A new vision for Sydney’s Western Harbour Precinct could turn the area into Australia’s pre-eminent Entertainment and Tourism Precinct, create 10,000 jobs and unlock up to $20bn in economic activity, according to a new report today.

The report, Building a World-Class Precinct, has been produced by the Western Harbour Alliance, with support from the Committee for Sydney, Roberts Day and Hoyne. It will be launched at a Summit on Wednesday 4 December, where speakers will include the NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet MP; the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes MP and the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore.

The Alliance includes Accor/Sofitel Darling Harbour, Australian National Maritime Museum, Celestino, Google, GPT, Lendlease, Greaton Development, International Convention Centre Sydney, Mirvac, Sydney Fish Market, The Star and TransDev with support from the Committee for Sydney and Sydney Business Chamber.

Proposals in the vision document include:

• Official designation as Sydney’s premier entertainment, hospitality and tourism precinct
• A new “Business Improvement District” to drive and leverage new investment into the precinct.
• A “Festival of the Harbour” – a major new event in Sydney’s cultural calendar.
• A new Metro stop to connect the precinct with the CBD.
• More on-demand ferries and other transport.
• A major new cultural venue.
• Digital wayfinding across the precinct.
• A new harbour-front promenade connecting Barangaroo Reserve, Tumbalong Park, Pirrama Park and Wentworth Park.

The report is published at a time of significant continuing development across the precinct. A new Sydney Fish Market has been given development approval and redevelopments are scheduled to take place to the iconic Harbourside and Cockle Bay Wharf sections of the waterfront. These build upon the creation of a major new business, retail and residential hub at Barangaroo, and the International Convention Centre Sydney.

Chair of the Committee for Sydney, Michael Rose said: 

“The Western Harbour Precinct is a well-loved part of Sydney that draws visitors from all over Sydney and from around the world.  It sits between and connects other key precincts like the CBD, Haymarket, Ultimo and the Bays Precinct.  However, we could do more to enhance the amenity, connectivity and visitor experience of the area.”

“With the precinct undergoing substantial ongoing regeneration, now is the time to adopt a broader vision for the Western Harbour. We think it can be even more of a thriving and vibrant hub between the different areas of the city it connects,  making it an essential destination for entertainment, hospitality and business.” 

“The vision is as much for Sydneysiders as visitors. The plan is to improve the amenity of the area, enhance its transport links and bring more jobs”.

Note to editors:

1. The Committee for Sydney is an independent think tank and champion for the whole of Sydney, providing thought leadership beyond the electoral cycle. The Committee aims to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions that make Sydney a competitive, resilient and liveable global city. The Committee has a diverse membership with over 150 member organisations: including the major corporate sectors driving Sydney’s economy; strategically minded local authorities; key NSW Government departments and agencies; not- for-profit organisations; and leading arts and sporting institutions. Members help develop and deliver priorities, provide expertise and ensure a representative geographical spread across the greater Sydney region.
2. Building a World-Class Precinct been produced by RobertsDay and Hoyne, in consultation with members of the Western Harbour Alliance.