Sydney News You Need To Know About
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To make sure that you're on top of all the new developments and newsworthy chats happening around Sydney, we've wrapped up this week's top city news right here.
Matt Deakin has been named the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Image Credit: Matt Deakin
The Broome-based drone photographer captured the shot, titled Ethereal Encounter, in remote waters off the Pilbara in WA's far north, beating out 2,129 entries from 501 photographers across 17 countries.
Now in its 23rd year, the competition is Australia's most prestigious nature photography contest, owned and produced by the South Australian Museum.
Deakin takes home $10,000 and a cruise with Coral Expeditions, while the 100 shortlisted images go on display at the South Australian Museum from Saturday 29 August until Sunday 14 February 2027, before touring the country.
Parramatta North Is Set For A Major Transformation With 2,000 New Homes And A New University Campus
Image credit: NSW Government | Supplied
Parramatta North is set for a major transformation, with plans finalised to turn the precinct into a vibrant, connected community linking Parramatta CBD with the Westmead health and innovation district. The site will be home to around 2,000 new homes, including 5% affordable housing, alongside the potential for up to 12,000 new jobs spanning health services, research, tertiary education and supporting industries. A new university campus is also on the cards, with the potential to support up to 25,000 students and further strengthen Westmead's standing as a health and innovation hub. Development will roll out in stages over the coming years, bringing residents closer to jobs, transport and services.
The State Library Of NSW Is Turning 200 With Six Weeks Of Free Events
State Library of NSW | Until 28 September
Image credit: State Library of NSW | Supplied
The State Library of NSW is celebrating its 200th anniversary with 200 Years of Awe, a six-week program of performances, talks and free live music showcasing new work from some of Australia's leading creatives. As Australia's oldest library, the institution is marking the milestone with a packed program designed to celebrate its two centuries of stories, knowledge and creativity, giving Sydneysiders plenty of reason to step inside and explore one of the city's most historic cultural institutions.
Sydney Is Getting A New Major Concert Series In Centennial Park
Centennial Park | Late February & Early March 2027
Image credit: Sydney Summertime | Supplied
Sydney is getting a brand-new major concert series, with Sydney Summertime set to take over Centennial Park across a limited season of standalone concerts in late February and early March 2027. Presented by Black Peach and supported by Destination NSW, the series comes from live music executives Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley, whose combined credits include Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Homebake, Harvest Rock and Sydney City Limits. Each concert will pair major international headliners with Australian and international artists across a mix of genres, alongside Sydney restaurant pop-ups, food trucks, cellar doors, a cocktail bar and beer hall. There will also be five ticket experiences ranging from General Admission to VIP areas, with public transport included in every concert ticket.
Berry's Great Southern Hotel Has Been Sold For $11.15 Million
Image credit: Great Southern Hotel | Supplied
One of Berry's beloved local pubs has entered a new chapter, with the Great Southern Hotel acquired by a group of local and Sydney-based hospitality investors for $11.15 million. The new ownership group is led by Berry local Steve Redman alongside experienced operators Scott Still and Matt Clifton, who also own venues including the Paragon Hotel in Mudgee, the Royal Hotel in Oberon and The Gopher in Manly. The acquisition comes as Berry continues to grow as a major regional destination, having taken out gold in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards for three consecutive years, with the new owners planning to build on the pub's history while investing further in the local community.
PARKROYAL Parramatta Has Completed Its Multi-Million-Dollar Transformation
Image credit: PARKROYAL Parramatta | Supplied
PARKROYAL Parramatta has completed the final stage of its multi-million-dollar refurbishment, unveiling a redesigned lobby, upgraded meetings and events spaces and a new 116sqm executive suite. The transformation also includes Western Sydney's first permanent hotel LED wall, measuring 10 metres by three metres, alongside 13 flexible event spaces designed for everything from boardroom meetings and conferences to gala dinners and celebrations. The refresh comes as Parramatta continues to grow as a major business and events hub, with the upcoming opening of Western Sydney International Airport and Powerhouse Parramatta set to further boost the region. To mark the completion, PARKROYAL Parramatta is also offering a limited-time Day Delegate Package from $80 per person for new bookings until 31 December 2026.
