State Significant
fjcurban prepares the urban design work for State Significant Development, from concept envelopes approved by the Independent Planning Commission to over-station development above Sydney Metro.
Larger in-fill affordable housing projects can also be assessed as State Significant Development. We prepare the design testing these applications need, alongside each project’s planning consultant.
Our work in the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which leads to State Significant Development, is shown on our Housing Delivery Authority page.
Melrose Park East Precinct, Block 6
Block 6 of Holdmark’s Melrose Park precinct on the Parramatta River, part of a three-block scheme approved as State Significant Development in 2026.
Our Expertise
Complex Sites
We work on sites with major infrastructure, heritage and public interest, where many agencies and stakeholders are involved. At Hunter Street Metro, the planning proposal was gazetted in 2023 and the concept applications for both over-station towers were approved in 2024. Complex sites reward early, coordinated design across every discipline.
Through Every Stage
We prepare urban design work for concept and detailed applications through to determination, and respond to submissions along the way. At Cockle Bay and Harbourside, concept envelopes and public domain frameworks were approved by the Independent Planning Commission in 2019 and 2021. Continuity of team keeps the scheme consistent through each stage.
Housing Delivery Authority
Fifteen projects we have worked on have been recommended by the HDA for State Significant Development, with capacity for more than 6,800 homes. Our urban design work for the Expression of Interest carries forward into the SEARs request and the application itself, keeping each scheme consistent from recommendation through to assessment.
Design Excellence
We work within design excellence processes, from competition-winning 201 Elizabeth Street, whose Stage 2 application was approved in 2025, to early engagement with design review panels. Independent review is treated as part of our accountability to the public, and helps strengthen each scheme before it is lodged for assessment.
Projects
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Hunter Street Metro, Sydney | Over-station development above the new Sydney Metro station. The planning proposal was gazetted in November 2023, and the concept State Significant Development applications for the east and west towers were approved in April 2024. |
| 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney | Competition-winning concept for a tower facing Hyde Park. The Stage 2 State Significant Development application was approved in June 2025. |
| Cockle Bay Masterplan, Sydney | Concept building envelope for the Cockle Bay Wharf redevelopment, prepared with JBA and Right Angle Studio. Approved by the Independent Planning Commission in May 2019. |
| Harbourside, Sydney | Concept envelope and public domain framework for the Harbourside redevelopment at Darling Harbour. Approved by the Independent Planning Commission in June 2021. |
| Spring Quarter, Chatswood | Four buildings with about 760 apartments, commercial and retail space, through-site links and open space, recommended by the Housing Delivery Authority for State Significant Development in October 2025. |
For further information, please enquire by email. You can also explore fjcurban and our selected urban projects.