All images courtesy Transport for NSW
by Ron Bernthal
With millions of public and private transport trips to and from the area, Warrane/Circular Quay is one of Australia’s most visited destinations, and a critical transport interchange in the heart of Sydney. Proposals to revitalize the area have indicated that Circular Quay would be transformed with new public green space, new ferry wharves and a potential New York-style highline on part of the Cahill Expressway, all under the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s long term vision backed by a $216 million (US$150 million) investment in the 2022-23 Budget.
Circular Quay new promenade
The funding will enable further design work including planning approvals, an Environmental Impact Statement and community consultation to help get the project shovel ready.
New wharfs
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the vision for Australia’s most celebrated waterfront would create up to 1,000 jobs during construction and one of the world’s most iconic walks and viewing platforms.
Inside station
“The scar of the Cahill Expressway splits our amazing city from its best asset and while we cannot get rid of it right now, I’m delighted we can enhance it in the meantime and create one of the world’s truly great walks,” said Perrottet.
“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.”
(Warrane east lookout)
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said today’s investment ensures the NSW Government will have all the required planning and design works completed prior to making a final investment decision.
“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,” said Kean. .
(Pitt Street retail area)
“This renewal would create a more dynamic space for visitors and locals to enjoy new places to eat, drink and shop,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes.”We’re considering options to upgrade the wharves and revamp the train station to reaffirm Circular Quay as a key transport hub for Sydney. and the community would be consulted throughout the 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,” Stokes said. “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.”
Key benefits
- Transforming the experience of being at Circular Quay with new viewing platforms on the Cahill Expressway, celebrating Sydney’s postcard views
- Creating a modern and accessible transport interchange with new ferry wharves and an upgraded train station
- Bringing Circular Quay’s retail, dining, arts and cultural offering to life
- Delivering a world-class visitor and customer experience, that will be even more sought after on the international tourist map.
The NSW Government acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Warrane/Sydney Cove, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pays its respect to Elders, past and present, and recognizes and celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.
(On the wharf)
Circular Quay hosts some of Australia’s biggest public events, including Vivid Sydney and the New Year’s Eve fireworks which are watched by over one billion people globally and injects $130 million (US$90 million) into the NSW economy.
The renewal of Circular Quay will create a more dynamic space for visitors and locals to enjoy new places to eat, drink and shop as well as delivering new wharves and an upgraded train station to reaffirm it as a key transport hub for Sydney.
(First Fleet Park)
We’re also creating one of the world’s most spectacular publicly accessible viewing platforms by repurposing one lane of the Cahill Expressway, with new landscaping including native planting and places to eat and drink and take in the view, it really will make Circular Quay a destination of choice.
