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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

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.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

30 minutes ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

1 hour ago - Cambridge University Press

Concrete building wth Department of Housing and Urban Development sign

Blocked, Restored, Blocked Again — Housing Funds in Legal Limbo

Since Trump took office, the administration has blocked multiple affordable housing funding streams. Here's a look at which funds have been frozen, which have been reinstated, and which are in the courts.

2 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

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.