Restaurateur Chris Lucas announces Chin Chin Manly, opening mid-2027
Image credit: Chin Chin | Supplied
Chin Chin is heading to the Northern Beaches, with its fourth Sydney site set to open on Raglan Street in Manly next year. Led by founding chef Benjamin Cooper alongside Chin Chin Sydney Executive Chef Matthew MacLeod, the new venue will feature an open kitchen and bar, with smoky grills, fiery woks and plenty of the fast-paced energy the restaurant is known for. The menu will bring back Chin Chin favourites including its legendary Massaman Curry, Kingfish Sashimi and Crispy Barramundi, alongside a selection of new dishes created exclusively for Manly.
33 Venues Across NSW Are Getting A Share Of $3.8 Million To Help Save Live Music
Image credit: Brass Monkey Cronulla | Instagram
The Minns Government has announced $3.8 million in funding for 33 live music venues across NSW, from Bathurst to Bega and Newtown to Cronulla, to help cover soundproofing, upgraded audio-visual equipment, planning advice and staging costs. The support comes after a string of closures in recent months, including Sydney venues Mary's Underground and Moshpit Bar, as rising costs and falling revenue put pressure on the scene. Recipients include The Brass Monkey in Cronulla ($121,096), The Lansdowne in Chippendale ($150,000) and King St Hotel in Newcastle ($500,000), the latter set to install a new LED video display and lighting system. Minister for Arts, Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham says the funding will help venues cover investments they often need but can't afford in the current climate.
Manly Pacific Has Officially Reopened As The Luxury Elysium Manly
Image credit: Elysium Manly | Supplied
Manly Pacific has now transitioned into the luxury Elysium Manly, marking the brand's second property and its first in Sydney following its debut in Noosa. The move builds on a near-$40 million transformation completed in 2025, including a $30 million guestroom refurbishment by Coco Republic and the $8.5 million addition of Italian restaurant Cibaria by Alessandro and Anna Pavoni. Elysium's signature touches now run throughout the beachfront hotel, from in-room amenities by Hermès, ESPA and Grown Alchemist to bespoke florals by Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora and a custom soundscape and fragrance designed to shape the guest experience. Existing bookings remain honoured, with General Manager Dylan Cole continuing to lead the property through its next chapter.
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Sydney Chef Simon Sandall Will Lead Food And Beverage At Powerhouse Parramatta
Image credit: Nic Walker
Powerhouse has named Sydney chef and restaurateur Simon Sandall as the Retail Food and Beverage operator for the new Powerhouse Parramatta, ahead of its opening on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Sandall spent years working alongside Matt Moran, including as Head Chef of ARIA and later Group Executive Chef across venues including Chiswick and Opera Bar, before opening his own restaurant, Boronia Kitchen, in Hunters Hill in 2018. He'll now oversee the Restaurant, Cinema Bar, and Café and Wine Bar at Powerhouse Parramatta, with the flagship dining space seating over 290 across almost 600sqm overlooking the Parramatta River.
Qantas Has Dropped $99 Flights From Sydney And Western Sydney Airport
Image credit: Qantas | Instagram
Your next interstate escape just got cheaper, with Qantas releasing more than two million discounted Economy and Business seats across 101 domestic routes. For Sydneysiders, one-way Economy fares start at $99 to Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, the Gold Coast, Orange and Tamworth, while Melbourne and Brisbane flights start from $119.
The sale also includes $99 flights from the new Western Sydney International Airport to Melbourne and Brisbane, with services expected to begin on 28 March 2027, subject to government and regulatory approval. Discounted travel dates extend through to August 2027—including select school holidays, Christmas, New Year, Easter and Anzac Day—with checked baggage, snacks and drinks included.
The Qantas Red Tail Sale ends at 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday, 25 August, unless sold out earlier.
Ovolo Sydney Is Undergoing A Major Renovation, With Rockstar Suites And New Dining On The Way
Image credit: Ovolo Sydney | Supplied
Ovolo Sydney has confirmed a major renovation that will see the boutique waterfront hotel step into a new era of design and hospitality. Set within the heritage-listed Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, the overhaul will touch every part of the guest experience, from reimagined rooms and suites to a series of new food and beverage offerings launching later this year. A highlight of the refresh is the new Rockstar Suite concept, two expansive suites featuring rich wood detailing, deep maroon and brown tones, private balconies overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay, and space for private saunas and ice baths. The hotel will remain operational throughout the works, with signature dining and five-star service continuing as usual, while the redesigned rooms, dining spaces and event areas are progressively unveiled.
Sydney Airport’s $3 Billion Terminal Expansion Has Cleared A Major Approval Hurdle
Image credit: Sydney Airport | Instagram
Sydney Airport’s biggest terminal expansion since the 2000 Olympics has taken a major step forward, with the Federal Government approving its Master Plan 2045.
