Circular Quay is one of Australia’s most iconic and historically rich places, holding cultural significance to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
The precinct plays an important role as Sydney’s key water transport and train interchange. It is also a major contributor to Sydney’s local and global economies and tourism industry.
The NSW Government is planning to renew the ageing public spaces and infrastructure around the quay. The ‘Circular Quay Renewal’ (CQR) precinct will receive new public spaces, transport infrastructure and buildings that will breathe new life into Sydney’s ‘waterfront to the world’.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is leading renewal investigations for the precinct in close collaboration with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (the Department) and other NSW Government agencies.
As part of TfNSW investigations in renewing Circular Quay, it has sought proposals and design ideas from industry on how Circular Quay could become an even more vibrant and exciting place through a staged procurement process.
The outcomes from this work, along with the views of the community, will help inform the NSW Government’s final investment decision and the selection of a preferred design and delivery partner for the project.
What happens next
The Department is working in collaboration with TfNSW to ensure superior place and design outcomes are achieved in Circular Quay in addition to transport and infrastructure upgrades.
Following the NSW Government’s decision of a preferred design and planning partner, the Department will establish a new planning framework for Circular Quay to guide the development of the precinct. Finalisation of a framework would allow development applications to be submitted and assessed.
Prior to finalisation of the framework for Circular Quay, a draft planning framework for CQR will be placed on public exhibition for the community and other stakeholders to have their say on the future planning and design of the precinct.
We will keep you informed of when future consultation will occur.