Friday, February 21, 2014

Will Newcastle Views Be Sold Off To Appease Developers?


Will high rise developments ruin the view and the ambiance of this historical Australian city?

Could we find Newcastle reserved for the cashed up property investors from Sydney and
overseas, blocking sun to existing residents leading the way for our historic centre to be locked off from the visitors from outlying towns who and tourists to the region and reserved just for those with the cash to pay for our fabulous city views?

"While full details of the plan won’t be released until late March, the plan 
has already sparked strong debate over the city’s future, with many saying 
that views to and from the city’s iconic Christ Church Cathedral should 
be protected.


Dean of the cathedral the Very Reverend Stephen Williams said
he hoped the  views would be defended.
‘‘The cathedral community wants to be part of the renewal of Newcastle
and we welcome signs of fresh investment and energy coming into the city,’’
he said.
‘‘We share a hope that view corridors to the cathedral are not unduly
compromised, and that developments add, rather than detract, from
the liveability of a great city.’’ "

Herald story 

Ann Hardy writes an opinion piece on this that is well worth a read.

OPINION: No point cutting out city’s historic heart



"This is the jewel in our crown.
 Increased building heights would seriously affect the city’s historic character and setting.
Other cities don’t target their historic hearts for increased development, especially when other solutions are available –  truly vibrant cities are those where there is a complex interplay of new and old – not just new replacing old as Cr McCloy is suggesting.
Planning in Newcastle must be carefully considered to respect its character and certainly the planning framework has for many years produced a variety of new buildings – all of which have maintained the views of the Cathedral.
In Newcastle, the visual landscape of our city is equally important as the rich mix of heritage buildings in the city centre." Read the full piece here 

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