At the centre of the plan is a new precinct connecting the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, with up to 12 new “swing gates” capable of servicing both domestic and international flights. Two additional gates are also planned for T1 International, helping reduce lengthy transfers, aircraft taxi times and bussing between terminals.
The first $3 billion stage is expected to begin in 2028, delivering at least seven gates over approximately three years, subject to further approvals. Later stages could continue through to 2040 as Sydney Airport prepares for annual passenger numbers to climb from around 41 million to 72 million by 2045.
NSW Government Advances Plans For The Great Koala National Park In Coffs Harbour
Image credit: The Great Koala National Park | Instagram
Coffs Harbour is about to become home to a koala haven, with plans underway for The Great Koala National Park—a preservation initiative and tourism destination positioned as a landmark investment for the Mid North Coast. While habitat protection and extinction are the core drivers for the project, NSW government has outlined a plan to boost local economy—including recreation initiatives, appointing Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, collaboration with Elders and traditional owners, and a strong alignment with local perspectives.
The project is still firmly in the planning stage, prioritising fire fighting capacity, park boundaries and legislation—but reservation is set to be confirmed by late this year. For now, you can share your opinion and get involved at any of their allocated market stalls, consultation sessions or meetings with local groups.
Sydney Airport Has Opened A Quiet Room For Neurodivergent Travellers At International Departures
Image credit: Sydney Airport | Instagram
Airports aren’t exactly known for being calming places—but Sydney Airport is making a move to change that. A new Quiet Room has opened inside Terminal 1 International, offering departing passengers a dedicated low-stimulation space to pause, regulate and reset before boarding.
Designed for travellers who may feel overwhelmed, anxious or distressed (particularly neurodivergent passengers) the room was developed alongside Aspect and informed by Autistic people, with a focus on sensory-friendly design and calming best practice.
Access is available by booking ahead (or via a QR code at the door, subject to availability), with the room accommodating up to four people at a time.
Qantas’ New Airbus A350s Will Have An Inflight Wellbeing Zone For Stretching And Hydration
Image credit: Qantas | Website
Long-haul flying is getting a wellness upgrade. When Qantas launches its new Airbus A350 fleet, passengers across any cabin will be able to access a new inflight Wellbeing Zone—designed to encourage movement, stretching and hydration at 30,000 feet.
Positioned between Premium Economy and Economy, the dedicated zone will feature self-serve refreshments, sculptural surfaces and integrated handles for guided stretches, plus large monitors playing curated movement prompts to help passengers reset mid-flight.
It’s part of the airline’s broader rethink around ultra long-haul comfort, particularly as Project Sunrise edges closer and marathon flights become a more regular reality. And honestly? A designated place to stand up, move around and decompress sounds like a pretty welcome evolution of the humble cabin wander.
Sydney Has 15 Buildings On A New List Of Australia’s Best Architecture—Here’s What Made The Cut
Image credit: UTS Business School | Instagram
If the Sydney Opera House is the obvious architectural hero of our fine city, consider this your cue to look beyond the postcard. A new list rounding up Australia’s 50 favourite buildings—voted on by architects and design experts—features a seriously strong showing from Sydney and New South Wales, with 15 local landmarks making the cut.
From world-renowned cultural institutions and modernist icons to hidden urban sanctuaries and a tiny sound chapel in outback NSW, the list proves great architecture isn’t just about headline-grabbing silhouettes—it can live in a laneway, a public pool or a former water tank, too.
Among the NSW picks? Naala Badu, Angel Place, State Theatre, Bondi Pavilion, Strand Arcade, Quay Quarter Tower and Punchbowl Mosque all scored a mention—alongside lesser-known gems like Cobar Sound Chapel and Reservoir Gardens.
Also on the list:
- Bundanon Art Museum
- The EVE Hotel
- North Head Viewing Platforms
- Phoenix Central Park
- Australia Square
- UTS Business School
- Prince Alfred Park Pool
Virgin Australia Just Dropped 500,000 Discounted Fares To NSW From $55
Image credit: Virgin Australia | Instagram
If you’ve been holding off on booking a trip, this might be the nudge. Virgin Australia has launched a major sale, releasing 500,000 one-way Economy fares into New South Wales from just $55—covering routes into Sydney, Newcastle and Ballina (Byron Bay).
The deals span the airline’s domestic network, with discounted routes from cities like Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart—opening up everything from quick coastal getaways to a well-timed trip for Vivid Sydney.
