Walsh Bay $371m project wins top architecture prize
The approved concept plan for the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
A $371 million redevelopment plan to transform the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has won the state’s top prize for architecture.
The NSW Architecture Medallion was awarded to Greer Architects’ Tonkin Zulaikha for their conversion of the former cargo wharves.
Aiming to create a space for Australian creative arts performers, the concept plan was created to give new life to Dawes Point Park and Barangaroo Point Park near Sydney’s CBD.
The project also win an Interior Archictecture Award and the Greenway Award for Heritage and Public Architecture.
An aerial shot of the Wash Bay precinct.
The awards jury applauded the architects for integrating the heritage building with contemporary requirements.
“Transformative in scale and detail, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has created a wealth of arts and cultural spaces from a much-loved piece of public infrastructure, ”the jury said.
“The triple-glazed theatre walls afford spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge whilst achieving the acoustic standards for a chamber orchestra performance, just one example of the technical feats achieved.”
The major redevelopment works on Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 is completed and the precinct is now open and home to nine resident companies – Bangarra Dance Theatre, Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Theatre Company and The Song Company, all located at Wharf 4/5 and at Pier 2/3, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare.
The upgrade to the public domain is being finalised with the architects and hasn’t been announced at this stage.
An artist’s impression of a now scrapped square which would’ve provided a stage on the waterfront for performances.
NSW planning Minister Rob Stokes says the plan will not only give more space to the performing and creative arts industry, it will continue the NSW Government’s plan to modernise the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
“The precinct is part of the NSW Government’s vision to activate and open up the Sydney Harbour foreshore, alongside the Barangaroo redevelopment and Bays Precinct,” Mr Stokes said.
“Walsh Bay is a key part of the development of a Sydney CBD arts precinct. This investment will make Walsh Bay a renowned cultural precinct in the Asia Pacific, giving the NSW public better access to exceptional artists and performances.”
The master plan is the latest project to transform former industrial areas and breathe new life via transforming them into cultural hubs.
Recent examples across Sydney include the Carriageworks which went from being a former train and tram-shed to a contemporary multi-arts centre and Cockatoo Island, which was converted from a naval shipyard to a spot for seasonal events such as New Year’s Eve.
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