The proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct redevelopment includes the transformation of the Paint Shop precinct into a housing and commercial hub. A renowned multi-arts organisation, however, is calling for the conversion of the site into a creative precinct instead.
The proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal project seeks to transform the ten-hectare site into a mixed-use precinct including buildings of up to 28 storeys high containing 450 new homes, and commercial and office spaces adjacent to Carriageworks.
Carriageworks, however, suggests that the site be transformed instead into a creative precinct similar to redevelopment projects in other countries, such as the Kings Cross Central in London, where industrial heritage sites are converted into a new community that promotes creativity and innovation.
Planners, they explained, could instead consider creating a creative quarter for North Eveleigh where built-for-purpose facilities that could cater to film productions, digital businesses and broadcast media would be developed. Whether Carriageworks’ alternative suggestion will be considered or not will be up for the Minister for Planning to decide.
The rezoning proposal for the Paint Shop sub-precinct was exhibited for public comment from 26 July until 25 August 2022. Transport for NSW is in the process of preparing a response to the submissions.
Carriageworks is among Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary multi-arts organisations. The site was built between 1880 and 1889 as part of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops and was redeveloped into a cultural precinct in 2007.
The Carriageworks spaces host premier annual events including Sydney Festival, Sydney Contemporary Art Fair and Sydney Writers’ Festival. Carriageworks is also home to eight resident companies including NSW First Peoples performing arts company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, and Sydney Chamber Opera.