THE CALL FOR GREAT IDEAS

COMPENDIUMOctober 2015

THE CALL FOR GREAT IDEAS

The Bays Precinct, Sydney2 The Bays Precinct, Sydney2

THE BAYS PRECINCT

The Call for Great Ideas 33

In 2015, UrbanGrowth NSW conducted a Call for Great Ideas for priority Destinations in The Bays Precinct, Sydney. It called on anyone – locals, Sydneysiders, and interested people from across Australia and overseas – to imagine the Precinct’s future and sought to apply some of the world’s most innovative thinking for 21st Century cities to the Precinct’s transformation.

An Independent Assessment Panel considered more than 200 ideas. This compendium details the best of these ideas. Many of these ideas have informed The Transformation Plan: The Bays Precinct, Sydney and will inform the procurement of the priority Destinations.

THE BAYS PRECINCT

The Call for Great Ideas

The Bays Precinct, Sydney4

The Call for Great Ideas came from our desire to include as many people as possible in the transformation of The Bays Precinct.

We knew that we needed to tap into something beyond our own thinking. We knew that a transformation of this scale – that will have such an impact not just on Sydney, but on all of Australia – needs to be shaped by the very best ideas available.

And we are thrilled with the result. We received more than 200 ideas that illustrate the best of contemporary, global thinking. These ideas were assessed in the most transparent way, firstly with reviews by a Technical Advisory Panel and Community Advisory Panel, and then by an Independent Assessment Panel led by Sir Bob Parker.

This compendium represents the best of the Great Ideas, as identified by the Independent Assessment Panel. These ideas could cement Sydney’s position on the world stage and set a new agenda for urban transformation.

We will now work with stakeholders to determine if and how these ideas can become reality.

As you look through the Compendium, and view the ideas on our website, you will see that individuals, community groups, students, and Australian and international businesses and consortia, have put in an amazing effort to develop their ideas.

I want to acknowledge their efforts, enthusiasm and innovative thinking, and put on record how much these efforts are appreciated by our organisation, the UrbanGrowth NSW Board, and by the NSW Government.

David Pitchford CBE LVO

Chief Executive, UrbanGrowth NSW

FOREWORD

Sitting just two kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, The Bays Precinct comprises 5.5 kilometres of harbourfront, 95 hectares of largely government-owned land and 94 hectares of waterways in Sydney Harbour.

The transformation of The Bays Precinct represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create stunning waterfront destinations and to attract the jobs of the future for Sydney and NSW, and reinforce Sydney’s reputation as an internationally-competitive, resilient and prosperous global city to live, work and visit.

The Bays Precinct consists of unique ‘Destinations’ that offer different opportunities for transformation. Following consultation throughout 2015, the transformation will be staged across eight Destinations in the Precinct. The Call for Great Ideas provided an opportunity for people to present innovative ideas for four of these:

• Bays Waterfront Promenade

• Bays Market District

• White Bay Power Station

• White Bay including White Bay Cruise Terminal.

The consultation process following the release of the Transforming City Living: The Bays Precinct, Sydney Discussion Paper and feedback through the Sydneysiders Summit and Leadership Forums has shifted our thinking on the Destinations since the release of the Call for Great Ideas.

The Transformation Plan: The Bays Precinct, Sydney now includes Wentworth Park as part of The Bays Precinct and as a priority Destination, based in part on some of the ideas

The Bays Precinct, Sydney is one of the highest potential urban transformation sites in the world.

INTRODUCTION

White Bay

Rozelle Bay

John

ston

s Bay

Blackwattle Bay

Bays Waterfront Promenade

White Bay including White Bay Cruise Terminal

Bays Market District

White Bay Power Station

included in this document. White Bay including White Bay Cruise Terminal* is now a longer-term priority.

5The Call for Great Ideas*The Transformation Plan refers to this Destination as ‘White Bay’


The Call for Great Ideas was designed to provoke debate and discussion around complex issues, test new concepts and, ultimately, lead to the right decisions and approaches in the transformation of The Bays Precinct to help us to fearlessly pursue public benefit.

