‘Unique history’: $900 million quarry transformation approved

Renders of Landream’s proposed development. Image: Landream

The plan to revitalise Sydney’s former Saunders quarry has been greenlit to proceed to the next stage by the City of Sydney Council.  

The application, from developer Landream, secured approval for the Pyrmont development at 14-26 Wattle St stage two development application. 

The $900M mixed-use project will feature four buildings comprising 237 apartments and a 14,500 sqm commercial building. It will also include a 91-place childcare facility and a recreation centre with two indoor sports courts, to be owned by the City of Sydney Council. 

“We are proud to achieve the Stage 2 DA approval and are looking forward to collaborating with the local Pyrmont community and the City of Sydney to transform the historic quarry site into a vibrant precinct that will benefit both the local community and its future residents,” Landream director Harvard Shen said.  

Decades ago, the site was home to Saunders “Hell hole” quarry which was of the best known in Pyrmont. Alongside “Paradise” and “Purgatory”, the three were used for sandstone extraction which featured in notable buildings in Sydney.  

Renders of Landream’s proposed development. Image: Landream

“Hell hole” quarry, according to historians from Pyrmont History, went twenty feet (six metres) below street level which is how it derived its name in part. Its sandstone was used for the general post office in Martin Place. 

After the site ceased to be a usable quarry it became a council depot in 1906 which lasted until 1990 where it later became a dump.  

According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, Landream snatched up the site for $200 million. It is across from the Wentworth Park greyhound track. 

“This place has a unique history that offers many layers of inspiration,” BVN principal Phillip Rossington said. 

Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2024. 

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