Walsh Bay arts precinct given development to proceed after backing from locals

Construction of Sydney's Walsh Bay arts precinct is expected to start as early as July with plans for the multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the area receiving final planning approval.

The NSW Government's proposal was held up by local restauranteur Brigid Kennedy, who successfully challenged the project in the NSW Court of Appeal on the grounds that it had not been lawfully approved.

Kennedy, who is also the head of the Walsh Bay Chamber of Commerce, said concerns about transport, congestion, sound levels and trade had now been addressed.

She told the ABC "it's been a rocky road but there's been some fantastic outcomes of that case and the journey that we've been on.

"Firstly, that we absolutely got both the (NSW) Arts and Planning ministers' attention.

"What they had in their initial stages was unworkable, not just for me as a business owner, but also for the arts companies themselves and certainly for the residents of Walsh Bay."

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct will see a $207 million rejuvenation of Pier 2/3, Shore 4/5 and Wharf 4/5 to create a thriving arts precinct for performing arts companies.

Tenants will include the Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Theatre for Young People, and the Sydney Philharmonia Choir.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Bell Shakespeare Company will make their new homes at Pier 2/3.

NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin said construction is expected to be finished in 2020, a year behind its initial schedule, advising "we've been making sure that all of the tenants at Walsh Bay and all of the arts organisations that are there in the future are happy with what we're doing.

"We're absolutely delighted that we have got the consent to go ahead now from the planning approval process and also from the tenants.

"We want an accessible precinct, which lots of people visit, because we know people will be absolutely thrilled with the offering at Walsh Bay when it's finished."

Images: Architect renditions of STC’s Wharf Renewal Project. Courtesy of NSW Cultural Infrastructure Program Management Office.

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