Concrete City (1994)

Residents of Pyrmont, a suburb next to the city of Sydney, try to secure meaningful consultation with the various government bodies involved in a proposed redevelopment in their area. Planners and developers also explain their point of view. The documentary uses footage shot at residents’ meetings and of the consultation process with authorities. There is also some historical footage and excellent coverage of the Pyrmont area showing its close proximity to Sydney Harbour and its intimate community life.

The document is an interesting report on the human face of development in 1994. Redeveloping older areas of cities is happening everywhere and it is always difficult to satisfy both the desires and needs of new businesses and maintain the integrity of local neighbourhoods. Overall this film is engaging and informative. It would be good to see a film made now on the redevelopment ten years later.