Sunday 27 November 2016

WALSH BAY ARTS PRECINCT SET TO SHINE

Sydney’s next arts and cultural hot spot is a step closer with the final plans for the new Walsh Bay Arts Precinct lodged with the Department of Planning.

The redevelopment proposal will create a public arts and culture hub on Sydney’s glittering waterfront, with new plans set to maximise use of public space at Walsh Bay and preserve its iconic heritage.

Key features of the proposal include a new waterfront square, use of the precinct for arts festivals, events and pop-ups with potential to include restaurants, cafés and bars, and flexible and adaptable spaces for arts and cultural activities.

The Development Application is on public exhibition from 17 November to 16 December 2016 and the community is invited to attend an information session on Saturday 3 December at Pier 2/3 to speak with the project team and provide feedback.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct

A planning application has been lodged for the second stage of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the construction and use of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct comprises Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 and is located within a unique waterfront and heritage setting.

The proposal will create a public arts and culture hub on Sydney’s waterfront, with new plans maximising the use of public space at Walsh Bay and preserving its iconic heritage.

It includes creating new arts facilities and performance venues in Pier 2/3, refurbishing facilities in Wharf 4/5 and providing a new waterfront square between them for outdoor performances, festivals, public art, commercial and community activities.

Pier 2/3 is the last remaining undeveloped wharf in Sydney and is used for arts, cultural and creative purposes.

Wharf 4/5 is a major arts facility within the Precinct with a focus on theatre and dance. Facilities at Wharf 4/5 include three theatres, a dance performance space, a number of dance studios and rehearsal/workshop spaces, as well as a cafe, bar and restaurant.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stage 2 SSDA is on public exhibition from 17 November to 16 December 2016. A copy of the EIS can be found on the Major Projects website of the Department of Planning and Environment.

About the proposal

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct SSDA covers major construction work along with plans for new commercial and event uses. This application follows on from the Stage 1 Concept application approved in May 2015.

Key features of the proposal include:

A new waterfront square between Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5
Use of the precinct for arts festivals, community events and pop-ups with potential to include restaurants, cafés and bars
Provision of flexible and adaptable spaces in Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 for arts and cultural activities
Events within the waterfront square and outdoor spaces
Heritage modifications and interventions required to Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 including stairs, balcony and roof modifications.

The proposal will re-establish and enhance the precinct with each arts organisation to be given a series of rehearsal and performance spaces that more than double the arts offerings at Walsh Bay.

The new waterfront square will be used for events such as the Writers’ Festival as well as for other events such as film nights. The new square will be built over the water, with stairs descending down to the water.

It will be a destination in its own right, for both community and cultural events and for day-to-day relaxing and simple enjoyment. It will become the central, cultural hub of the precinct, performing a vital role in creating a unique destination for all Sydneysiders.

The Stage 2 SSDA seeks consent for construction works, as well as the proposed external alterations and additions to all of Wharf 4/5. It also seeks consent for new commercial and event uses in the precinct.

As part of the proposal, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Bell Shakespeare Company will join existing tenants within the precinct including:
  • Sydney Theatre Company
  • The Australian Theatre for Young People
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre
  • Sydney Dance Company
  • Philharmonia Choirs (including the Song Company)
  • Gondwana Choirs

Construction is expected to commence in mid-2017, subject to approvals, with the redevelopment due for completion in 2019.

The project is being delivered by Projects NSW, a specialist unit of Infrastructure NSW, in partnership with Arts NSW.

Sydney Theatre Company

The Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has been a key tenant of Wharf 4/5 for the past 30 years. It has lodged a separate development application for internal alterations and refurbishment to the upper level of Wharf 4/5 to update the space to create better theatres, an improved visitor experience and amenities and better work spaces.

Find out more

A community information session will be held on Saturday 3 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Pier 2/3 where people can drop by to view the plans for the precinct, speak with the project team, ask any questions and provide feedback.

To find out more, view the project flier.

Additional information about the project can be found here on the Arts NSW website.

Latest news

16 November - Walsh Bay arts precinct set to shine.

Contact us

If you have an enquiry or comment about the project, please contact us.
Phone: 1800 960 550
Email: walshbayinfo@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au

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