This is what the building burnt down in Sydney CBD fire was meant to look like after hotel development
The building that burnt down during the Sydney CBD fire was due to become a brand-new hotel in Surry Hills following a development proposal made in 2019.
The redevelopment had an estimated cost of nearly $40 million even before the pandemic, rising inflation, supply-chain issues and other problems caused headaches for the construction industry.
It was given the tick of approval in August 2020.
A proposed design for a hotel development at Randle Street, Surry Hills. City of Sydney
This is what a "typical" hotel room at 11-13 Randle Street – a heritage-listed building – would have looked like. City of Sydney
However, there were some conditions attached to that approval.
A deferred commencement consent was issued, meaning the developers had to meet a few requirements before construction could begin.
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The development was first proposed in 2019. City of Sydney
It was given the tick of approval in 2020, albeit with some conditions. City of Sydney
In the hotel's case, those conditions involved addressing the potential impact on the existing trees on Randle Street, making some design modifications, a heritage interpretation plan for 11-13 Randle Street, and a couple of transport-related provisions.
Had the development been completed, it would have seen 11-13 Randle Street – the building gutted by yesterday's fire – as well as the neighbouring addresses at numbers 7-11 and 15 – become a 123-room hotel.
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The development proposal included two new restaurants. City of Sydney
It also had a small bar and cafe. City of Sydney
The redevelopment had an estimated cost of nearly $40 million. City of Sydney
It was also slated to include two restaurants, a small bar and a cafe.
On Friday, police said two teenage boys came forward over the blaze and were assisting officers in their investigation.
Police are still seeking "three or four" other teens in relation to the fire.
READ MORE: Witnesses describe chaos near Surry Hills building fire
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