Crown Sydney reaches final decision stage following design compromise

n Resorts has agreed a compromise with planning authorities over changes to its Crown Sydney resort.

Crown Resorts is set to construct and operate Sydney's first six-star luxury hotel resort at Barangaroo South on Sydney Harbour.

The A$2bn resort will include 350 hotel rooms and suites, luxury apartments, signature restaurants and VIP gaming facilities.

An independent Barangaroo Design Advisory Panel had recommended that Crown reduce the size of a planned VIP gaming floor, set to be housed in a building known as the "podium".

Crown had warned that such a decrease could harm the project financially.

However the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment hasn't taken up the recommendation of a reduction, instead opting for an "improved design" of the podium to "reduce the bulky appearance and fit better with the surrounding public areas".

Other Department changes include the "provision of public access to the observation area on Level 65 of the hotel tower providing views of Sydney Harbour", and that "public areas such as the new Hickson Park, Central Parklands and the foreshore be better connected and views of the water will be improved".

It adds that "Waterman’s Cove and the surrounding public promenade will be redesigned and public access to the foreshore will be improved".

The independent Planning Assessment Commission will now make the final decision on the project, which could come as early as mid-2016, according to local media.

The resort is now set to open in early 2021.