Aqualand has received the green light to progress its new living and lifestyle precinct at Central Barangaroo. Approval of the Modification 9 Concept Proposal (Mod 9) by the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, clears the way for Aqualand to create a vibrant new destination at the heart of Barangaroo.

Central Barangaroo will be transformed into a world-class living and lifestyle precinct. The 5-hectare site will include residential, retail, hospitality and community uses alongside a new metro entry and over 2 hectares of public open space and parkland, all complementing Barangaroo South and Barangaroo Reserve.

More than 50 new retail destinations will play an important role activating the precinct, with a mix of lifestyle, luxury, wellness, and food & beverage. Locals and visitors will also enjoy multiple civic spaces, greenspace and activated laneways, including a 270 metre long, 8-metre-wide boulevard running north-south connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of Central Barangaroo will be public open spaces and parkland.

Central Barangaroo will inject a major boost to the NSW economy, generating $2.26 billion in economic activity during construction, and once completed, a further $134.1 million each year. It will create 12,360 jobs (direct and indirect FTE) during construction, and 581 direct jobs each year once completed. In addition, Aqualand will deliver one of the largest public benefit packages in NSW history, with over $220 million invested in cultural facilities, parkland, public domain, a second Metro station entry and more.

“We know how important Barangaroo is to all of Sydney and we are honoured to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this critical and final piece of the city’s largest urban renewal project.

We are committed to creating a world-class precinct that will complement the quality of Barangaroo South and Barangaroo Reserve and elevate the completed Barangaroo precinct to a new standard of excellence.” 

— Jin Lin, Managing Director, Aqualand

 

Aqualand will now prepare and lodge detailed Development Applications for the buildings and public domain. Subject to planning approvals, construction is anticipated to commence in late 2025 with the first stage expected to be completed around 2030.

“Over the past 8 years, we have listened to and worked with multiple stakeholders to get this precinct right for Sydney.

Today’s approval enables the project to proceed and sets in process the completion of Barangaroo more than 20 years after the shipping facilities were removed.

Aqualand looks forward to working with Government and all stakeholders to design and deliver an exceptional outcome at Central Barangaroo.”

— Ian Devereux, Group Head Development, Aqualand

“Barangaroo is one of Sydney’s most significant renewal projects in decades, transforming a once neglected and inaccessible part of the city into a dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub.  

With approval of the Modification 9 Concept Proposal now secured for Aqualand’s Central Barangaroo development, the final piece of the puzzle can proceed.   

We look forward to continuing to support Aqualand with its subsequent development proposals and are confident that alongside completion of Pier Pavilion and fit-out of the Cutaway, Central Barangaroo will increase the vitality of the entire Barangaroo precinct.”

— Tom Gellibrand, Chief Executive, Infrastructure NSW