Development Surge Prompts Rethink on Darling Harbour

The latest approval for Mirvac’s $764.5-million Harbourside Shopping Centre redevelopment has prompted the NSW government to update its 2050 Darling Harbour vision.

The Sydney 1980’s icon will be demolished to make way for a mixed-use 50-storey residential and commercial building with up to 265 new homes.

Major renewal is also under way nearby with the restoration of the Pyrmont Bridge, expansion of the Chinese Garden, a new stage of theTumbalong Park, the opening of the new W Hotel and the Imax redevelopment.

The state government was already in the process of developing its Darling Harbour 2050 Vision for the next generation of visitors and the community so will now include these projects.

In late July, Mirvac broke ground on the $2-billion Harbourside precinct to deliver 45,000sq m of commercial space and 42,000sq m of residential space, including 265 apartments in Sydney.

The latest approval enabled Mirvac to raise the height from 167m to 170m add awnings, increase plantings and amend the Bunn Street through-site link. 

There was also a $5.2-million contribution by Mirvac to generate affordable housing including in the surrounding Pyrmont area.

Controversy has surrounded the development since its inception particularly from neighbouring hotelier Jerry Schwartz of Sofitel Darling Harbour, who claimed the project would devalue his 590-room hotel.

▲ Snøhetta+Hassell designed Harbourside for Mirvac with some slight adjustments made from the 2021 design.

Mirvac picked up the aging shopping centre in 2013 for $252 million as the long-term leaseholder of the site.

The first plans for the site were lodged in 2016 for a commercial or residential tower above a podium, then relodged in 2019 and the latest incarnation of the plans were approved in December 2023.

NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said the vision would allow the precinct to evolve over time while keeping its world-famous character.

“Darling Harbour is the third most visited destination in NSW and so many of us have celebrated big moments there,” Scully said. 

“The NSW government is focussed on continuing to rejuvenate this iconic part of Sydney’s harbour foreshore, and to drive more housing in well-connected locations.

“This major state significant development approval will support the Darling Harbour of tomorrow and create hundreds of new homes close to transport and services.

“The 2050 Vision will also guide future decision-making and secure Darling Harbour as a world-famous destination for generations to come.”

The state government was collating community feedback from 1100 participants many which indicated a need for more trees and greener open space. 

The draft 2050 Darling Harbour vision is expected to be on exhibition in mid-2024.