Architects unveil designs for Packer's hotel
Three international architectural firms have submitted designs for James Packer's proposed billion dollar hotel and casino at Sydney's Barangaroo precinct.
Mr Packer, the chairman of Crown Resorts, says he wants the project to create the most "iconic" building in Sydney since the Opera House was completed in 1973.
All three projects submitted in the design competition have a futuristic feel and are at least 60-storeys high.
In a statement, Mr Packer described the submissions as "truly inspiring".
"They literally take your breath away," he said.
"Sydney deserves one of the world's best hotels and these amazing architects have all delivered.
"With these sorts of designs, Crown Sydney will be the most iconic building constructed in this city since the Opera House."
New South Wales Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner says he is impressed with the designs, but Mr Packer's decision to reveal them will not influence the decision.
"James Packer is a confident businessman, he's putting everything into this proposal and he's got to take his best shot at it," Mr Stoner said.
"That said, there's an element of uncertainty about this because there are two proposals being considered by the Independent panel that the Government has established.
"That independent panel will be guided by what is the best deal in the best interests of the taxpayers."
The chief executive of property development industry group Urban Taskforce, Chris Johnson, says building another iconic landmark in Sydney is important for the city.
"For a city to have a few iconic buildings that really stand out as being sculptural and three dimensional is a very positive thing," Mr Johnson said.
"This building - whichever of three are selected - will become an iconic building in Sydney.
"It puts us up at a world level with some of the most famous high rise towers around the world."
A panel including representatives of Crown Resorts, Lend Lease, the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure are judging the plans submitted by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Kohn Pedersen Fox and Wilkinson Eyre Architects.
The final design must be approved by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the planning department.
Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture's plan
Wilkinson Eyre's Barangaroo precinct casino plans
Barangaroo precinct casino plans from Kohn Pedersen Fox
Source: ABC News, 6 May 2013
