A forgotten piece of Sydney harbour approved for transformation into tourism precinct

Plans have been approved by the NSW Government to transform a forgotten piece of Sydney’s harbour into an exciting new foreshore precinct and tourism drawcard. 

The rezoning plans for the Blackwattle Bay precinct are now finalised with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet advising the state government was unlocking yet another section of underutilised harbor foreshore.

Located less than 1km from the Sydney CBD, Blackwattle Bay spans approximately 10.4 hectares of harbourfront land between the Anzac Bridge and the Sydney Secondary College on Bridge Road in Glebe.

Once complete, the 10-hectare Blackwattle Bay will be a vibrant mixed-use precinct anchored by the new Sydney Fish Market, with 1,200 new homes, more than 5,600 new jobs, more than three hectares of public open space including a new waterside park, ferry wharf, cafés, restaurants and retail, all within walking distance to the CBD.

It will also be supported by the new Sydney Metro station at Pyrmont, light rail and new active transport infrastructure.

The NSW Government is prioritising delivery of community benefits early in the renewal including a new 11,000sqm park at Bank Street.

The land for the park at Bank Street is already zoned for recreational use so work on its design, in consultation with the community can begin ahead of the State Significant Precinct Plan being determined.

This new park will be co-created with the community to add a unique and accessible place to spend time, with possible activities ranging from play courts, community boat storage and community art space.

There are many infrastructure needs that must be delivered in Bank Street Park. These have been identified in the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy and Blackwattle Bay State Significant Precinct Study and include:

• Outdoor multipurpose court

• Inclusive play space

• Outdoor fitness station

• Dragon boat amenities and landing site

• A facility to accommodate existing dragon boat, kayak, and canoe paddlers 

• Change room facilities, showers, toilets

• Marina operations space  

• A new harbour foreshore walkway that connects from Wentworth Park to and will continue through Bank Street Park.

Premier Perrottet noted “Sydney is home to one of the most spectacular harbours in the world but for so long, much of the foreshore, such as Blackwattle Bay, has been neglected and left underutilised.

“After more than five years of careful planning and engagement we now have the green light to breathe new life into the precinct, returning it back to the community as an iconic waterfront destination.”

Consultation on the new park was held from 22nd August until 25th September 2022.

Determination of the State Significant Precinct Plan is only the first step in the renewal process, which is expected to take over a decade. Visit the Planning Process section to learn more.