Crown Sydney

Crown Sydney (also referred to as One Barangaroo) is a skyscraper in Barangaroo, New South Wales, Australia. Designed by WilkinsonEyre, it stands at a height of 271.3 m (890 ft) with 75 floors, making it the tallest building in Sydney and 4th tallest building in Australia. It was developed by Crown Resorts, primarily comprising a hotel and residential apartments, while a casino and other hospitality venues make up the rest of its floorspace. Construction first began in October 2016, before topping out in March 2020. The tower was inaugurated to the public in December 2020.

Crown Sydney
May 2023
Alternative namesOne Barangaroo
Record height
Tallest in Sydney since 2020[I]
Preceded byChifley Tower
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeMixed use
LocationBarangaroo, Sydney Australia
Address1-11 Barangaroo Avenue
Coordinates33.862469°S 151.201160°E / -33.862469; 151.201160
Construction startedOctober 2016
Topped-outMarch 2020
CompletedDecember 2020
Opened28 December 2020
CostA$2.2 billion
OwnerCrown Resorts
Height
Tip271.3 metres (890 ft)
Observatory250 metres (820 feet)
Technical details
Floor count75
(71 above ground)
(4 below ground)
Floor area146,500 m2 (1,577,000 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators10
Design and construction
Architecture firmWilkinsonEyre
DeveloperCrown Resorts
Structural engineerRobert Bird Group
Services engineerLCI
Main contractorLendlease
Casino information
No. of rooms350 (hotel)
82 (apartments)
Casino typeLand-based
Websitewww.crownsydney.com.au

Crown Sydney is a major component in the urban redevelopment of the Barangaroo area of central Sydney, forming part of a cluster of skyscrapers comprising the adjacent One Sydney Harbour and International Towers complexes. The tower sits on the site of former industrial wharves, which were progressively paved over through land reclamation in the 1960s and 70s after falling into disuse, forming the unoccupied concrete site on which the tower was developed on.[1]

Background

Early proposals

Initial concepts for a hotel development in Barangaroo as part of its urban redevelopment plan first circulated in 2010. These concepts mostly centred around a 213 metres (699 feet) tall hotel tower built on a pier extended 150 metres (490 feet) into the harbour. Following public backlash, the height of the tower was lowered to 159 metres (522 feet) and the length of the pier was reduced to 85 metres (279 feet).[2][3] These proposals failed to gain traction.

The undeveloped site in 2012

In February 2012, James Packer's casino group, Crown Resorts, presented an A$1 billion+ proposal to Premier Barry O'Farrell to build a hotel, casino and entertainment complex at the site on land that was set aside for open space at Barangaroo Central, a departure from previous concepts of building a tower on an extended pier in the harbour. O'Farrell initially welcomed the proposal, yet cautioned it would need to gain regulatory approval before going ahead.[4]

The proposal drew widespread criticism from the Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Paul Keating, and former government architect, Chris Johnson.[5] In October 2012, Premier O'Farrell announced that the NSW Cabinet had reviewed the proposal and decided that the government would enter into detailed negotiations with Crown Resorts for the establishment of a casino and hotel complex at Barangaroo.[6] Tony Harris, a former Auditor-General of New South Wales was critical of the decision−making process, claiming the public could miss out on millions of dollars.[7] Packer wrote a defence of his proposal for the press.[8]

In July 2013 after a recommendation from an independent steering committee, O'Farrell announced the Crown proposal would be moved to Stage 3 of the unsolicited proposals process, the final stage where the parties will negotiate a binding contract.[9] The government received a $100 million upfront fee for the licence, despite being offered $250 million with alternative tax arrangements which the steering committee's economic advisor Deloitte calculated was a superior offer.[10] Crown's intention was to lure Chinese high-rollers to its Sydney casino, leveraging off its interests in its Macau casinos and taking advantage of a new streamlined visa process introduced by the Australian government for Chinese citizens wanting to gamble at Australian casinos.[11] In November 2013, it was announced that Crown Sydney had received approval for the casino licence and place at Barangaroo.[12]

Approval

In November 2015, Packer expressed his frustrations over the delaying of the project from strenuous government planning laws. Following this in March 2016, a series of proposals to change aspects of the building were recommended by the State Government in order for the project to receive final approval. This included the introduction of a new recess in the interior as well as new cladding on the south side of the building. An observation deck on the 66th floor from a height of 250 metres (820 feet) above ground,[13] as well as public access to the upper floors, was also proposed.[14] In June 2016, the casino received final approval from the Planning Assessment Commission on condition that the casino met needs proposed by the commission, including adequate public spaces and access.

