Harshane Kahagalle
Partner
"I really enjoy turning the dreams and seemingly far-fetched plans of my clients into reality."
Harshane advises clients on some of the most significant and high-profile development projects in Australia. His expertise spans property and infrastructure development, mining and resources, planning, environment, climate change, sustainability, and administrative law.
Harshane brings his training in architecture and a deep understanding of building and development processes to his clients’ projects. He is known for his problem-solving abilities, specialising in helping to address unique planning challenges and secure development approvals for some of Sydney’s iconic projects including Barangaroo, Crown Resort Casino, Sydney International Convention Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, The Star Casino, Sydney Airport and Wester Sydney Airport Master Plans, and Westconnex M4 East tunnel.
Harshane also has a strong track record in litigation, having helped clients successfully secure and preserve billions of dollars in development rights. He acts in landmark project and environmental litigation, including test cases at the cutting edge of environmental and planning law and on critical “bet the company” litigation.
Harshane’s expertise and professional approach is recognised by his many long-standing clients, as well as by peers, industry and decision-makers. He has been named in prominent legal guides for his expertise for over a decade.
GPT — worked with this client on the redevelopment of the Rouse Hill Town Centre, including advice in relation to master-planning of the Town Centre and formulation of necessary development applications.
Lendlease — advised Lendlease in relation to the procurement of all necessary planning approvals for the redevelopment of the Barangaroo site including the concept plan, major project and State significant development approvals as well as numerous modifications to those approvals. I also advised in relation to the planning and zoning controls that apply to Barangaroo and in effecting changes to the applicable planning controls and legislation to facilitate the redevelopment.
Lendlease — represented Lendlease in successfully defending multiple legal challenges to preserve and deliver valuable development rights and approvals.
Mirvac Australian Technology Park — advised Mirvac in relation to the approval of the State Significant Development Application for the redevelopment of the Australian Technology Park including commercial office, retail, community uses and public domain works.
NSW Government agencies — advised RMS, RailCorp, NSW Police and State Transit Authority in relation to obtaining relevant planning and development approvals for a broad variety of government facilities, including bus and rail facilities, police stations and court houses. I have acted for RMS in numerous valuation matters and compulsory acquisition appeals to the Land and Environment Court. I also acted for RailCorp in numerous planning merit appeal proceedings in order to protect its rail assets.
Sydney Airport — advised in relation to its proposed major redevelopment of the airport as a critical piece of national infrastructure, including from a master planning and major development planning perspective.
Sydney Airport — advised in relation to compliance requirements under Commonwealth and State laws for the airport. Also providing legal advice in relation to the formulation of Sydney Airport Master Plan 2033 which was approved by the Australian Government in 2014.
Various developers — advised developers of high-rise commercial and mixed use developments at Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street, Sydney; Deutsche Bank Place at 126 Phillip Street, Sydney and ANZ Tower (also known as Liberty Place) at 161 Castlereagh Street, Sydney in relation to planning and development approval requirements, including advice in relation to compliance with applicable controls, requirements surrounding international design competitions and negotiations with Sydney City Council.
Recognition
AI Magazine — Leading Property and Infrastructure Development Lawyer of the Year — 2019
International Advisory Expert — Recommended Environmental Lawyer — 2019
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Environment and Planning Law — 2014, 2022 - 2024
Chambers Asia-Pacific: Australia — Environment & Planning — 2020-2024
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Planning and Development Lawyers: Recommended — 2019-2023
Doyle’s Guide — Environment and Climate Change Lawyers: Recommended — 2019-2023
Who’s Who Legal — Australia & New Zealand - Environment & Climate Change — 2021 - 2024
Who's Who Legal — Australia & New Zealand - Real Estate — 2018-2024
Who's Who Legal — Environment — 2017-2024
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific — Recommended Lawyer — 2013-2014
Industries
Energy & Resources
Government
Mining, Oil & Gas
Property and Commercial Development
Real Estate
Other areas of expertise
Major projects
State and local government administration
Valuation and compulsory acquisition
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Architecture), University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Laws, University of Newcastle
Harshane Kahagalle of Addisons in Sydney is a respected practitioner, particularly noted for the support he gives clients on planning and property development appeal mandates. He brings to the table extensive experience in the litigation of matters arising from major commercial and infrastructure projects and the valuable additional insights that come from having originally trained as an architect.
Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2023 – Environment & Planning – Australia