An international design competition, led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with the Government Architect NSW, is seeking proposals for the future “look, feel and character” of Bays West waterfront precinct.
Bays West spans White Bay, Glebe Island, Rozelle Bay, the White Bay Power Station Precinct and Rozelle Rail Yards. The new precinct is planned as a mixed-use waterfront development incorporating residential, entertainment and public spaces.
According to the NSW government, the aim of the competition is to deliver a “design-led urban framework that establishes the character, structure and long-term vision for the precinct.” Rather than a detailed masterplan, the focus of the competition is on smart, strategic ideas, with proposals expected to prioritise accessible and inclusive public space, integration with surrounding communities, a meaningful relationship with the harbour and Connection to Country.
The two-stage competition will begin with a global callout for expressions of interest, followed by an invitation-only, paid design phase for shortlisted competitors. A panel of local and international design, infrastructure, and development professionals, chaired by the Government Architect NSW, will assess submissions and provide recommendations at all stages of the competition, for a final decision by the NSW government.
An NSW government communique states that the precinct will include up to 8,500 homes, with at least 10 per cent affordable and essential-worker housing, alongside public recreation spaces.
“The precinct will combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour,” notes the statement.
“The competition aims to identify an overall urban framework for the precinct, including street structure, the location and type of open spaces, and the location and height of buildings, with the successful design team to play an ongoing role in the development of the area.”
The design competition is open to all Australian and international design industry professionals including architects, urbanists, landscape architects, planners, sustainability specialists and ecologists.
Expressions of interest will open on 28 July, with dates for shortlist and winner announcements yet to be confirmed. For more information, visit the Bays West Design Competition.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
