Sensational-Adelaide.com

AtD wrote:That looks very interesting, hanging over the river like that. Now we're talking serious density.

Do you mind if I copy-pasta the above to SSC?

RENATO CASTELLO
September 23, 2007 12:15am
DEVELOPERS behind the $1.5 billion Port waterfront project have told Port Adelaide Enfield Council to stop public criticism of the landmark project or face legal action.

The Newport Quays consortium has written to the council accusing officers of deceit and waging a "negative public campaign" by attacking the latest plans for the 50ha development.
The consortium says if the council does not seek its written approval before making comments on "any aspect" of the project it will have "no option" but to take legal action.

The September 7 letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Sunday Mail, comes after independent design experts employed by the council publicly criticised Newport Quays' draft concept plans for stages 3 and 4.

Read the letter: What the council was told
It has been reported the construction juggernaut – a partnership between Urban Construct and Multiplex Living – is proposing controversial plans for up to six 12-storey apartment towers overlooking the Port River along Causeway Rd up to the intersection with Semaphore Rd.

Newport Quays lodged a formal development application this week with Planning SA for three 12-storey buildings as part of the $250 million Stage 3 of the development, also known as Precinct 2B.

But the council has been shown concept plans for at least another three 12-storey buildings as part of Stage 4 – also in Precinct 2 – taking the number to six. The council's development plan allows two 12-storey towers in Stages 3 and 4.

The council design panel and council environment services director Fred Newman have been reported as saying the towers threatened the Port's heritage and maritime history and would block out views across the river.

In the letter to council chief executive Harry Weirda, Newport Quays spokesman Todd Brown said the comments were causing the project harm "both from a public perception perspective and financially".

He said it was his understanding that an agreement had been reached with Mr Weirda and Mayor Gary Johanson at an August 2 meeting that the council would not make any further public statements about design concepts tendered to the council.

"We are at a loss to understand why council is now using information provided in confidence during the consultation process to engage in a negative public campaign," he said in the letter, a copy of which was sent to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Patrick Conlon. He said the council had also breached a separate agreement signed in December 2004 that required it to obtain the consortium's approval before making public comments about design concepts. In an emailed statement, Mr Weirda said while the council would "adhere to its obligations" under the agreement he said it also had a responsibility to the community "in terms of ensuring transparency and accountability".

"This may at times result in conflicting and competing needs, however council is confident these will be resolved through robust debate and careful public scrutiny," he said.

Once completed, the harbourside development will feature more than 2000 dwellings catering for an expected 4000 people.

Port of Adelaide National Trust director Tony Kearney said Newport Quays was selling the project on its maritime heritage but at the same time "they are dismantling that heritage". He also questioned the lack of transparency of the planning authority, the Port Waterfront Re-development Committee, which is responsible for approving all projects lodged by Newport Quays.

He said the committee has failed to post minutes or agendas of its meetings on a Planning SA website.

"We have concerns everything is being kept private and being discussed in confidence," he said.

In an emailed statement yesterday, Mr Brown said the consortium was working closely with the council on the next stage of the project.

"Newport Quays has a strong, long-standing working relationship with the Port Adelaide Enfield Council and is committed to revitalising the Port Adelaide region, providing prosperity for its residents and local businesses," he said.

Cruise Control wrote:How do they intend on making the water blue like that in the render?

Dave_The_Planner wrote:. Hopefully, the markets get upgraded to be on-par with Paddy's in Sydney.

stumpjumper wrote:How outrageous is Todd Brown's threatening letter to Port Enfield Council?
...
Think about the implications for good government if this skulduggery by the development/government complex continues.