International design competition for Barangaroo cultural and civic precinct

An international design competition for the central precinct of Sydney’s massive 22 hectare Barangaroo urban renewal project will be launched this month.

The Barangaroo Delivery Authority (BDA) will seek proposals for the site, which sits between Lend Lease’s $6 billion Barangaroo South development and the new Headland Park.

The winner will provide a revised concept plan for the 5.2 hectare site.

The BDA said it expected to appoint a team in time to start work in early 2013.

The central precinct is expected to be dominated by cultural and civic facilities, with spaces for recreation, events and entertainment.

BDA chief executive John Tabart said the precinct would be a “stimulating new place with commercial and cultural development, creating spaces for living, work and leisure”.

“This is a rare opportunity for the future of Sydney. What is eventually designed at Barangaroo Central will shape how people experience Barangaroo in the future,” John Tabart said.

“On the western edge of Sydney’s CBD, Barangaroo is a 22 hectare former container port, being transformed into a vital new extension of the city, as a new global financial hub and the spectacular Headland Park,” he added.

“Playing a pivotal role between these two icons, is Barangaroo Central, planned to be a stimulating new place with commercial and cultural development, creating spaces for living work and leisure.

“We are looking for a world class team, with the skills and experience to collaborate with the Authority to provide master planning services that achieve the vision and objectives for Barangaroo Central,” he said.