Government Commits to Replacing Expressway with Green Space

The NSW government has committed $200 million towards a revamp of Circular Quay in Sydney as part of its budget.

Under the government’s plans contained in the budget, which will handed down on June 21, the ferry wharves and train station will receive major upgrades and a section of the Cahill Expressway will become a green space, similar to New York’s High Line.

The new multi-level viewing platforms will provide pedestrians with outlooks over two of the nation's most photographed landmarks—the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore’s 2050 vision for the city was disclosed this month, including demolishing the Cahill and replacing it with a public domain.

But cities minister Rob Stokes has resisted those plans, instead saying a revamp would be undertaken with community consultation.

“For too long Circular Quay has not lived up to its potential but this plan will see Sydney have the front door it deserves and better reflect the spectacular city we live in,” Stokes said.

Before the pandemic, Sydney welcomed 15 million visitors a year on average with Circular Quay an important waterfront destination.

As part of the upgrades, new ferry wharves will be built to provide a more comfortable experience and extra space for travellers to capture greater harbour views.

The train station will also be renovated with improved entrances and signs as well as escalators and lifts.

Under the concept plans for Circular Quay, part of the Cahill Expressway will become a green public space, creating new viewing platforms. 

It is inspired by New York’s High Line, a 2.5km-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan.

▲ An investment decision on the long-awaited Circular Quay renewal project is now been revealed.

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet said the major traffic artery that fed into the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a scar that split Sydney from its best assets.

“While we cannot get rid of it right now, I’m delighted we can enhance it in the meantime and create one of the world’s truly great walks,” Perrottet said.

The expressway was temporarily repurposed this year as a pedestrian space to host a music and culture festival to ring in 2022.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding would go towards initial design work, planning approvals and a community consultation process before the government makes a final business decision.

“This renewal would create a more dynamic space for visitors and locals to enjoy new places to eat, drink and shop,” Kean said.

“Our vision for Circular Quay would transform the world’s gateway to Australia and provide a truly unique experience, as the number of visitors to Sydney returns to the 15 million we welcomed annually before Covid-19.”

The project is expected to create up to 1000 jobs during construction.

The announcement follows a $60-million proposal to build a 90km pathway snaking around Sydney’s waterfront and linking the Opera House to Parramatta Park. 

Changes to the expressway will now likely form part of the new walking track.