Crown Sydney
{{Short description|Skyscraper in Barangaroo, New South Wales, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Crown Sydney
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| logo = Crown_Sydney_Logo.svg
| logo_size = 100px
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| image = Crown Sydney from Barangaroo Wharf 2025.jpg
| image_size =
| image_caption = Crown Sydney, February 2025
| highest_start = 2020
| map_type =
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Map showing location of Crown Sydney
| map_size =
| map_dot_label =
| map_dot_mark =
| relief =
| former_names =
| alternate_names = One Barangaroo
| etymology =
| status = Completed
| topped_out = yes
| building_type = Mixed use
| architectural_style =
| classification =
| location = Barangaroo, Sydney Australia
| address = 1–11 Barangaroo Avenue
| coordinates = {{coord|-33.862469|151.201160|display=inline,title}}
| altitude =
| current_tenants =
| namesake =
| start_date = October 2016
| topped_out_date = March 2020
| completion_date = December 2020
| opened_date = 28 December 2020
| inauguration_date =
| relocated_date =
| renovation_date =
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| cost = A$2.2 billion
| ren_cost =
| client =
| owner = Crown Resorts
| landlord =
| height =
| architectural =
| tip = {{convert|271.3|m|ft}}
| antenna_spire =
| roof =
| top_floor =
| observatory = {{convert|250|m|ft|abbr=off}}
| diameter =
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| weight =
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| structural_system =
| material =
| size =
| floor_count = 75
(71 above ground)
(4 below ground)
| floor_area = {{cvt|146500|m2|sqft}}
| elevator_count = 10
| grounds_area =
| architect =
| architecture_firm = WilkinsonEyre
| developer = Crown Resorts
| engineer =
| structural_engineer = Robert Bird Group
| services_engineer = LCI
| civil_engineer =
| other_designers =
| quantity_surveyor =
| main_contractor = Lendlease
| awards =
| designations =
| known_for =
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| number_of_rooms =
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| facilities =
| parking =
| website =
| embed =
| embedded = {{Infobox casino
| embed = yes
| name = Casino information
| location =
| address =
| date_opened =
| names_pre =
| date_closed =
| casino_type = Land-based
| theme =
| owner = Crown Resorts
| license_holder = Crown Resorts
| architect =
| rooms = 349 (hotel)
82 (apartments)
| space_gaming =
| shows =
| attractions =
| notable_restaurants =
| renovations =
| website = {{URL|http://www.crownsydney.com.au}}
}}
| references =
| highest_region = Sydney
| highest_prev = Chifley Tower
| footnotes =
}}
Crown Sydney (also referred to by its street address of One Barangaroo and informally known as Packer’s Pecker) is a skyscraper in Barangaroo, New South Wales, Australia. Designed by WilkinsonEyre, it stands at a height of {{convert|271.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} with 75 floors, making it the tallest building in Sydney and 4th tallest in Australia. It was developed by Crown Resorts, primarily comprising a hotel and residential apartments, while a casino and other hospitality venues make up the rest of its floorspace. Construction began in October 2016, and the building was topped out in March 2020. It was inaugurated to the public in December 2020.
