Walsh Bay Arts Precinct to host behind-the-scenes architectural tours for Sydney Open 2022

Award-winning architecture firms Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Hassell will guide behind-the-scenes architectural tours of Walsh Bay Arts Precinct as part of this year’s program for Sydney Open 2022.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Sydney’s newest cultural precinct on the Harbour foreshore presents a vibrant program of musical concerts, dance and theatre performances, classes workshops and public events. 

The architectural tours are presented by Sydney Living Museums from 5th – 6th November, Sydney Open is a chance to explore the city’s cultural heritage and architecture through a curated program of unique experiences usually off-limits to the general public.

As part of the Focus Tours program for Sydney Open 2022, the public are invited to hear from Directors Peter Tonkinand Julie Mackenzie of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, and Associate Director Grant Sandler, who undertook the architecturally acclaimed transformation of the historic Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5.

This intimate 60 minute guided tour will explore the heritage of Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 and the transformation of these iconic timber wharves into world-class facilities for the nation’s foremost performing arts companies. Hassell Principal, Glenn Scott will discuss their work for Sydney Theatre Company creating innovative performance and rehearsal spaces with peerless co-located costume and set-making workshops – a rare arrangement for theatre companies.

NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct architectural tour for Sydney Open 2022 is a rare opportunity for the general public to go behind-the-scenes and appreciate this award-winning redevelopment.

Minister Franklin noted “the work that has transformed Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 into the stunning world-class arts and cultural precinct was ground-breaking in its vision and innovative heritage conservation. These not-to-be-missed tours, led by the expert team behind the award-winning architectural achievements, offer a glimpse inside Australia’s newest premiere arts precinct.”

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has received national acclaim for TZG’s heritage-sensitive redevelopment, including awards in four categories at the 2022 NSW Architecture Awards. The Precinct received the state’s top award, the NSW Architecture Medallion, as well as awards for Public Architecture, Greenway Award for Heritage and a commendation for Interior Architecture. Earlier this year Walsh Bay Arts Precinct won in the Adaptive Reuse category at the National Trust Heritage Awards 2022, and in July 2021 the renovation of Sydney Theatre Company’s premises by Hassell was recognised with the prestigious Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture. Wharf 4/5 is the only project to have won the Sulman Medal twice.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct’s resident companies comprise Bangarra Dance Theatre, Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Theatre Company and The Song Company, all located at Wharf 4/5 and at Pier 2/3, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare. A premier arts and culture hub, the Precinct presents a vibrant program of musical concerts, dance and theatre performances, classes workshops and public events. 

For more information on Sydney Open 2022 visit sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen

Image (from left): Australian Chamber Orchestra’s new performance space, The Neilson. Image credit: Brett Boardman; Redeveloped Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Image Credit: Brett Boardman; Bell Shakespeare’s new performance space, The Neilson Nutshell. Image Credit: Brett Boardman