New $216m funding to progress proposed NSW Circular Quay redevelopment

The New South Wales Government is investing $216 million – through the 2022-23 State Budget – to progress the development of the Circular Quay Renewal project. 

The significant funding allocation will enable more design work to get underway, including planning approvals as well as an Environmental Impact Statement and community consultation to ready the project for construction. 

The proposed transformation of Circular Quay will include new public green space, ferry wharves and a possible New York-style highline on part of the Cahill Expressway – all of which will contribute to the delivery of one of the world’s “most iconic walks and viewing platforms”. 

“The scar of the Cahill Expressway splits our amazing city from its best asset and while we cannot get rid of it now, I’m delighted we can enhance it in the meantime and create one of the world’s truly great walks. 

“This investment is a critical step in reinvigorating Circular Quay, which will ultimately see millions of tourism dollars flowing back into local businesses as we build our way forward to a brighter economic future for NSW,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said. 

The recent funding committed towards the project will ensure the State Government will have all necessary planning and design works completed before a final investment decision is made. 

“Our vision for Circular Quay would transform the world’s gateway to Australia and provide a truly unique experience, as the number of visitors to Sydney returns to the 15 million we welcomed annually before COVID-19. 

“This renewal would create a more dynamic space for visitors and locals to enjoy new places to eat, drink and shop. We’re considering options to upgrade the wharves and revamp the train station to reaffirm Circular Quay as a key transport hub for Sydney,” Treasurer Matt Kean said. 

A Planning and Design Partner has already been chosen and will be announced soon. In addition, feedback collected from community consultation sessions – which will commence later this year – will be utilised to inform the statutory planning process. 

“For too long Circular Quay has not lived up to its potential, but this plan will see Sydney have the front door it deserves and better reflect the spectacular city we live in. 

“We’re also designing one of the world’s most breathtaking walks and viewing platforms linking the Royal Botanic Gardens to Observatory Park and Stargazer Lawns as part of our vision to create a city within a park,” Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said. 

The proposed project features of the Circular Quay Renewal will 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 experience 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 the First Fleet Park to provide space for a variety of used 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 

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