Crown Sydney is a major component of the urban redevelopment of the Barangaroo area of central Sydney, forming part of a cluster of skyscrapers comprising the adjacent One Sydney Harbour and International Towers. The tower sits on the site of former industrial wharves, which were progressively paved over through land reclamation in the 1960s and 70s after falling into disuse, forming the unoccupied concrete site on which the tower was constructed.{{Cite web |date=2015-09-30 |title=The rise and rise of Barangaroo: how a monster development on Sydney harbour just kept on getting bigger |url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/30/the-rise-and-rise-of-barangaroo-how-a-monster-development-on-sydney-harbour-just-kept-on-getting-bigger |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}
Background
= Early proposals =
Initial concepts for a hotel development in Barangaroo as part of its urban redevelopment plan first circulated in 2010. These concepts mostly centred around a {{convert|213|m|ft|abbr=off}} tall hotel tower built on a pier extended {{convert|150|m|ft|abbr=off}} into the harbour. Following public backlash, the height of the tower was lowered to {{convert|159|m|ft|abbr=off}} and the length of the pier was reduced to {{convert|85|m|ft|abbr=off}}.{{Cite web|last=Cranston|first=Belinda|date=2010-06-16|title=Sydney's Barangaroo hotel downsized|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/sydneys-barangaroo-hotel-downsized-20100616-yg58.html|access-date=2021-02-03|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2010-07-27|title=Barangaroo Project Brings Hotel to Sydney Harbour|url=https://www.costar.com/article/1631870189|access-date=2021-02-03|website=CoStar}} These proposals failed to gain traction.File:Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia - panoramio (128).jpgIn February 2012, James Packer's casino group, Crown Resorts, presented an A$1 billion+ proposal to Premier Barry O'Farrell to build a hotel, casino and entertainment complex at the site on land that was set aside for open space at Barangaroo Central, a departure from previous concepts of building a tower on an extended pier in the harbour. O'Farrell initially welcomed the proposal, yet cautioned it would need to gain regulatory approval before going ahead.{{cite news|title=Premier pleased with new Sydney casino plans|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-27/premier-pleased-with-new-sydney-casino-plans/3854228|work=ABC News|date=26 February 2012 }}
The proposal drew widespread criticism from the Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Paul Keating, and former government architect, Chris Johnson.{{cite news|title=Moore takes on O'Farrell over Barangaroo casino|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-28/moore-takes-on-o27farrell-over-barangaroo-casino/3857684|work=ABC News|date=28 February 2012 }} In October 2012, Premier O'Farrell announced that the NSW Cabinet had reviewed the proposal and decided that the government would enter into detailed negotiations with Crown Resorts for the establishment of a casino and hotel complex at Barangaroo.{{cite news|title=Packer's $1b casino plan gets cabinet backing|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/packers-1b-casino-plan-gets-cabinet-backing-20121025-286ul.html#ixzz2BFgxKFN5|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}} Tony Harris, a former Auditor-General of New South Wales was critical of the decision−making process, claiming the public could miss out on millions of dollars.{{cite web|title=Ex-watchdog slams O'Farrell on Packer casino|url=http://www.afr.com/p/national/ex_watchdog_slams_farrell_on_packer_OqTFBcWyzyuFkhRxLWg3EM|publisher=Australian Financial Review}} Packer wrote a defence of his proposal for the press.{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/for-the-good-of-sydney-back-this-plan-20121102-28p9t.html#ixzz2BFtdMao9|title=Under-investment in top-class tourism puts the city at a serious disadvantage, writes James Packer.|last=Packer|first=James|date=3 November 2012|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=12 July 2016}}
