Sydney’s urban landscape is at the centre of an ongoing debate between heritage conservation and the pressing need for more housing. Some heritage listings have sparked discussions about whether the protections are being used to safeguard the city’s history or inadvertently restricting much-needed development.
Read: Heritage-Listed MLC Building in North Sydney Set for $365M Transformation
Sydney YIMBY, a community group advocating for increased housing supply, has raised concerns that some councils are using heritage listings as a means to slow or prevent new developments. Co-founder Melissa Neighbour believes heritage protections should be applied selectively to truly unique sites rather than entire streets, particularly in areas close to the city where housing is in high demand.
One prominent case is the MLC building in North Sydney, a 14-storey high-rise completed in 1957. The building, despite being recognised for its innovative design as Australia’s first large-scale commercial office development with a decorative curtain wall, faced multiple proposals for demolition and redevelopment into a new high-rise commercial structure.
Initially listed only on the local heritage register when demolition was first proposed in 2020, it was reinstated on the state heritage register in December 2023 after years of deliberation. While some residents support its preservation for its architectural and historical significance, others argue that it is an outdated structure taking up valuable space that could be repurposed for modern use.
Sydney YIMBY has expressed concerns that councils should focus on addressing current housing needs rather than prioritising heritage listings that may result in areas becoming inaccessible to lower-income residents.
NSW has also weighed in on the issue. NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has urged councils to balance heritage protection with housing targets assigned to each local government area. He emphasised that if one area is designated for heritage protection, councils must find alternative locations within their jurisdiction to meet housing demands.
On the other side of the discussion, heritage advocates argue that protecting Sydney’s historical and architectural legacy is essential. Cheryl Bates, Sydney branch president of the National Trust, stated that heritage conservation is vital to maintaining the city’s cultural identity.
Property Council of Australia NSW executive director Katie Stevenson also acknowledged the need for balance. Stevenson emphasised the importance of protecting high-quality buildings but cautioned that extensive heritage conservation listings could limit housing availability, potentially excluding parts of the community from access to necessary housing.
Read: North Sydney Council Backs Shocking 87% Rate Hike
In the past five years, the City of Sydney has led the way in new heritage listings, adding 47 sites, followed by Inner West with 23, Woollahra with 18, Canterbury-Bankstown with 15, and Ku-ring-gai with seven. While some listings have been widely supported, others have drawn criticism, with concerns that excessive heritage designations could further limit housing availability.
As Sydney continues to grow, the challenge remains in finding a middle ground between preserving its rich history and accommodating future housing needs. The debate is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as both sides push for solutions that align with their vision for the city’s future.
Published 10-February-2025
