maintain its status as a global city and economic powerhouse, it’s vital that we safeguard economic floor space whilst allowing residential development to continue in the city centre.
“The Central Sydney Planning Strategy balances the growth of our city, allowing the skyline to rise while also making sure sunlight continues to shine onto our public spaces, like Hyde Park, Wynyard Park and the Royal Botanic Garden.”
Moore noted that the strategy resulted from three years of thorough research conducted by City staff, who examined each block in detail to understand the city’s functioning and sunlight patterns.
She stated that by relying on careful, evidence-based planning that takes into account both present and future demands, Sydney can develop tall, iconic, and sustainable skyscrapers.
According to Moore, these new buildings will offer modern workspaces that meet business expectations and are vital for maintaining Sydney’s position as a globally competitive city.
The endorsement marks a major milestone in the evolution of Sydney’s skyline and commercial precincts, promising enhanced urban density, improved public spaces, and economic growth while maintaining a balance with environmental and heritage considerations.