In July 2013 after a recommendation from an independent steering committee, O'Farrell announced the Crown proposal would be moved to Stage 3 of the unsolicited proposals process, the final stage where the parties will negotiate a binding contract.{{cite web|title=Crown proposal moves to stage 3|url=http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/CROWN%20PROPOSAL%20MOVES%20TO%20STAGE%203%20.pdf|publisher=Premier of NSW|access-date=8 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424152558/http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/CROWN%20PROPOSAL%20MOVES%20TO%20STAGE%203%20.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2018|url-status=dead}} The government received a $100 million upfront fee for the licence, despite being offered $250 million with alternative tax arrangements which the steering committee's economic advisor Deloitte calculated was a superior offer.{{cite news|title=O'Farrell under pressure to lay bare casino decision a day after receiving report|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/ofarrell-under-pressure-to-lay-bare-casino-decision-a-day-after-receiving-report-20130702-2p9zx.html|access-date=31 July 2013|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}} Crown's intention was to lure Chinese high-rollers to its Sydney casino, leveraging off its interests in its Macau casinos and taking advantage of a new streamlined visa process introduced by the Australian government for Chinese citizens wanting to gamble at Australian casinos.{{cite news|title=James Packer Bets Big luring Chinese Gamblers Sydney Casinos|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1292279/james-packer-bets-big-luring-chinese-gamblers-sydney-casinos|newspaper=South China Morning Post}} In November 2013, it was announced that Crown Sydney had received approval for the casino licence and place at Barangaroo.{{cite news|title=NSW gives green light to Packer casino at Barangaroo|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-gives-green-light-to-packer-casino-at-barangaroo-20131111-2xc9m.html|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}
= Approval =
In November 2015, Packer expressed his frustrations over the delaying of the project from strenuous government planning laws. Following this in March 2016, a series of proposals to change aspects of the building were recommended by the State Government in order for the project to receive final approval. This included the introduction of a new recess in the interior as well as new cladding on the south side of the building. An observation deck on the 66th floor from a height of {{convert|250|m|ft|abbr=off}} above ground,{{Cite web|last=Gorrey|first=Megan|date=2020-11-19|title=Crown to open Sky Deck observation area as casino launch stalled|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/crown-to-open-sky-deck-observation-area-as-casino-launch-stalled-20201028-p569hd.html|access-date=2020-12-21|website=The Age|language=en}} as well as public access to the upper floors, was also proposed.{{Cite web|url = http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/barangaroo-changes-recommended-for-approval-by-state-government-20160329-gnt7th.html|title = Barangaroo changes recommended for approval by state government|website = The Sydney Morning Herald| date=29 March 2016 |access-date = 2016-03-30}} In June 2016, the casino received final approval from the Planning Assessment Commission on condition that the casino met needs proposed by the commission, including adequate public spaces and access.
= Controversies =
Despite the development's approval, the Millers Point Fund lodged legal action against the project in early August 2016 challenging the validity of the casino and aiming to have construction on the project halted. Crown Resorts responded, stating they would "vigorously defend" their actions. The dispute was held in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales in late August, with a decisive dismissal of the Millers Point Fund's claims.{{Cite web|url=http://www.afr.com/business/gambling/crown-resorts-hit-with-legal-challenge-to-sydney-casino-20160802-gqjchr|title=Crown Resorts hit with legal challenge to Sydney casino|date=2016-08-02|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-16}}
On 21 January 2020, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) established an inquiry, presided over by Supreme Court of NSW judge Patricia Bergin, into the suitability of Crown entities to operate the Crown Sydney Casino.{{Cite web |title=The Bergin Inquiry {{!}} NSW Independent Casino Commission |url=https://www.nicc.nsw.gov.au/casino-regulation/bergin-inquiry |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.nicc.nsw.gov.au}} After Crown Resorts made admissions to the inquiry on 17 November 2020 of money laundering having occurred through some of its VIP accounts at Crown venues in other states, ILGA banned Crown Resorts from opening the Crown Sydney casino in December 2020 as had been planned.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-18|title=Crown blocked from opening new Sydney casino at Barangaroo after money laundering bombshell|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-18/crown-resorts-banned-from-opening-sydney-casino/12895344|access-date=2020-11-18|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}} Despite the inability of the casino to open, other operations within the Crown Sydney building were unaffected.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-18|title=The three scenarios facing Crown after its Sydney casino was blocked from opening as planned|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-19/crown-resorts-blocked-from-opening-sydney-casino-what-now/12896450|access-date=2020-11-21|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}