Fares are on sale until 11:59pm AEST on Sunday, April 26 (unless sold out), with travel dates running from mid-May through to December.
You can also tap into Velocity Points (from 5,900 points plus fees), or upgrade to extra legroom Economy X seats from $15 on select flights. It's a solid excuse to lock something in—before the cheapest fares disappear.
Full Strength Beer Is Being Introduced To Football Venues Across Western Sydney And The Hunter
Image credit: Commbank Stadium | Instagram
Footy fans rejoice: venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter are ditching their mid-strength only rule. A campaign from the Labor Member For Riverstone called out the unfair divide between East and West drinking rules (fans at the SCG and Allianz Stadium have been able to partake in full strength sips for a while), before the issue was escalated within the Minns Labor Government. Now, after a six-month trial run, the rule has been passed—so why not celebrate this newfound drinking equality with a beer?
A Look Into Sydney West's Metro Stations
Image credit: Transport NSW | Website
Sydney’s next big rail line is starting to materialise, with an early look at the stations set to anchor the Sydney Metro West rollout. Spanning the inner west through to the CBD, new stops are planned for Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays and Hunter Street—laying the groundwork for a faster link between Parramatta and the city.
Work is already firing up on several sites this month, with crews moving in to set up compounds, begin surveys and prep the ground ahead of major construction later this year. It’s the early phase, but a visible one.
Design-wise, this isn’t a copy-paste job. Each station is being shaped to reflect its neighbourhood, with a mix of architecture studios brought in to define how these spaces will actually feel on the ground.
Once complete, the 24-kilometre line is set to double rail capacity between Parramatta and the CBD, with a target opening locked for 2032.
Sydney Metro Is Adding 166 Weekly Services On The M1 Line To Cut Wait Times As Fuel Costs Rise
Image credit: Transport NSW | Website
Sydney’s metro network is moving faster from today, with a major service uplift on the M1 Line designed to ease pressure as fuel supply issues push more commuters onto public transport.
An extra 166 services are being added each week, with capacity dialled up across peak periods and weekends. During the weekday rush, 12 additional services will run daily, bringing peak frequency down to every three minutes and 45 seconds until April 17. From April 20, that tightens again to every three minutes and 30 seconds—one of the most frequent service patterns the network has seen.
Weekends are also getting a noticeable bump. Trains will now arrive every seven minutes instead of ten, adding 58 services on Saturdays and 48 on Sundays—roughly a 40 per cent increase in weekend capacity.
To make it happen, three extra trains originally ordered for the Southwest extension are being temporarily redeployed onto the M1. Once testing ramps up later this year, peak frequency will ease back to every four minutes, though the boosted weekend timetable is set to stick around.
Fuel Is Getting Cheaper From April 1
Image credit: @shotsby_nadira | Instagram
Fuel prices have been creeping up for months and if you're a driver in Sydney, you've no doubt felt the nudge each time you've pulled into a servo. A mix of global volatility, supply chain pressure and a weaker Aussie dollar has kept prices stubbornly high and feeding straight into that broader cost-of-living pain. In fact, journo Peter FitzSimons recently wrote "diesel is the new bog roll", drawing comparisons to the great toilet paper gate of the 2020 pandemic. In our opinion, he's not wrong.
However, there is some short-term relief on the way. From April 1 through to June 30, the federal government is halving the fuel excise, which should shave around 25-26 cents per litre off petrol and diesel.
It's a temporary measure, but somewhat a handy one ahead of the Easter long weekend. Doing the math, you might save around $15 to $20 off a full tank which obviously doesn't fix everything but hey, it takes a small sting from getting out of the city.
Final Release Laneway Festival 2026 Tickets
Laneway is one of Sydney’s most in-demand festivals, with tickets typically selling out in under an hour each year. In excellent news, organisers have announced that a limited number of additional tickets will be released for the previously sold-out Sydney event.
The extra allocation comes from remaining production holds, giving fans another chance to secure tickets to see Chappell Roan, Role Model, PinkPantheress, Alex G, Wolf Alice, Yung Lean & Bladee, Geese, and more. The final ticket release will go on sale Wednesday with waitlist on sale: Wednesday 14 January, 9am–10am (local) and general on sale: Wednesday 14 Jan, 10am (local).
