re: syd airport's drafted complex I guess the perceived...

re: syd airport's drafted complex I guess the perceived potential of extra commercial competition from Sydney Airport's drafted complex proposals will been perceived as drawing shoppers away from the existing non airport shopping areas and cop a bit of resistance from surrounding authorities. After 30 January, the preferred proposal will be submitted to the Fed govt for final approval.

PRELIMINARY DRAFT MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS, SOUTH SOUTH-EAST PRECINCT

1) AVIATION AND RETAIL BUSINESS PARK
Or,
2) AVIATION AND RETAIL PRECINCT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being proposed / built?
There are two alternative major development plans for the same site, each covering about 60,000 sq. m of floor space, on display for public consultation.
Option 1 is the Aviation & Retail Business Park (including offices) and it includes a retail outlet centre, bulky goods and homemaker centre; discount stores and food courts as well as office buildings / space and a provision for approx 2,500 car parks.
Option 2 is the Aviation & Retail Precinct (including cinemas and supermarket) and it includes a retail outlet centre; bulky goods / homemaker centre; supermarket; food and specialty shops and 1,500 seat cinema as well as over 3,000 car parking spaces.
Why is this being proposed / built?
The proposed site is currently not being used, representing a missed opportunity in an important and well-located part of Sydney. In order for major, international airports to remain viable and sustainable, the business model on which they operate needs to be diverse, offering a mix of aeronautical and non-aeronautical services. Most of the world’s great airports, and many of Australia’s other major hubs, are working to such a model.

Who will benefit?
There are many beneficiaries of the proposed developments, namely the local community that will use the services as well as the 4,000 + people that will be employed because of the project. The relevant Councils will also receive payments equivalent to rates whereas the land was formerly non-rateable.
Who will be disadvantaged – local businesses etc?
Studies have shown thorough and stringent planning will ensure there will not be any significant adverse impact to surrounding businesses and infrastructure, given the increase in demand for services in the area.

When will it be built?
Subject to approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2007 and will be completed in 2008.
What approvals are required?
The Commonwealth Airports Act and regulations strictly regulates land use, planning and building controls within airports so that state planning laws generally do not apply. For major developments such as this, once the Minister for Transport and Regional Services has approved the proposal, the Commonwealth has appointed the independent Airport Building Controller (ABC) who performs the approval functions of councils. The ABC makes its decision looking at applications that must be in the same detail and on similar terms as required by state planning legislation for non-airport developments. The public has a longer period for comment on airport compared to non-airport development.

How much will it cost?
Project costs in the order of $200 million, including construction valued at around $150 million, are anticipated with the development.
On completion, the value of the proposed development, as a fully leased complex, would be in the order of $250 million.
Retail sales from tenancy mix options, as a fully leased complex, are expected to be in the order of $245 million annually.

Will it cause traffic congestion?
All major development proposals at the airport are subject to thorough and stringent planning – of which access and egress is part. SACL is working closely with the Roads and Traffic Authority on an integrated transport strategy. The proposed development involves improvements to the existing Foreshore Road/Charles Ulm Avenue intersection. The RTA has reviewed the plans to date and we look forward to continuing to work with them on an optimal outcome for all parties. The development is considered as part of SACL’s Airport Ground Travel Plan.

Who will use the facilities?
Those who will use the facilities are many and varied, including:
- local residents for shopping and recreation
- airport workers, of which there are over 60,000
- potentially office workers within the Business Park concept
At this stage, it is envisaged that there will be no interface with people using the airport for travelling purposes.

Why two different proposals?
The two options are being exhibited and approvals sought to enable SACL to ‘test the market’ as it were, seeing which is more appealing and viable to business etc.

Can the public have a say?
Yes. As of today – 1 November 2005 – SACL has commenced a 90-day consultation period, [January 30] whereby members of the public can make submissions about the proposal. All the information can be found on the Sydney Airport website or copies can be reviewed at Sydney Airport Corporation Limited Reception, Ulm Building, 1 Link Road, Sydney International Airport.