Controversies

Despite the development's approval, the Millers Point Fund lodged legal action against the project in early August 2016 challenging the validity of the casino and aiming to have construction on the project halted. Crown Resorts responded, stating they would "vigorously defend" their actions. The dispute was held in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales in late August, with a decisive dismissal of the Millers Point Fund's claims.[15]

In November 2020, Crown Resorts was investigated by Liquor & Gaming NSW after Crown Resorts admitted to money laundering in some of its VIP accounts at Crown venues in other states.[16] Consequently, Crown Sydney was blocked from opening its casino entity, although other operations within the building remained unaffected.[17] Following a complete overhaul of Crown Resort's board, management and procedures, a conditional license was finally granted for the casino in June 2022, allowing for its opening in August 2022.[18]

Construction

Lendlease was contracted for the main construction of the structure, while the Robert Bird Group oversaw structural engineering and LCI as head of MEP servicing.[19] Initial site works commenced in October 2016,[19] starting with an excavation and decontamination of the site, mostly of remnants of asbestos; indicative of the site's industrial history.[20] Excavation of the basement and foundation works would continue throughout 2017. Between February and March 2018, tower cranes were assembled on site, to commence works on the main core and floorplates,[21] which would see the structure start to rise throughout 2018. A top-down method of construction was utilised on the core.[22]

By March 2019, the structure had reached a height of 120 metres (390 feet). The structure continued to rise throughout 2019, reaching a "halfway point" in its construction by May 2019, which would be followed closely by the installation of approximately 7000 triangular glass panels for the facade of the building.[23] The main core of the structure topped-out in March 2020,[24][25] followed by the floorplates which topped out and reached the building's full architectural height in May 2020. Fit-out of the internals of the building and facade continued throughout 2020, before completion was reached in December 2020.[26][27] Crown Sydney was officially inaugurated to the public on 28 December 2020.[28]

  • July 2017
    July 2017
  • June 2018
    June 2018
  • August 2018
    August 2018
  • March 2019
    March 2019
  • July 2019
    July 2019
  • October 2019
    October 2019
  • December 2019
    December 2019
  • February 2020
    February 2020
  • April 2020
    April 2020
  • November 2020
    November 2020
  • January 2021 (completion)
    January 2021 (completion)

Design and layout

In 2013, Crown Resorts launched a design competition, seeking expressions of interest from eight architecture firms with experience in similar hospitality focused projects. A shortlist of designs from Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, Kohn Pedersen Fox and WilkinsonEyre were subsequently selected and a jury panel was formed to select the hotel's final design and Principal Architect.[29][30] The jury panel consisted of representatives from Crown Resorts, Lendlease and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority as well as a prominent architect representing the NSW Department of Planning and an observer from the City of Sydney.[31] A unanimous vote in favour of Wilkinson Eyre's design was finalised in May 2013.[32]

The design and form of the tower takes inspiration from natural forms and curved geometry, emanating from three "petals" that twist and rise together, The geometry of the tower was derived using parametric 3D modelling, to accommodate a 60-degree twist in the outer skin with helical columns on the perimeter while maintaining a vertical core structure.[33] According to Wilkinson Eyre, the tower "is derived from a sculptural form that is reminiscent of three twisting petals and takes inspiration from nature, being composed of organic forms without literal or direct reference". Additionally, the twisting shape of the upper and intermediate levels of the tower are designed to maximise views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Founding architect Chris Wilkinson further describes the design of the tower as "a sculptural form that will rise up on the skyline like an inhabited artwork, with differing levels of transparency, striking a clear new image against the sky”.[34]