The Grounds Is Coming To Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, Opening In An Old Gatekeeper’s Cottage
Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden is set for a landmark transformation with the announcement that The Grounds Group will bring its signature hospitality experience to the Domain Gateway. For nearly 190 years, this hidden corner of The Domain—once home to a gatekeeper’s cottage and horticultural workshops—has been largely unseen by the public. Now, through an adaptive reuse project, the precinct will open its doors, marrying Sydney’s rich botanical heritage with contemporary dining and social experiences.
The Domain Gateway, anchored by the sandstone Domain Lodge dating back to 1835, sits amidst the city’s cultural heartbeat, with St Mary’s Cathedral, the Art Gallery of NSW, and Hyde Park Barracks just steps away. The new venue, The Grounds in The Domain, will celebrate the city’s relationship with plants and nature while offering immersive spaces for gathering and storytelling.
Beyond hospitality, the project promises to support the ongoing scientific, educational, and horticultural work of the Botanic Gardens, ensuring this historic site continues to flourish for generations of Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
Get From Sydney To Melbourne For Just Ten Bucks ($10!) This Summer
The iconic chariot of the European summer is coming to Australia and they’re about to blow up the way we get across the country.
FlixBus is launching locally on 20 November, with a brand-new route linking Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney… and they’re kicking things off with $9.99 fares. Yep, a tenner to get from Sydney to Melbourne. Wild.
After the promo, prices start from a still-ridiculous $56 for the 10-hour trip. Already a staple across Europe, this makes Australia the brand’s 45th country, and honestly? We’re not mad about swapping airport chaos and pricey flights for something easier (and far cheaper).
Expect 12 daily departures, stops at Sydney Airport, free Wi-Fi, flexible schedules and full app-based booking. Plus, coach travel emits a fraction of the CO₂ of flying—something FlixBus CEO André Schwämmlein is keen for us to know.
More routes are on the way, but for now, we’re going to jag one of those $10 trips. Book yours over here.
Shark Beach Has Finally Reopened In Time For Summer Swims
Image credit: The Nielsen | Website
Vaucluse's Shark Beach and Nielsen Park have been sorely missed since they were closed for construction in 2022. What was flagged to take less than a year took almost three, with the sheltered shoreline missed especially on summer days.
As of Thursday 12 December, both Shark Beach and Nielsen Park are open, including the charming Nielsen Park Kiosk. The kiosk's revamped menu offers brekkie from 7am (with the likes of avo toast with macadamia pesto, or banoffee French toast on the menu), a dine-in menu offering small plates, salads, mains and pizzas and refreshing cocktails, and a takeaway offering including the requisite fish and chips.
The New Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station Brings Beloved Eateries To North Sydney
Image credit: Victoria Cross | Supplied
The Sydenham–Chatswood Sydney Metro City line is now open, with North Sydney’s Victoria Cross Station welcoming 15 new dining outlets including fresh locations for beloved Sydney venues including Mary’s, Marrickville Pork Roll (who make some of the best banh mi in Sydney) and Dopa Donburi.
Other names among the first wave of openings are Top Impressions Bakery, Torotoro Ramen Bar, Doo Dee Thai, and a coffee cart by Two Good Co, with 50% of proceeds reinvested into their social impact programs. A further seven retailers will open in 2025, coinciding with the full completion of the Victoria Cross tower next year.
Additional tenants at Victoria Cross Station include McDonald’s, Nails Avenue, florist Rose & Co, plus a further seven retailers (including a One Playground fitness facility with a plunge pool, infrared saunas and motion studio) coming in 2025. The openings join the recently launched Walker Street dining precinct (home to Sol Bread and Wine, Soluna, Genzo, and providore Una) and flashy bar and grill Poetica in the rapid transformation of North Sydney’s dining scene.
A 25hours Hotel Will Open In Sydney Next Year With A Rooftop Bar And A Restaurant
Image credit: Central Element | Website
25hours is another boutique hotel brand to set its sights on Sydney. Taking on the former West Olympia Theatre building on the corner of Oxford Street and South Dowling Street in Paddington, the luxury hotel scheduled to open early 2025 will feature 109 rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, a restaurant, a ground-floor cafe, live music space, and a central courtyard lined with greenery.
This iconic Sydney building has a colourful past: it was first a brewery, before becoming a cinema, then a nightclub. Most recently it was home to Don Peppino's, before the crew opened Fontana in Redfern. Behind the build and restoration of the gorgeous Paddington site is Central Element (CE) and joint venture partner Boston Global Group.
25hours has 12 hotels scattered throughout Europe's coolest cities, and they're typically design-forward, playful hotels, laced with cool details and local collabs. In Dubai, there's a 5000-book library fountain with a rotating globe showcasing works by local artists. The Vienna property is circus-themed. While there aren't too many details on the Sydney hotel yet, we're excited to see the 25hours brand come to life here.
