Jerry Schwartz, a major private hotel investor, has launched a proposal to build a helipad on the roof of his Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hotel.
The prosed helipad will, according to Schwartz, help revive Sydney’s economy and boost the NSW capital’s business event and tourism profile.
The new helipad will involve construction on the roof of the 38-storey hotel, which is adjacent to the International Convention Centre (ICC).
”Given the devastation to Sydney’s tourism and business economy as a result of Coronavirus, there is no better time to introduce the concept of a CBD helipad to help revive the city’s economic fortunes,” said Dr Schwartz.
“We would envisage that world leaders could arrive at Sydney Airport and be flown direct to the Darling Harbour Helipad to make a keynote address at the International Convention Centre.”
“There’s no doubt that this infrastructure would significantly benefit Sydney’s business and convention profile and provide delegates attending the ICC and Sydney CBD the highest security, while also ensuring disruptions to city traffic are minimised.”
There are two existing helipad services outside of Sydney’s CBD, in Bankstown and Mascot.
Dr Schwartz said the new heliport will help bring Sydney in line with some of the world’s premier CBD destinations.
“The world’s great cities—such as London, Paris and New York—have CBD helipads, and even Melbourne offers city helicopter transfers to the River Yarra helipad.