The Call for Great Ideas had three main aims:

To give every Sydneysider and anyone who has an interest in The Bays Precinct the opportunity to put forward their Great Ideas for the Precinct’s immediate priority Destinations.

To create energy and excitement within domestic and international organisations that are world-leaders in urban transformation.

To shape the delivery of commercially-viable major projects that can drive Sydney’s economy and meet the NSW Government’s ambition for The Bays Precinct.

The Call for Great Ideas was an open process, established on the premise that many minds working together can come up with great ideas.

INTRODUCTION

01

02

03

“The opportunities in the redevelopment of the Bays Precinct create a unique legacy moment in the evolution of Sydney. It is superb - and correct - that the views, ideas and creativity of the people are to be given the most prominent role in driving this process forward. It is quite an opportunity.”

– Sir Bob Parker, Chair, Independent Assessment Panel


The Call was open from 25 May to 20 July 2015 and was supported by a program of briefings and advice. Submissions were assessed by an Independent Assessment Panel against five objectives that acted as evaluation criteria:

To deliver a hub of export-oriented knowledge-intensive jobs that can increase Sydney’s global competitiveness

To deliver enduring, socially inclusive and great places to benefit Sydneysiders and national and international communities

To deliver housing choices, including affordable housing options, through design, finance and construction excellence

To deliver a world-class mass and active transit and infrastructure solution that unlocks the economic and human potential of The Bays Precinct and demonstrates a model of environmental excellence

To achieve building design excellence and quality urban design in all Destinations

Each Destination also had its own objective:

Bays Waterfront Promenade: For the first time, to deliver a continuous, staged, waterfront promenade from Balmain to Pyrmont, connecting right through to the CBD and beyond

Bays Market District: To rejuvenate the Sydney Fish Market (wholesale and retail) and connect it to the water, and expand the fresh food offering, creating a world-class Bays Market District

White Bay Power Station: To unlock the potential of the White Bay Power Station and recognise its history in an authentic way

White Bay including White Bay Cruise Terminal*: In partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, to engage stakeholders on innovative solutions to the environmental and operational issues at White Bay Cruise Terminal.

The Call for Great Ideas was announced at the Bays Precinct Sydneysiders Summit in May 2015.

*The Transformation Plan refers to this Destination as ‘White Bay’.

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05


In chairing the Independent Assessment Panel, Sir Bob drew on his experience overseeing a similar call for ideas as the Mayor of Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes in 2010.

Sir Bob was supported by:

• Saul Eslake, Economic Advisor and Consultant Former Chief Economist of ANZ Bank and for Bank of America-Merrill Lynch Australia

• Sarah Hill, Director, Hill PDA

• Dr Robert Lang, Former CEO, Parramatta City Council and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority

• Dianne Leeson, Former Assistant Director-General, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Chair, Bays Precinct Task Force

• Mr Peter Poulet, NSW Government Architect.

The Panel’s processes were overseen by Dr Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of the Ethics Centre (formerly known as the St James Ethics Centre).

The Panel also received advice and expertise from a Technical Advisory Panel and Community Advisory Panel. The Technical Advisory Panel provided expertise in areas such as strategic planning, transport, policy, viability, operational and landowner issues. The Community Advisory Panel included community groups, churches, unions and youth groups and provided advice from a community perspective.

The Independent Assessment Panel identified a collection of Great Ideas that align with the objectives against which the ideas were assessed. The Panel also identified Precinct-wide concepts and a number of key themes.

While noting that decisions were made without detailed commercial assessments or a detailed understanding of the associated infrastructure and planning costs, the Panel adopted an approach that selected bold and visionary ideas in accordance with the objectives using appropriate levels of pragmatism.

An Independent Assessment Panel assessed the ideas. It was chaired by Sir Bob Parker and included eminent experts in areas that aligned with the five objectives.

INTRODUCTION


The Independent Assessment Panel found that many submissions nominated multiple ideas, and around one-third related to the White Bay Power Station, reinforcing the Destination’s potential. Ideas focused on the Power Station as a hub for knowledge-intensive jobs in new economy areas and many ideas discussed the best ways to restore the heritage buildings and provide public access to the foreshore.