Luna Park Steps Into The Future With A Major New $15 Million Immersive Attraction
Originally opened in 1935, Luna Park delivers old-school Art Deco amusement park nostalgia in spades. This year, however, the iconic Big Top has transformed into a souped-up 21st-century spectacle, complete with holograms, motion-activated LED screens, and state-of-the-art light and sound tech.
Sydney’s new Immersive Big Top now features 360-degree visual and audio immersion with an activated surface area of more than 3,500 square metres. Perhaps Sydney's answer to Las Vegas' viral Sphere venue, the new Big Top will be the new home for wild immersive experiences, never-before-seen live music performances, and other one-of-a-kind events.
“As a world-class amusement park, we need to be more than rides, and expanding our depth of offering through world-class immersive experiences will mean that Sydneysiders won’t have to travel the globe to experience these incredible environments," said Luna Park CEO John Hughes in a statement. "We want to be a reliable, magical, and affordable destination for all generations of Sydneysiders and visitors to our city."
The first spectacle to show within the new Big Top will be Dream Circus, a locally created immersive and sensory experience that will combine the venue's impressive technology with stagecraft, loveable characters, magic, and good old-fashioned storytelling.
Dream Circus tickets are available here.
A Stunning 26-Storey Boutique Hotel Is Planned For Sydney—With Australia's First Glass Floor "Vertigo Suite"
Image credit: ICON Developments | Supplied
From Capella Sydney to the W Hotel and smaller boutique offerings like Hotel Morris and Oxford House, Sydney's hotel scene is evolving at pace. The latest hotel announcement comes via ICON Developments and Icon Oceania, who have revealed stunning plans for a 23-storey, $265 million boutique hotel in the Sydney CBD.
The property is a reimagining of the heritage-listed RCA House on Kent Street, once the home of Universal Studios in Sydney. The yet-to-be-named hotel will feature 229 rooms, a rooftop bar, and an infinity pool with views over Darling Harbour. With interiors by local design legends SJB and Golden Age of Hollywood aesthetic, probably the most intriguing feature will be the hotel's "Vertigo Suite"—the very first of its kind in Australia. The suite gets its name from its fully transparent glass floor.
The property is slated to begin construction in 2024, pending planning approval. The hotel would then look to open in 2026.
For now, check out our guides to
A $2 Billion Performing Arts Precinct Proposed To Revamp The Domain Car Park
Image credit: City of Sydney | Supplied
Sydney is showing no signs of slowing down on development with recent news of a massive revamp proposed for The Domain that’ll transform the current (and, let’s face it, pretty underutilised) car park into a world-class arts precinct.
Proposed by global architect firm Grimshaw Architects, the proposed development features four new performance spaces on the existing site of The Domain car park. The biggest space would be a 2500-seat state-of-the-art theatre. Also in the designs is a dance theatre with an estimated 800-person capacity; "The Academy" intended as a rehearsal and teaching space; and Sydney's first and only dedicated First Nations performance space.
"We tried to look at other places to put it in the city and the simple answer is it doesn't fit," Grimshaw Architects Director of Strategic Communications Bradford Gorman told Urban List.
"There is [also] no lyric theatre in Sydney. The theatres that exist to host large productions are located in casinos. And notably, which is really shocking, we don't have a centre for Indigenous performance in Sydney. They've talked about putting [one] in Barangaroo in The Cutaway, which in our opinion is not progressive thinking because it literally puts Aboriginal facilities underground," says Gorman. "We believe First Nations performance should have its own facility."
And while the proposed cultural precinct would mean losing the playing fields atop the current car park site, Grimshaw has drafted up increased green space by transferring it to in front of the Art Gallery of the NSW, as well as landscaping on the roofs of the proposed buildings.
Also part of the proposal are designs set to revitalise and invigorate the wider Woolloomooloo and East Sydney area with a snazzy new 24-hour entertainment and hospitality precinct as well as an upgrade and expansion of social and affordable housing.
"East Sydney has sort of deteriorated. The public housing is not fit for purpose, and you've got a community which is right in the midst of Sydney and yet hasn't been brought along with [the rest] of Sydney's development," says Gorman. "We believe the community deserves to have the facilities for social housing upgraded and expanded to provide more social housing solutions."
Now check out all the Sydney food news you have to catch up on.
Image credit: The Nielsen | Website
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