Harbour heritage gem set for urban renewal
A new harbourside park, thriving commercial precinct and residential community will breathe new life into one of Sydney’s most anticipated urban renewal projects.
Residents are encouraged to help shape the future of Bays West, by having their say on the Stage One draft Master Plan which is on exhibition from today.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the draft plan underpins the evolution of the area.
“Bays West has all the ingredients to become an incredible place on our harbour and this draft plan unveils a vision for a new waterfront parkland and promenade, a world class Metro line and superb active transport connections,” Mr Stokes said.
“This will be the first area to be developed and includes opportunities for commercial offices, housing, cafes and restaurants, community and cultural facilities.
“More than one third of the site will be public open space including the new 18,000 square metres of public parkland on the harbour foreshore.”
Great care has been taken to ensure key sight lines to the White Bay power station are preserved, with building heights ranging up to 22 storeys.
Up to 250 dwellings including affordable housing are included in the draft master plan, with the final mix of uses to be determined during the rezoning process.
Mr Stokes said there’s an added focus on preserving a number of important heritage landmarks, as well as providing access to the new Bays West Metro Station and active transport links.
“The Bays area is a unique location in inner Sydney, with modern and heritage industrial uses, fishing and ports industries, and parks and residential neighbourhoods, all co-existing on the banks of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Stokes said.
“White Bay Cruise Passenger Terminal, Glebe Island Bridge and White Bay Power Station remain key elements in Bays West, with conservation works currently underway at the latter ensuring the site is ready for future adaptive re-use.
“This project will balance the needs of the local community and industry, with housing and jobs.”
Placemaking NSW is managing the transformation and aims to have the site activated in time for the opening of the new Metro line.
The Bays West Stage One draft master plan is on exhibition for four weeks, with submissions closing on Tuesday 31 May.