Commercialism Defeats the Public Interest in Massive Sydney Redevelopments

The redevelopment of more than 100 publicly-owned acres at Barangaroo and Darling Harbour is poised to transform Sydney's western side. By ignoring the lessons of past projects, and bowing to commercial interests, the projects are "civic failures".

1 minute read

November 13, 2013, 2:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"Lend Lease is currently designing the major part of the 22 hectare waterfront redevelopment at Barangaroo and an additional 20 hectares to its south, at Darling Harbour," writes Laura Harding. "The future of the entire western side of the city rests in its hands, and all of it is publicly owned land."

"It has been depressing to see how every attempt to set an urban framework that would protect public rights, make the sites an inclusive part of the broader city and ensure long-term adaptability, has been undermined by commercial interests," she rues. "Rather than inclusive and lively public streets, parks and squares, we are offered exclusive places to spend, and ever-diminishing open spaces surveilled by the lofty eyries of the international elite."

"The guardians of the public interest, state governments of both political stripes, have capitulated."

Monday, November 11, 2013 in The Guardian

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3, 2024 - Stanford University News

White Cruise autonomous vehicle on street in San Francisco, California.

GM Nixes Robotaxi Division

The company suspended the Cruise self-driving taxi service late last year after a vehicle struck and seriously injured a pedestrian.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of Oklahoma state capitol building at golden hour.

Oklahoma Housing Agencies Face Major Budget Gaps

Housing authorities around the country will have a shortfall of $400 million by the end of this year.

2 hours ago - The Frontier

Close-up of woman in flowered dress holding bar next to white porcelain sink in bathroom.

Survey: Americans Finding it Harder to ‘Age in Place’

While many people over 65 would prefer to stay in their homes and communities, high housing costs and a lack of accessible infrastructure make it difficult.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

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.