Planning Proposals and Rezonings
fjcurban prepares the urban design studies that support planning proposals and rezonings, working alongside each project’s planning consultant. Our studies test how a site can accommodate change, and show what it can offer the city in return.
Our work includes the studies for 187 Thomas Street and 55 Pitt Street, which led to Sydney LEP amendments in 2021, and the planning proposal for Hunter Street Metro, gazetted in 2023.
Hunter Street Metro, Sydney
Over-station development above the new Sydney Metro station. The planning proposal was gazetted in November 2023, ahead of concept approvals for both towers in April 2024.
Our Expertise
Testing Capacity
Every planning proposal begins with what a site can carry. We test height, floor space, setbacks and overshadowing through many options, so the proponent and planning consultant can see the trade-offs between yield, amenity and neighbour impacts before a proposal is lodged, and put forward a scheme that is supportable.
Strategic Merit
Planning proposals must show why change suits a site. Our studies connect each proposal to its context, from transport and centres planning to heritage and public space, and give the planning consultant clear urban design evidence for the strategic and site-specific merit tests each proposal must meet.
Public Benefit
A rezoning should give something back. New public space, through-site links, active ground floors and improved connections are designed into each proposal from the start, so the benefits are clear to assessors and communities, and can be carried into the controls that follow the amendment.
Concurrent Rezonings
Rezoning can also run alongside a development application. In the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, recommended proposals such as 5 Blue Street and 60 Union Street include a concurrent rezoning, and our design work for the Expression of Interest carries through to the application itself.
Projects
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| 55 Pitt Street, Sydney | Urban design study for Mirvac supporting a planning proposal for a new tower near Circular Quay. The Sydney LEP amendment was made in October 2021. |
| 187 Thomas Street, Sydney | Urban design study for a planning proposal to redevelop the Haymarket site. The Sydney LEP amendment was made in September 2021. |
| 56 Pitt Street, Sydney | Urban design report for the planning proposal for 56-60 Pitt Street and 3 Spring Street. Endorsed by the Central Sydney Planning Committee in June 2025 and now at finalisation. |
| Hunter Street Metro, Sydney | Over-station development above the new Sydney Metro station. The planning proposal was gazetted in November 2023. |
| 5 Blue Street, North Sydney | Concurrent rezoning and redevelopment for shop top housing, recommended by the Housing Delivery Authority for State Significant Development. |
| 60 Union Street, Pyrmont | Residential addition above an existing commercial building, with a concurrent rezoning, recommended by the Housing Delivery Authority. |
For further information, please enquire by email. You can also explore fjcurban and our selected urban projects.