Crown Sydney comprises a floor area of 146,500 m2 (1,577,000 sq ft).[35] The casino floor along with bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues occupy the podium of the tower. Crown Resort's six star hotel makes up the lower levels of the tower from levels 6 to 32, including the protruding lower south east wing of the building. Private residential apartments occupy levels 33 to 63 of the tower, while duplex penthouses occupy levels 64 to 66. A public observation deck occupies a small section of level 66. The tower is topped with the hotel's "sky villas", occupying levels 67 to 69, with utilities making up the remaining levels of 70 and 71.[36][37]

  • Northern view
    Northern view
  • Podium viewed from the west
    Podium viewed from the west
  • View north from Waterman's Cove
    View north from Waterman's Cove
  • Main hotel lobby
    Main hotel lobby
  • Lift lobby
    Lift lobby

Popular opinion is divided on the design of the tower. Australian and international media have reported that the building has been nicknamed "Packer's Pecker", in reference to its primary proponent, James Packer, and its outsized massing and phallic shape.[38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating admired the tower for its "Brancusi-like sculptural quality" and clean sculptural shape.[45] Some architectural commentators have commented unfavourably on the quality of the design, especially compared to other works by its designers.[46] On the other hand, Crown Resorts has described the tower as "epic" and having "opulence, style and substance".[47]

Emporis named Crown Sydney as the winner of their prestigious Skyscraper Award in 2021; the first building in Australia to win the award in the competition's 20-year history. Coming ahead of the Telus Sky tower and One Vanderbilt in 2nd and 3rd places respectively, a jury of international architects attributed Crown Sydney's "extravagant design of (its) exterior facade" as the deciding factor for its first-place finish.[48][49]

Sociological criticism

Researchers from the Responsible Gambling Fund financed, University of Sydney Gambling Treatment Clinic, have suggested that strategies such as a minimum bet size are not likely to prevent the local community from being affected by problem gambling.[50] They have suggested that students, new immigrants and working class individuals are typically and more likely found to be losing large amounts of money at Casino style table and electronic games.[50]

Academic researchers have suggested that while the casino is initially not licensed to offer poker machines, it will inevitably gain a licence in future years.[51]

