A plan to reinvent a section of Sydney’s unused harbour foreshore – with the historic White Bay Power Station as a centrepiece – has been launched today by the NSW Government.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft Bays West Place Strategy aims to harness Sydney’s stunning “blue infrastructure” in the creation of a mixed-use precinct in the heart of the Eastern Harbour City.
“Bays West is so central and historically significant to Sydney that it is time to revitalise the area and make it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit,” Mr Stokes said.
“We have the chance to explore so many possibilities for this incredible location, such as extending the Sydney Harbour foreshore walk, creating a great new public space and repurposing the White Bay Power Station.
“With the vision of this strategy we can unlock the potential of this area as part of the innovation corridor, drawing new business and entertainment and cultural opportunities.
“We are very committed to renewal of Bay West – the fact the Government is putting a Metro station there demonstrates this.”
Mr Stokes said the first, tangible action for the Bays West rejuvenation is urgent restorative works at the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station.
The NSW Government is providing $14 million for the first phase of works on the site, which includes the investigation of structural integrity and safety as well as a program of critical repair and remediation works to begin later this year.
Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell said the building required urgent maintenance as the first of three stages expected to be completed in 2024.
“The initial scoping we did last month will establish what works are needed to restore the site to a state that preserves the building and makes it safe for access,” Ms Mitchell said.
The draft vision comprises six key opportunities:
- Repurposing White Bay Power Station as a focal point;
- Investigating a crossing from Bays West to Pyrmont;
- Connecting community to water while supporting the working harbour;
- Delivering a significant new waterfront park within the precinct;
- Capitalising on opportunities presented by a new Metro Station;
- Creating a harbour foreshore walk.
“As with all of our strategic plans, there will be thorough community and industry consultation as part of the process,” Mr Stokes said. “This is a huge area – three and a half times the size of Barangaroo – so we are keen to listen to what people think of the plan and get feedback about how we can make Bays West even better.”
Community consultation will include online seminars, face-to-face information sessions in the area and communication through advertising and letter-box drops. The draft Bays West Place Strategy is on exhibition from 22 March to 29 April, 2021. Further information is available at: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/bays-west
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