It’s been a big week for Sydney’s harbourside precincts. Following concerns about the financial stability of Sydney’s spectacular new fish market, curious Sydneysiders got a promising update on the progress of the project – with the Market denying claims of financial trouble, and confirming that the stunning new rooftop is now complete. Now, the ongoing redevelopment of Barangaroo has reached a major milestone, too – with a huge development plan granted official approval.
The transformation of the final stretch of Barangaroo foreshore has been up in the air for some time, with the NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper explaining that the project has been “stuck in planning purgatory for over a decade”.
Now the area known as “Central Barangaroo” (the currently undeveloped stretch of foreshore) is officially getting a glow-up, with the previously neglected corner of the city reportedly on track to become a “dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub”.
The launch of the most recent stretch of Sydney Metro (which can zip you from Barangaroo to North Sydney in three minutes, and to Martin Place in just two minutes) has made the precinct infinitely more accessible, and the new development aims to complete the puzzle.
Comprising at least 50 per cent open public space, the revitalised stretch of land is set to feature a mix of residential and retail developments – including two public plazas, a hotel and 800 square metres of community floor space. Plus, the stretch of parkland (currently known as Harbour Park) at Barangaroo foreshore will get a makeover too, with the 1.8-hectare space due to be utilised for public events and harbourside entertainment.
According to the NSW government, the development has been designed with the area’s historic significance – including nearby Observatory Hill – in mind. As a result, buildings on the northern part of the block won’t be built taller than five storeys, and a Heritage Impact Assessment has outlined other building guidelines to ensure the development doesn’t impact historic views. Now the development has been approved, a phase of community consultation will begin – so you can learn more about the development and have your say here.
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