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

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.