Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Revamp Gets Green Light

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has unveiled designs for the $200 million redevelopment of Walsh Bay performing arts and cultural precinct.

The waterfront site between the Harbour Bridge and Barangaroo has received final planning approval, paving the way for the development of a performance, production and rehearsal space for Australia's leading performing arts companies.

The NSW government proposal was held up last year after the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of a local restauranteur, who challenged the project on the ground that it had not been lawfully approved.

The $207 million project has now received final approval, after negotiations between the government, arts bodies and Walsh Bay tenants.

Construction on the precinct is expected to start as early as mid-July.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People, Sydney Dance Company, Bell Shakespeare, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Gondwana Choirs and Song Company will be among a handful of new tenants.

The redevelopment includes upgrades to the historic Pier 2/3, Wharf 4/5 and their respective shore shed structures in the heritage-listed Walsh Bay Wharves precinct.

Architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikah Greer, known for their work on the refurbishment of Customs House, Carriageworks and the Sydney Opera House renewal, was appointed to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct redevelopment in March 2016.

Responding to concerns about preserving the unique heritage setting, the architects have underscored the importance of preserving existing structures and celebrating the historic character of the 20th-century industrial maritime interiors throughout their proposal.

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The newly-shaped precinct will echo the original gantries of the wharves externally while retaining original timber structures and finishes internally.

Steel-framed balconies, elevated walkways and glazed lifts are also proposed.

Once completed, the precinct will have the potential to host internationally recognised arts and cultural events such as Sydney Writers’ Festival and Sydney Biennale arts festival.

The concept plan for the redevelopment, prepared by Bates Smart and Aspect Studios, was originally approved by the NSW government in May 2015.

The Walsh Bay redevelopment is now expected to be completed in 2020, rather than in 2019 as originally hoped.