Construction works have begun on the $2.5bn transformation of Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia.
The project is being developed by Darling Harbour Live consortium, which comprises Lend Lease, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless.
Designed by the joint venture HASSELL + Populous, the project will feature three new buildings with public spaces,a convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.
Darling Harbour Live general manager David Lovell said this is a major milestone in a significant infrastructure project for the state.
“We are thrilled to be entrusted with the responsibility to transform Darling Harbour to drive economic benefit, tourism and jobs growth in the NSW economy,” Lovell said.
HASSELL has also designed the 20ha integrated precinct, which will connect the new destinations with a network of laneways, public open space and parkland.
The mixed-use precinct will feature custom street furniture, lighting, public art and water-play areas.
“This precinct will reflect the dynamism of Sydney’s cityscape and redefine Darling Harbour.”
Populous senior principal Richard Breslin said: “This precinct will reflect the dynamism of Sydney’s cityscape and redefine Darling Harbour. We have significantly increased the available exhibition space, plenary and meeting capacity to provide an asset that is capable of attracting the best conferences and events in the world.”
The project is expected to create 1,600 jobs, whereas the overall Darling Harbour redevelopment will generate 3,700 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent jobs after completion.
Lovell said Darling Harbour Live will work closely with the NSW Government, Infrastructure NSW and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), throughout the construction phase, so that everyone can continue to enjoy Darling Harbour, particularly with the exciting line up of events that are planned by SHFA.
Construction works at the venues is expected to end by 2016.
