Key delivery partner for NSW Circular Quay Renewal announced

The next phase of Circular Quay’s revitalisation will soon get underway as the New South Wales Government announces a key partnership with CQC Partners. 

The consortium – comprised of Lendlease Construction, Capella Capital and BESIX Watpac – has been appointed as the Planning and Design Partner for the renewal of one of Australia’s most visited destinations and the nation’s “waterfront to the world”. 

CQC Partners is made up of award-winning Australian and international designers along with First Nation advisors to ensure the project will show a strong cultural connection with Circular Quay’s rich history and heritage. 

“This partnership is a major milestone for Circular Quay’s revitalisation and brings us one step closer to transforming the centrepiece of Sydney’s beautiful harbour. 

“CQC will help create a more dynamic precinct for visitors and locals to enjoy, and further elevate Circular Quay’s status as a stunning and unique destination revered globally. 

“We look forward to working with CQC to deliver new and improved public spaces, connections, infrastructure and buildings that will breathe fresh life into one of Australia’s most visited destinations and a critical transport interchange in the heart of Sydney,” Transport for NSW Director, Eastern Harbour City, Julie Sundqvist said. 

The revitalisation of Circular Quay is proposed to include: 

• New accessible wharves, with expanded customer waiting areas and improved views to the harbour 
• An upgraded Circular Quay station, with widened entrances, new lifts and escalators to the platforms 
• Improved retail experience with new shops, places to eat, and experiences to encourage activity during the day and night 
• An expanded pedestrian walkway on the Cahill Expressway to create an unrivalled public space to enjoy the spectacular views and provide new and immersive cultural experiences 
• A redesigned First Fleet Park with grassed areas, native landscaping, water play and space for ceremony and events 
• A new pavilion adjacent to First Fleet Park to provide space for a variety of uses including visitor and cultural experiences, information, education and performance 
• A widened promenade to 20 metres with more seating, shade and dedicated spaces for buskers 
• Improvements to amenities with new public toilets, ticketing facilities, signage and a new visitor information centre 

Detailed design as well as community consultation and statutory planning for the Circular Quay revitalisation project will begin in 2023. 

Earlier this year, the State Government announced that it will be committing $216 million through the 2022-23 State Budget to progress the development of the proposed Circular Quar Renewal project. You can read more about it here. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Inside Construction; Infrastructure Magazine