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 state-wide 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.
The SDRP was launched as a pilot program in April 2018 to test and demonstrate best practice design review. The pilot program responded to the identification of design review as a necessary process to support evaluation of the design quality of State Significant proposals by DPIE assessment teams. Over two years of operation as a pilot program, the SDRP provided advice on over 100 projects worth close to $9 billion. 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.
In November 2020, the SDRP was formalised to an ongoing model with an expanded pool of panellists and the addition of a team of State Government Design Champions. The panel now includes six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members with expertise in design and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage to champion opportunities to Design with Country.
The SDRP is led and managed by GANSW.
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.
