The Central Barangaroo precinct has received approval to move into the detailed design phase, with the NSW government calling the development “the final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle.”
The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, has approved a modification request for the precinct, which was submitted by the NSW government’s development partner, Aqualand. This approval effectively permits the detailed design phase and community consultation to commence, subject to conditions.
Designed by SJB, the proposed 5.2-hectare precinct comprises a total of seven buildings –ranging in height from seven to ten storeys – to be established above the new Barangaroo Metro. The buildings will accommodate a mix of residential apartments, a hotel, retail and hospitality offerings, commercial offices and community facilities.
According to a communique from the NSW government, “at least 50 percent of public open space” will be maintained and two new public plazas will be introduced under the plans.
The project has undergone several design iterations, including a proposal that featured a 20-storey tower, which sparked public outcry and a legal dispute due to concerns over building heights.
In their statement, the NSW government mentioned that the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure had “carefully assessed the historic view impacts of the proposal, particularly between Observatory Hill and Sydney Harbour.”
Among the conditions that the project must meet is a requirement for the “height of the northern part of the block facing Nawi Cove to be reduced from eight storeys down to five storeys,” as a means to preserve views of the harbour from Observatory Hill.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper stated that the project has been stuck in “planning purgatory for over a decade.”
“Now that planning approval has been granted, we can get on with the job of delivering the final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle,” he added.
On the nearby Central Barangaroo foreshore there are also separate plans for the Harbour Park, a new 1.8-hectare waterfront public park, for which designs were unveiled in July 2023. Harbour Park was the subject of an open design competition, which led to a consortium named Akin – comprising Yerrabingin, Architectus, Jacob Nash Studio, Studio Chris Fox and Flying Fish Blue, and Arup – being awarded the project. A formal planning and consultation process is now in progress to determine the final design of the park.
Construction on the mixed-use hub is anticipated to begin in late 2025, with the first stage of the project expected to be completed in 2030.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
