Sydney waterfront's $10M building proposal seeks public feedback

A $10-million development project slated for Sydney's waterfront was the focus of a lot of attention at an open house on Tuesday night.

At Sydney'sCivic Centre, peoplewere invited to speak witharchitect Spiro Trifosabout theneweight-storey buildingplanned for the Esplanade.

"Our vision consists of amulti-storeyglassand brickandaluminum-panelledbuilding that's fronting on the waterfront, with spectacular views up and down the harbour," saidTrifos.

The buildingwill have a mix of residential and commercial space, and will be added to a number of others built by Harbour Royal Development in the downtown area.

Rick McReady, a planner with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, says it is seeking feedback and wants the public to be aware of what's being proposed.

"Do they feel it's the right type of development for this site, or do they support it? Are there some concerns with respect to the development that we can address that would allow the development to go ahead, but possibly make some changes to address their concerns?"

The project still requires approval under CBRM's planning strategy.

"It's really more about changing percentages of what portion is going to be residential, what portion is going to be commercial and retail. And there's some height issues," said Dwight Rudderham of Royal Harbour Development.

CBRM will host another public session with the developer next week.