TAP Gallery safe, for now

BY ROJE ADAIMY

Plans to demolish an East Sydney terrace and redevelop a neighbouring warehouse, including the TAP Gallery, have been rejected.
The NSW Land and Environment Court last week dismissed an appeal lodged by the owners after their original development application (DA) was refused by the City of Sydney Council.
The proposal included the construction of a five-level house, with two levels underground of storage, a free-form roof structure as well as a rooftop swimming pool.
Senior Commissioner, Dr John Roseth, said the demolition of the terrace and design of the roofs were unacceptable in an area that is full of heritage and character.
“The proposed roof would detract from the character of the Conservation Area and would have an unacceptable adverse impact on it,” Dr Roseth said in his judgement.
The decision now means that the TAP Gallery, which runs as a non-profit community art space, will not be forced to move out and find an alternative site.
The City News reported in June that the gallery was in dire need of a new home after it were advised of plans to redevelop the site, but struggled because of the lack of affordable space in the inner-city.
“We’re a non-profit community organisation, so we can’t afford even the cheapest $7500-a-week rent for an old factory in Surry Hills,” manager Leslie Dimmick told The City News last month. “We’ve already spent over half-a-million dollars on rent since we’ve been at this current premises.”
Ms Dimmick said the decision has come as a huge relief, and means the gallery can continue operating without the pressure of trying to urgently find a new premises.
“We haven’t been given notice yet, so until the owner decides what he’s going to do, we’re safe,” she said.
The gallery is booked up with artists and theatre for the rest of the year, including a special 19th birthday celebratory exhibition, which opened on Wednesday.