Enhancing the character of Kings Cross through immersive consultation

City of Sydney 

Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross Urban Design Study Engagement

Kings Cross is an internationally renowned precinct with a long and rich history, and unique cultural identity and character. Its famed Darlinghurst Road and the wider area are in a transition phase, with increased interest in redevelopment due to its changing amenity, decreased late-night activity, access to public transport and proximity to the Sydney CBD. 

In 2017, a Development Application was received by Council for the ‘Bourbon’ site located at 18-28 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross. This proposal was unpopular amongst residents and business owners. In response to increased development interest and activity along Sydney’s Darlinghurst Road, the City of Sydney Council reviewed parts of the planning framework that guides local character and development. 

As part of this review, Council engaged Cred to collaboratively engage with local residents and landowners to better understand their views and concerns around the character, built form and experience of Darlinghurst Road, to inform the future character statement and planning controls of the area. This included ideas about what makes Darlinghurst Road special, what needs to be protected and the types of activities and land uses the community think are appropriate.

Services
  • Engagement
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How we did it

We formally engaged with 300 residents in two community engagement opportunities, and 12 landowners in a landowner-specific workshop.

The community and landowners workshops utilised design thinking and round robin engagement approaches (see image below) to understand place character, value and identity now and aspirations for the future. Specialist planners and designers participated in facilitation of group activities to provide input around character and planning controls.

 

A diagram displaying Cred's collaborative workshop process

Cred’s collaborative workshop process (Image source: Cred).

Participants discussing various ideas over sets of building blocks.
Specialist planners and designers provided input around character and planning controls. (Source: Andy Baker for Cred Consulting).
Workshops utilised design thinking and round robin engagement approaches. (Source: Andy Baker for Cred Consulting).
300 local residents and 12 landowners participated in Cred’s engagement events. (Source: Andy Baker for Cred Consulting).
Participants using workshop materials to express ideas (Source: Andy Baker for Cred Consulting).
Cred Consulting’s Associate Director, Jen Juice, lead a collaborative discussion with Kings Cross stakeholders. (Source: Andy Baker for Cred Consulting).

The outcome

The collaborative and immersive approach to consultation supported the successful exhibition of the revised Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross Urban Character Statement, and will inform all future Planning Proposals for this important area.