The State Design Review Panel (SDRP) delivers independent, consistent design quality advice on projects that have or will undergo assessment by the state. The program provides a best-practice statewide approach to the review of State significant projects, precincts and infrastructure.
SDRP panellists are independent and highly qualified design professionals. They represent a variety of skills across design in the built environment and bring a diversity of experience and insight. Panel members have cross disciplinary expertise in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, Aboriginal and European culture and heritage and sustainability.
The SDRP contributes to good design by offering practical advice which proponents can action. It provides a structured forum in which critical issues can be raised early in the development process, helping proponents to make well-informed decisions about the design development of proposals. It is highly valued by the Department’s Planning and Assessment Group and contributes to the coordination and streamlining of approval processes by providing confidence to the consent authority and other decision makers on the design quality of projects.
About the SDRP
Launched as a pilot program in April 2018 to test and demonstrate best practice design review, the SDRP, led and managed by Government Architect NSW (GANSW), is now a well-established program.
Since the SDRP was formalised to an ongoing model in November 2020, the panel pool was expanded to include a team of State Government Design Champions and 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members with expertise in design and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage to promote opportunities to Design with Country.
To date, the SDRP has provided advice on more than 250 projects worth close to $40 billion demonstrating that design review is a necessary process to support the evaluation of the design quality of State significant proposals by DPE assessment teams. Projects include schools, hospitals, university research and teaching buildings, public institutions, student and affordable housing, concept plans for new precincts, sport facilities and private mixed-use developments.
Wait Time Reduction Scheme
In May 2023, a new scheme for private sector projects was established to reduce wait times for SDRP sessions.
Recent legislative changes led to a significant increase in the number of projects qualifying as State significant projects which increased wait times beyond the recommended 12 weeks for private projects.
The scheme will:
- reduce wait times to acceptable levels, and
- monitor impacts to inform future adjustments to the SDRP to maintain its effectiveness, timeliness and value.
The scheme applies to private development on private land only.
Booking a session
SDRP sessions must be booked via the SDRP digital portal below. To register for an account, visit the NSW Planning Portal and for useful resources including quick reference guides, visit the Planning Portal’s support pages.
If you require assistance using the Planning Portal please contact ServiceNSW for assistance on
1300 305 695 or email info@service.nsw.gov.au.
