Designs revealed for park to transform final stage of Sydney's Barangaroo precinct

The NSW government has revealed the winning design created by First Nations-led and Sydney-based design team AKIN set to reshape 1.85 hectares of reclaimed land in the heart of Central Barangaroo, the last section of the broader 22-hectare Sydney Harbour precinct to be developed.

Working alongside Infrastructure NSW, the AKIN creative collective of leading thinkers and designers, is made up of Yerrabingin, Architectus, Jacob Nash Design, Studio Chris Fox, and Flying Fish Blue, with Arup as engineering consultants.

AKIN’s vision for the park features nature play for all ages and abilities, an event lawn for hosting community and cultural events with up to 6000 people, public art installations, winding pathways to explore, extensive native planting and interactive water features.

The designs reveal how the space will be transformed into a regenerated natural retreat offering a place where people can explore, play, rest, discover and reconnect to nature, alongside Sydney’s harbour.

Yerrabingin founder and Chief Executive, Christian Hampson, who is orchestrating AKIN’s design themes shared “we are honoured to be part of such a defining public project, and also humbled to be given the permission to dream. For us, this is much more than a park – it’s a place to celebrate an enduring culture and to move with Country, acknowledging and experiencing our collective past and present while dreaming of our future.

“Our design is a new chapter connected to the most ancient of stories, carved in the sandstone of Sydney, the story of Country and of us, its people. We hope this new chapter inspires all our young people, fanning the embers inside them into a fire as the future artists, architects, designers, and engineers of our cities and our nation.”

Luke Johnson, Architectus Principal added “we are fortunate to be part of such a visionary team and concept. Barangaroo Harbour Park will generate for Sydney a public place like no other. A city-scaled platform positioned on the Harbour’s edge, where a Country-led, layered landscape will positively contribute to a deeper understanding of First Nations people, culture, and knowledge.”

An open design competition was held to attract the best designers from Australia and around the world. A jury chaired by former Prime Minister, Paul Keating and comprising leading figures from the local and international design community selected the winner out of five finalists.

The design honours the long and deep First Nations history of the Gadigal, while leaving a legacy for the future. It showcases First Nations design methodologies to create a place that is rich in culture and deeply connected to Country.

Harbour Park will be a drawcard for tourists and Sydneysiders alike. The design complements the naturalistic headland of Barangaroo Reserve and the urban environment of Barangaroo South and is set to be a feature along the 14-kilometre continuous harbourside walk from Glebe to Woolloomooloo.

Now the winning design has been selected, the team will consult with the community to refine and finalise the design and begin planning and procurement processes.

Key features of AKIN’s design for Harbour Park include:

• a timeless landscape with extensive planting, canopy cover, waterways and ponds

• nature play for all ages and abilities with shallow water pools, interactive water features, meandering pathways, toilets and a kiosk

• a series of significant public artworks that will be places of exploration, play, education, shade and celebration

• a large event lawn at the northern end of the site for community and cultural events and ceremonies, capable of hosting up to 6000 people.

Acting Premier of NSW Prue Car noted “Harbour Park is on the traditional lands of the Gadigal, who have been the custodians of the land and waterways for millennia. The park continues the precinct’s commitment to honouring the role of First Nations people, the history of the site and its wider context.

“The new park will be an inclusive, family friendly place, with experiences for all ages and abilities. I am looking forward to seeing this incredible design come to life.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper praised the design’s connection to the water.

Images. Credit: AKIN