Could Proposed Rezoning Threaten Marrickville’s Favourite Venues?

Marrickville’s popular, idiosyncratic creative district might well find itself under threat if a controversial rezoning of the Victoria Road precinct gets the green light. The new proposal would see 18.03 hectares of industrial land turned into residential or mixed residential-industrial and the creation of 3,080 new apartments. This could mean bad news for some of Sydney's favourite venues — the Factory Theatre, the Red Rattler, the Vic on the Park, Bourke Street Bakery Marrickville and a host of other Sydney arts spaces, all of which lie within this area and could potentially be subject to tweaked licensing/noise restrictions.

Since its introduction, the proposal has provoked increasing concern among community members and planning staff. In late August, a 600-strong petition voicing opposition was submitted to Marrickville Council. Regardless, on September 3, a 6-5 Council vote sent the proposal to the Department of Planning gateway process.

In the eyes of Greens Councillor Max Phillips, this move presents two significant problems. One, it means that Council will now be seen as endorsing the rezoning. Two, it did not allow time for "proper community consultation" or for "important information... [to be] made available to revise the proposal".

A council spokesperson told Concrete Playground, "Council considered that the proposal should be investigated further to see if it has merit," and that it is too early to predict consequences of the rezoning. "There are many, many steps to go through before we would know what might be the results of rezoning, if indeed the rezoning was adopted," she said.

However, Phillips says that we can certainly speculate. "This is a truly massive proposal," he said. "It's almost the area of Barangaroo... Over the past two years, there's been some change in the use of the industrial area. Some of the manufacturing industries have moved elsewhere and we've seen some new ones move in, particularly the creative industries and the boutique, artisanal food industries... Part of what has attracted them is cheaper rent.. and the grittiness and character of the area. One of the fears that the Greens have is that the rezoning may disrupt that revitalisation."

High-density residential housing often means dull, template-based architecture, as well as changes that raise alarm bells for arts practices, including traffic congestion and noise complaints.

Jamie Ferguson, director of The Red Rattler, is deeply concerned. "The Red Rattler loves the diversity of the area and its semi-industrial landscape," he explains. "It suits our grassroots approach, style of gigs, performances and our parties. There's no question a venue like The Rat or other startup creative businesses and spaces wouldn't work if they were situated amongst nasty high-rises with convenience stores on every corner."

What's more, Ferguson feels that public consultation has been sorely lacking. "The whole situation is really quite puzzling, and a surprise to The Rat," he says. "On the one hand creative arts spaces are being praised for adding to the vibrancy and diversity of the area, yet on the other hand conservative Councillors have shown their position by considering a review of the current zoning, which is very disappointing. There's certainly been no thorough community consultation."

That said, it it's all far from over yet. To express your response to the proposal, you can contact the Marrickville Council, get in touch with particular Councillors and check out the Mayoral Minute dedicated to the rezoning, which is Item One at the Council’s September 16 meeting. You can also call or email the Marrickville Greens and keep an eye out for community meetings and petitions.

Want to voice your opinion in person about the future of Marrickville's Victoria Road precinct? A Greens-run forum has been called for September 30 at The Red Rattler, kicking off at 6:30pm.