On 1 February 2021, Bergin reported the findings of the inquiry to ILGA, including findings that Crown was unsuitable to hold a licence to operate the Crown Sydney Casino.{{Cite web |title=The Bergin Inquiry {{!}} NSW Independent Casino Commission |url=https://www.nicc.nsw.gov.au/casino-regulation/bergin-inquiry |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.nicc.nsw.gov.au}} In February 2022, Crown Resorts accepted a A$8.9 billion takeover offer from US private equity firm Blackstone.{{Cite web |last1=Brumpton |first1=Harry |last2=Vercoe |first2=Peter |date=13 February 2022 |title=Blackstone Wins Crown Resorts With $6.4 Billion Takeover Bid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-13/blackstone-wins-crown-resorts-as-board-accepts-6-4-billion-bid |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=bloomberg.com}} The deal was approved by the Federal Court of Australia in June 2022 and Crown was delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-15 |title=Crown will go private in less than two weeks and James Packer will get a $3.36b buyout. What happened? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-15/federal-court-approves-blackstone-takeover-of-crown-casino/101153420 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}
Following a complete overhaul of Crown Resort's board, management and procedures, a conditional licence was finally granted for the casino in June 2022, allowing for its opening in August 2022.{{Cite web |last=Kruger |first=Colin |date=2022-08-07 |title=Crown finally opens its Sydney casino |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/crown-finally-opens-its-sydney-casino-20220805-p5b7j5.html |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
On 23 April 2024, the NSW Independent Casino Commission reinstated Crown Sydney's unconditional casino licence.{{Cite web |title=2024 Crown Sydney suitability assessment {{!}} NSW Independent Casino Commission |url=https://www.nicc.nsw.gov.au/casino-regulation/2024-crown-sydney-suitability-assessment |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.nicc.nsw.gov.au}}{{Cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |last2=McGuire |first2=Amelia |date=2024-04-23 |title=Bleak outlook for The Star as nemesis Crown has licence reinstated |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/bleak-outlook-for-the-star-as-nemesis-crown-has-licence-reinstated-20240423-p5fm1u.html |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
Construction
Lendlease was contracted for the main construction of the structure, while the Robert Bird Group oversaw structural engineering and LCI as head of MEP servicing.{{Cite web|title=One Barangaroo - The Skyscraper Center|url=https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/one-barangaroo/13283|access-date=2020-12-19|website=www.skyscrapercenter.com}} Initial site works commenced in October 2016, starting with an excavation and decontamination of the site, mostly of remnants of asbestos; indicative of the site's industrial history.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=IS CROWN HOTEL RESORT SYDNEY INVOLVED IN THE REMEDIATION PROJECT?|url=https://resource.barangaroo.com/hc/en-us/articles/115007857308-Is-Crown-Hotel-Resort-Sydney-involved-in-the-remediation-project-|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813053839/https://resource.barangaroo.com/hc/en-us/articles/115007857308-Is-Crown-Hotel-Resort-Sydney-involved-in-the-remediation-project- |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=19 December 2020|website=WeAreInNSW}} Excavation of the basement and foundation works would continue throughout 2017. Between February and March 2018, tower cranes were assembled on site, to commence works on the main core and floorplates,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=CROWN SYDNEY HOTEL RESORT – SUNDAY WORK FOR CRANE CONSTRUCTION - 25 FEBRUARY 2018|url=https://resource.barangaroo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000063456-Crown-Sydney-Hotel-Resort-Sunday-work-for-crane-construction-25-February-2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803193750/https://resource.barangaroo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000063456-Crown-Sydney-Hotel-Resort-Sunday-work-for-crane-construction-25-February-2018 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=19 December 2020|website=WeAreInNSW}} which would see the structure start to rise throughout 2018. A top-down method of construction was utilised on the core.{{Cite web|title=How and Why Sydney, Australia's Next Tallest Building is Using the Top Down Construction Method|url=https://www.constructionjunkie.com/blog/2018/7/19/how-and-why-sydney-australias-next-tallest-building-is-using-the-top-down-construction-method|access-date=2020-12-19|website=Construction Junkie|date=19 July 2018 |language=en-US}}
