New Development Seeks to Reclaim Sydney's Position as a Global City

Lew Sichelman reports on the lofty goals being pursued by a new $6.2 billion live/play/work development known as Barangaroo - planned for a 54-acre site in East Darling Harbor - which aims to redefine Sydney.

1 minute read

August 31, 2012, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With goals of "reinvigorating Sydney's position as a global city and a hub of Asia Pacific commerce," while becoming the first development project of its size in the world to be climate positive, Barangaroo has its work cut out for it.

"Still owned by the state, Barangaroo-named for one of the wives of
Bennelong, the first Aboriginal chosen as a representative to the
British government (lore has it she was the feisty one who refused to
wear European clothes or drink European wine)-will restore public access
to the entire harbor along an unbroken 8.7-mile (14 km) stretch of land
from Wooloomooloo Bay on the north, past the iconic Sydney Opera House,
under Harbour Bridge, and ending at South Darling Harbour," reports Sichelman. 

At the southern end, the project will include a much-needed expansion of the city's central business district. A residential district will unite this section with a 20 acre park, that "will have expansive views, bush walks within the park through native
trees and bush, walking paths along the water, picnic areas, tidal
pools, and access for small boats." 

With construction, which began last October, expected to take 12 years to complete, it may be a while before we know the results of Sydney's ambitious vision. 

Thursday, August 23, 2012 in Urban Land

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.