See also

References
  1. "The rise and rise of Barangaroo: how a monster development on Sydney harbour just kept on getting bigger". the Guardian. 30 September 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  2. Cranston, Belinda (16 June 2010). "Sydney's Barangaroo hotel downsized". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  3. "Barangaroo Project Brings Hotel to Sydney Harbour". CoStar. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  4. "Premier pleased with new Sydney casino plans". ABC News.
  5. "Moore takes on O'Farrell over Barangaroo casino". ABC News.
  6. "Packer's $1b casino plan gets cabinet backing". Sydney Morning Herald.
  7. "Ex-watchdog slams O'Farrell on Packer casino". Australian Financial Review.
  8. Packer, James (3 November 2012). "Under-investment in top-class tourism puts the city at a serious disadvantage, writes James Packer". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  9. "Crown proposal moves to stage 3" (PDF). Premier of NSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  10. "O'Farrell under pressure to lay bare casino decision a day after receiving report". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  11. "James Packer Bets Big luring Chinese Gamblers Sydney Casinos". South China Morning Post.
  12. "NSW gives green light to Packer casino at Barangaroo". Sydney Morning Herald.
  13. Gorrey, Megan (19 November 2020). "Crown to open Sky Deck observation area as casino launch stalled". The Age. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  14. "Barangaroo changes recommended for approval by state government". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  15. "Crown Resorts hit with legal challenge to Sydney casino". 2 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  16. "Crown blocked from opening new Sydney casino at Barangaroo after money laundering bombshell". www.abc.net.au. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  17. "The three scenarios facing Crown after its Sydney casino was blocked from opening as planned". www.abc.net.au. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  18. Kruger, Colin (7 August 2022). "Crown finally opens its Sydney casino". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  19. "One Barangaroo - The Skyscraper Center". www.skyscrapercenter.com. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  20. "IS CROWN HOTEL RESORT SYDNEY INVOLVED IN THE REMEDIATION PROJECT?". WeAreInNSW. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  21. "CROWN SYDNEY HOTEL RESORT – SUNDAY WORK FOR CRANE CONSTRUCTION - 25 FEBRUARY 2018". WeAreInNSW. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  22. "How and Why Sydney, Australia's Next Tallest Building is Using the Top Down Construction Method". Construction Junkie. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  23. Digital, Ondicom. "The Australian Feature: Crown Sydney's Casino Is Halfway Finished". onebarangaroo.com.au. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  24. "Crown Sydney on track for topping out within two weeks". IAG. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  25. Resorts, Crown (19 February 2020). ""Crown announcese 2020 half-year results"" (PDF). ASX/Media Release: 6 – via crownresorts.com.au.
  26. Robert, Jacobs. "The Crown Casino in Barangaroo will be 6 Stars". Retrieved 16 January 2017 – via BuildSydney.
  27. Amsel, Peter (8 January 2020). "Crown Resorts says Sydney casino to open by Christmas 2020". Calvin Ayre.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  28. Conneller, Philip (17 December 2020). "$1.6 Billion Crown Sydney to Open December 28 Minus Casino". Casino.org. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  29. "barangaroo masterplan: crown hotel tower proposal by kohn pedersen fox". designboom | architecture & design magazine. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  30. "adrian smith + gordon gill: crown hotel sydney proposal for barangaroo". designboom | architecture & design magazine. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  31. "Sydney's new icon". Crown Sydney. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  32. "Wilkinson Eyre wins competition for Sydney harbour skyscraper". Dezeen. 17 May 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  33. WilkinsonEyre (2 February 2021). "One Barangaroo". WilkinsonEyre. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  34. "Designed By Wilkinson Eyre Architects". Crown Sydney. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  35. Size Matters: The True Scale of the World's Tallest Buildings, retrieved 18 March 2021
  36. Object, object (3 February 2020). "First Look: Crown Resorts $2bn One Barangaroo Tower". The Urban Developer. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  37. "Crown Resorts report fallout | 7NEWS - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  38. Elizabeth Farrelly, "Demolish Packer’s Pecker and reclaim the park it was meant to be", The Age, 13 February 2021
  39. Huntley Mitchell, "FUTURE OF ‘PACKER’S PECKER’ UNCERTAIN, AS CROWN RESORTS DIRECTORS RESIGN IN THE WAKE OF SCATHING REPORT", Travel Weekly, 10 February 2021
  40. Jannine Perrett, "It’s swathed in marble, smells like aftershave and looks phallic: welcome to Packer’s Pecker", Crickey, 12 February 2021
  41. Peter FitzSimons, "I started out hating it, but now I dinkum love 'Packer's Pecker'", Sydney Morning Herald", 21 June 2020
  42. Michael Roddan, Who's in bed with Packer's Pecker", Australian Financial Review, 22 October 2020
  43. Christopher Niesche, "Christopher Niesche: Crown Sydney casino Packer's pecker in a high-stakes political pickle", NZ Herald
  44. Piers Wehner, "Packer's Pecker could become Sydney white elephant", EGI UK, 14 August 2020
  45. "Former Prime Minister Paul Keating on Sydney's Barangaroo". www.domain.com.au. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  46. Anthony Dennis, "Crown Sydney architecture: Foreign-designed buildings now dominate city skyline", Traveller, 24 October 2020
  47. "Crown Towers is propelling Sydney to great new heights". The Australian. 8 June 2021.
  48. "Australia's twisting One Barangaroo named 2021's best skyscraper". New Atlas. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  49. "Sydney's tallest tower, One Barangaroo, wins Emporis Skyscraper Award". Archinect. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  50. Editorial (23 March 2014). "Time for more community backbone to tackle problem gambling". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  51. Markham, Francis. "Packer's Barangaroo Casino and the inevitability of pokies".
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