By March 2019, the structure had reached a height of {{convert|120|m|ft|abbr=off}}. The structure continued to rise throughout 2019, reaching a "halfway point" in its construction by May 2019, which would be followed closely by the installation of approximately 7000 triangular glass panels for the facade of the building.{{Cite web|last=Digital|first=Ondicom|title=The Australian Feature: Crown Sydney's Casino Is Halfway Finished|url=https://onebarangaroo.com.au/news/the-australian-feature-crown-sydney’s-casino-is-halfway-finished/18|access-date=2020-12-19|website=onebarangaroo.com.au}} The main core of the structure topped-out in March 2020,{{Cite web|date=2020-02-20|title=Crown Sydney on track for topping out within two weeks|url=https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2020/02/20/crown-sydney-on-track-for-topping-out-within-two-weeks/|access-date=2020-05-02|website=IAG|language=en}}{{Cite journal|last=Resorts|first=Crown|date=19 February 2020|title="Crown announcese 2020 half-year results"|url=https://www.crownresorts.com.au/CrownResorts/files/11/11248b77-8119-494b-9f10-bd2ef48754ad.pdf|journal=ASX/Media Release|pages=6|via=crownresorts.com.au|access-date=2 May 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028121632/https://www.crownresorts.com.au/CrownResorts/files/11/11248b77-8119-494b-9f10-bd2ef48754ad.pdf|url-status=dead}} followed by the floorplates which topped out and reached the building's full architectural height in May 2020. Fit-out of the internals of the building and facade continued throughout 2020, before completion was reached in December 2020.{{Cite news|last=Robert|first=Jacobs|title=The Crown Casino in Barangaroo will be 6 Stars|url=https://www.buildsydney.com/crown-casino-barangaroo-will-6-stars/|access-date=2017-01-16|via=BuildSydney}}{{cite web|last=Amsel|first=Peter|date=8 January 2020|title=Crown Resorts says Sydney casino to open by Christmas 2020|url=https://calvinayre.com/2020/01/08/casino/crown-resorts-sydney-casino-open-christmas-2020/amp/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329055311/https://calvinayre.com/2020/01/08/casino/crown-resorts-sydney-casino-open-christmas-2020/amp/|archive-date=29 March 2020|access-date=3 February 2020|website=Calvin Ayre.com}} Crown Sydney was officially inaugurated to the public on 28 December 2020.{{Cite web|last=Conneller|first=Philip|date=2020-12-17|title=$1.6 Billion Crown Sydney to Open December 28 Minus Casino|url=https://www.casino.org/news/1-6-billion-crown-sydney-to-open-december-28-minus-casino/|access-date=2020-12-19|website=Casino.org|language=en-US}}
File:Barangaroo towers (cropped).jpg|July 2017
File:Crown construction june 2018.jpg|June 2018
File:Construction at Barangaroo (cropped).jpg|August 2018
File:Barangaroo - construction of the new Crown Casino and the new Metro station (cropped).jpg|March 2019
File:Crown Sydney2 (cropped).jpg|July 2019
File:Sydney (AU), Barangaroo -- 2019 -- 2093.jpg|October 2019
File:Crown Sydney UC in December 2019 (cropped).jpg|December 2019
File:Crown Sydney topped out 2.jpg|February 2020
File:Barangaroo Sydney 2019 03 (cropped).jpg|April 2020
File:Crown Sydney - November 2020.jpg|November 2020
File:Crown Sydney Barangaroo (cropped).jpg|January 2021 (completion)
Design and layout
In 2013, Crown Resorts launched a design competition, seeking expressions of interest from eight architecture firms with experience in similar hospitality focused projects. A shortlist of designs from Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, Kohn Pedersen Fox and WilkinsonEyre were subsequently selected and a jury panel was formed to select the hotel's final design and Principal Architect.{{Cite web|date=2013-05-08|title=barangaroo masterplan: crown hotel tower proposal by kohn pedersen fox|url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/barangaroo-masterplan-crown-hotel-tower-proposal-by-kohn-pedersen-fox/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2013-05-08|title=adrian smith + gordon gill: crown hotel sydney proposal for barangaroo|url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/adrian-smith-gordon-gill-crown-hotel-sydney-proposal-for-barangaroo-development/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|language=en}} The jury panel consisted of representatives from Crown Resorts, Lendlease and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority as well as a prominent architect representing the NSW Department of Planning and an observer from the City of Sydney.