GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW WALSH BAY ARTS PRECINCT CONCEPT

Thursday 21 May 2015

Acting Premier and Arts Minister Troy Grant and Planning Minister Rob Stokes today announced that the concept plan for a world-class arts and cultural precinct at Walsh Bay has been given planning approval.

The NSW Government has set aside an unprecedented $139 million for the Walsh Bay the project, using funding from NSW's $600 million Arts and Cultural Infrastructure Fund.

The approved concept involves:

• a public square over the water between Wharf 4/5 and Pier 2/3 with steps down to the water

• using the precinct for arts festivals and events, as well as establishing restaurants, cafés and bars.

• reconfiguring Wharf 4/5, which is currently occupied by a number of arts organisations including the Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bangarra Dance Company

• changing the internal layout of Pier 2/3, the last undeveloped pier at Walsh Bay, for arts and cultural uses including events and performances

• Modifying the roof of Pier 2/3 to provide enhanced acoustics for the Australian Chamber Orchestra auditorium

Mr Grant said the concept plan from Arts NSW provides significant new facilities for the arts in the heart of Sydney.

“The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct will be an exciting destination for Sydneysiders and visitors, hosting up to two million people every year,” Mr Grant said.

“This investment will make Walsh Bay a renowned cultural precinct in the Asia Pacific, giving the NSW public better access to exceptional artists and performances. Mr Stokes said the new plan would be a boom for the arts and the broader community.

“Walsh Bay is also a key part of the development of a Sydney CBD arts precinct, to encompass our internationally renowned cultural institutions,” Mr Stokes said. “The precinct is part of the NSW Government's vision to activate and open up the Sydney Harbour foreshore, alongside the Barangaroo redevelopment and Bays Precinct.”