Aqualand Working to ‘Unlock’ Central Barangaroo

Hot on the heels of the news Scentre Group was pulling out of the stalled Central Barangaroo project, Aqualand has confirmed it’s working to “unlock” the site after earlier plans were rejected. 

Aqualand chair for Central Barangaroo John Carfi said the developer had been refining its plans in conjunction with SJB Architects and the new NSW government.

“The revised plans maintain the level of public benefit originally proposed, while reducing the overall scale of the development,” Carfi said.

“The project will provide nearly $300 million in direct funding for infrastructure and public domain, including funding for the new Harbour Park, fit out of the Cutaway, and generous and lively public open spaces within the new development.”

Plans for Central Barangaroo are being rehashed after Infrastructure NSW rejected earlier plans in October 2022 for the 5.2ha harbourfront slice of land. 

▲ Aqualand has revealed its scaled back vision for the 5.2ha site with retail to go underground.

The Urban Developer understands the SJB-masterplanned project is due to be submitted to the state government next month. 

“We’re eager to move forward and start construction as soon as possible,” Carfi said.

“The project has suffered from delays and inconsistent direction over the last few years – which we feel confident is now behind us. 

“We think there is an expectation from the community that we get on with it and that expectation is only going to grow once the metro opens next year and commuters are walking past a major construction site.” 

The NSW government in 2018 confirmed Grocon, Aqualand and Scentre Group as the developers of the $2-billion final stage of Barangaroo, the 5.2-hectare Barangaroo Central.

Grocon sold its stake in the 5.2ha site to consortium member Aqualand in 2019.

▲ A render of part of the April 2022 plans for Central Barangaroo that were rejected in October.

Carfi said Aqualand had no intentions of selling the premium site, despite the ongoing planning fight and significantly scaled back heights. 

He said the scale of the project was not what had been originally envisaged with building heights lowered to protect views from the Sydney Observatory. 

“[We are]  looking forward to continue working with the government to deliver a new cultural and entertainment destination for the whole of Sydney to enjoy for years to come.

“Aqualand is delighted to be the sole developer of this significant site.”

The revised scheme includes two new plazas connecting Hickson Road to the new Harbour Park and opening up views to and from Millers Point. 
A new laneway connects pedestrians from Barangaroo South to the new Metro Station, Nawi Cove, and the Cutaway at the northern end of the precinct. 

▲ Aqualand's earlier plans for Central Barangaroo, the final stage of the Barangaroo Waterfront precinct in Sydney’s CBD.

It also presents a shift away from the proposed offices to more of a lifestyle precinct focus with bars, restaurants and high street retail offerings, with flexibility bedded in to enable office development in the future. 

“We’ve worked very hard to respond to the key issues identified by the community and significantly reduced the scale of the scheme while maintaining all of the significant contributions to public benefit as originally proposed,” Carfi said. 

“The new government has been unambiguous that Central Barangaroo must deliver an enhanced outcome for the community. This clarity has been refreshing and has allowed us to move forward constructively with the redesign of the scheme.”