{{Cite web|title=Sydney's new icon|url=https://www.crownsydney.com.au/property|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Crown Sydney}} A unanimous vote in favour of Wilkinson Eyre's design was finalised in May 2013.{{Cite web|date=2013-05-17|title=Wilkinson Eyre wins competition for Sydney harbour skyscraper|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2013/05/17/wilkinson-eyre-wins-competition-crown-sydney-hotel-resort-skyscraper/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Dezeen|language=en}}
The design and form of the tower takes inspiration from natural forms and curved geometry, emanating from three "petals" that twist and rise together, The geometry of the tower was derived using parametric 3D modelling, to accommodate a 60-degree twist in the outer skin with helical columns on the perimeter while maintaining a vertical core structure.{{Cite web|last=WilkinsonEyre|date=2021-02-02|title=One Barangaroo|url=https://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/one-barangaroo|access-date=2021-02-03|website=WilkinsonEyre|language=en}} According to Wilkinson Eyre, the tower "is derived from a sculptural form that is reminiscent of three twisting petals and takes inspiration from nature, being composed of organic forms without literal or direct reference". Additionally, the twisting shape of the upper and intermediate levels of the tower are designed to maximise views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Founding architect Chris Wilkinson further describes the design of the tower as "a sculptural form that will rise up on the skyline like an inhabited artwork, with differing levels of transparency, striking a clear new image against the sky”.{{Cite web|title=Designed By Wilkinson Eyre Architects|url=https://www.crownsydney.com.au/property/the-architects|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Crown Sydney}}
Crown Sydney comprises a floor area of {{cvt|146500|m2|sqft}}.{{Citation|title=Size Matters: The True Scale of the World's Tallest Buildings| date=17 March 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhD_RYF76-4|language=en|access-date=2021-03-18}} The casino floor along with bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues occupy the podium of the tower. Crown Resort's six star hotel makes up the lower levels of the tower from levels 6 to 32, including the protruding lower south east wing of the building. Private residential apartments occupy levels 33 to 63 of the tower, while duplex penthouses occupy levels 64 to 66. A public observation deck occupies a small section of level 66. The tower is topped with the hotel's "sky villas", occupying levels 67 to 69, with utilities making up the remaining levels of 70 and 71.{{Cite web|last=Object|first=object|date=2020-02-03|title=First Look: Crown Resorts $2bn One Barangaroo Tower|url=https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/first-look-crown-resorts-2bn-one-barangaroo|access-date=2021-02-10|website=The Urban Developer|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Crown Resorts report fallout {{!}} 7NEWS - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL519MfOhdA&ab_channel=7NEWSAustralia|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.youtube.com| date=10 February 2021 }}
Gallery
File:Crown Sydney from Millers Point, NSW, May 2021, 02.jpg|Northern view
File:Crown Sydney Barangaroo1.jpg|Podium viewed from the west
File:Watermans Cove Sydney.jpg|View north from Waterman's Cove
File:Crown Hotel Barangaroo Sydney 01.jpg|Main hotel lobby
File:Crown Hotel Barangaroo Sydney 05.jpg|Lift lobby
Popular opinion
Popular opinion is divided on the design of the tower. Australian and international media have reported that the building has been nicknamed "Packer's Pecker", in reference to its primary proponent, James Packer, and its outsized massing and phallic shape.Elizabeth Farrelly, "[https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/demolish-packer-s-pecker-and-reclaim-the-park-it-was-meant-to-be-20210212-p571wd.html Demolish Packer’s Pecker and reclaim the park it was meant to be]", The Age, 13 February 2021Huntley Mitchell, "[https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/future-of-packers-pecker-uncertain-as-crown-resorts-directors-resign-in-the-wake-of-scathing-report/ FUTURE OF ‘PACKER’S PECKER’ UNCERTAIN, AS CROWN RESORTS DIRECTORS RESIGN IN THE WAKE OF SCATHING REPORT]", Travel Weekly, 10 February 2021Jannine Perrett, "[https://www.crikey.com.au/2021/02/12/crown-sydney-building-james-packer/ It’s swathed in marble, smells like aftershave and looks phallic: welcome to Packer’s Pecker]", Crickey, 12 February 2021Peter FitzSimons, "[https://www.smh.com.au/national/i-started-out-hating-it-but-now-i-dinkum-love-packer-s-pecker-20200619-p55485.html I started out hating it, but now I dinkum love 'Packer's Pecker']", Sydney Morning Herald", 21 June 2020Michael Roddan, [https://www.afr.com/rear-window/who-s-in-bed-with-packer-s-pecker-20201021-p56769 Who's in bed with Packer's Pecker]", Australian Financial Review, 22 October 2020Christopher Niesche, "[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/christopher-niesche-crown-sydney-casino-packers-pecker-in-a-high-stakes-political-pickle/SYGKDS4G5IF56D5SUYFWOARNO4/ Christopher Niesche: Crown Sydney casino Packer's pecker in a high-stakes political pickle]", NZ HeraldPiers Wehner, "[https://www.egi.co.uk/news/packers-pecker-could-become-sydney-white-elephant/ Packer's Pecker could become Sydney white elephant"], EGI UK, 14 August 2020 Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating admired the tower for its "Brancusi-like sculptural quality" and clean sculptural shape.{{Cite web |title=Former Prime Minister Paul Keating on Sydney's Barangaroo |url=https://www.domain.com.au/news/former-prime-minister-paul-keating-on-sydneys-barangaroo-1062347/amp/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=www.domain.com.au}} Some architectural commentators have commented unfavourably on the quality of the design, especially compared to other works by its designers.Anthony Dennis, "[https://www.traveller.com.au/crown-sydney-architecture-foreigndesigned-buildings-now-dominate-city-skyline-h1rm72 Crown Sydney architecture: Foreign-designed buildings now dominate city skyline]", Traveller, 24 October 2020 On the other hand, Crown Resorts has described the tower as "epic" and having "opulence, style and substance".{{cite news |date=8 June 2021 |title=Crown Towers is propelling Sydney to great new heights |work=The Australian |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/crown-towers-is-propelling-sydney-to-great-new-heights/news-story/6450868f2507eb5a17d69ff1545e38f4}}
Emporis named Crown Sydney as the winner of their prestigious Skyscraper Award in 2021; the first building in Australia to win the award in the competition's 20-year history. Coming ahead of the Telus Sky tower and One Vanderbilt in 2nd and 3rd places respectively, a jury of international architects attributed Crown Sydney's "extravagant design of (its) exterior facade" as the deciding factor for its first-place finish.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-23 |title=Australia's twisting One Barangaroo named 2021's best skyscraper |url=https://newatlas.com/architecture/2021-emporis-skyscraper-award/ |access-date=2021-09-24 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Sydney's tallest tower, One Barangaroo, wins Emporis Skyscraper Award |url=https://archinect.com/news/article/150282471/sydney-s-tallest-tower-one-barangaroo-wins-emporis-skyscraper-award |access-date=2021-09-24 |website=Archinect |language=en}}
=Sociological criticism=
Researchers from the Responsible Gambling Fund financed, University of Sydney Gambling Treatment Clinic, have suggested that strategies such as a minimum bet size are not likely to prevent the local community from being affected by problem gambling.{{Cite news|last=Editorial|date=23 March 2014|title=Time for more community backbone to tackle problem gambling|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/smh-editorial/time-for-more-community-backbone-to-tackle-problem-gambling-20140322-359wj.html#ixzz3JBo1C4KH|access-date=12 July 2016}} They have suggested that students, new immigrants and working class individuals are typically and more likely found to be losing large amounts of money at Casino style table and electronic games.
Academic researchers have suggested that while the casino is initially not licensed to offer poker machines, it will inevitably gain a licence in future years.{{cite web|last1=Markham|first1=Francis|title=Packer's Barangaroo Casino and the inevitability of pokies|date=9 July 2013 |url=https://theconversation.com/packers-barangaroo-casino-and-the-inevitability-of-pokies-15892}}
See also
{{Portal|New South Wales}}
References
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External links
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- [http://www.crownsydney.com.au/ Official site]
- [http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/crown-sydney-hotel-and-resort/13283 Building at The Skyscraper Center database]
{{Emporis Skyscraper Award}}
{{Crown Resorts}}
{{Casinos in Australia}}
{{Sydney landmarks}}
{{Sydney skyscrapers}}
Category:Skyscrapers in Sydney