Other themes included:

• the provision of renewable energy at the Power Station, which would then connect to the entire Precinct

• an emphasis on social and environmental sustainability

• the many opportunities to provide connections to open space

• how to transform the waterways to clean water

• urban agriculture ideas

• arts and cultural ideas.

The Call received 213 submissions from individuals, community groups, students, businesses and consortia.

Bays Market District16%

Bays Waterfront Promenade16%

White Bay Power Station34%

Some of the main categories for the ideas included:

31% cultural and

community uses

28% transport

and mobility

13% renewable energy

7% open space, sport

and recreational uses

50% from community

members


The ideas that follow are structured between those that relate directly to the immediate Priority Destinations – starting with the White Bay Power Station which will be the stand-out landmark for the Precinct’s transformation – as well as Precinct-wide ideas and other themes that were prominent across several submissions.


WHITE BAY POWER STATION

DESTINATION:

To unlock the potential of the White Bay Power Station and recognise its history in an authentic way



WHITE BAY POWER STATION

“If we want White Bay Power Station to be the best example in Sydney of how living, working and learning can be woven together to create a prosperous and thriving economy, we need to think about the most appropriate uses for the Power Station and how this can benefit nearby areas, think about its position at the heart of The Bays Precinct, and draw on international examples that have returned industrial spaces to their cities.”

Transforming City Living: The Bays Precinct, Sydney, p. 27

White Bay Power Station

11The Call for Great Ideas


DESTINATION: WHITE BAY POWER STATION

Google Australia

GOOGLE AUSTRALIA INNOVATION HUB

Google Australia proposes the Google Australia Innovation Hub at White Bay Power Station - a new tech hub for Sydney that could be a catalyst and anchor for tech jobs and start-ups amid new community spaces like galleries, green open-space areas and connections within and around the whole site. The White Bay Power Station would be similar to other Google sites in London, New York, Paris, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Providing a flexible, accessible and sustainable environment for more than 1,000 skilled engineers and sales and operations staff, the Innovation Hub could be a ‘porous’ office that draws in great people, business and ideas. Google would team up with the community to understand the best way to provide access to the waterfront and what kind of uses the community wants at ground level.

“The Power Station itself needs some love... We’d keep the fundamental shape and interior architectural features of the Power Station intact, while showing what’s possible in future workplaces…”

– Google Australia


StocklandWoods BagotMeld Technologies

STEM CITY

STEM City is an idea for a mixed-use hub for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) that takes advantage of a new era in technology, attracting investment and propelling innovation.

At its heart would be the Knowledge Community – an agglomeration of knowledge industry enterprises including education, research and innovation. A world-first Living Laboratory would incorporate data measurement and sharing on energy, waste, transport, human movement, wellbeing and other indices to improve planning and delivery of civic spaces. A Vertical Village design would be largely open to everyone, creating a new focal point for Sydneysiders.

Dear UrbanGrowth nSw,

Thank you for the opportunity to be involved in The Bays Precinct Sydney Call for Great Ideas. A chance to participate in the Thinking Cities stage of your City Transformation Life Cycle is something that truly appealed to Stockland – because as a company we believe in a better way to live. Progressive ways of generating urban ideas, such as this process, will help unlock Sydney’s potential.

To meet as many of the NSW Government’s objectives for the transformation of The Bays Precinct as possible, Stockland has generated these ideas in close collaboration with some of the country’s most accomplished urban thinkers – people who not only understand development opportunities, but also the spirit of this process which calls on everyone to be generous, creative and positive.

We hope you enjoy our thinking.

Mark Steinert

Managing Director and CEO – Stockland

INSIGHTS Stem City

INSIGHT

The decommissioned White Bay Power Station is one of the most definitive structures in The Bays Precinct, but its significance runs far deeper than architecture.

IMport & export

Sydney Harbour has always been a place of import and export.

Whatever the future of White Bay Power Station, it should aim to

take part in that tradition by encouraging internationals in and

propelling local product and knowledge out.

open Data = open DoorS

We stand at the beginning of a new era in technology – the era of

Big Data. By quantifying and sharing all of the data produced in

a large scaled mixed-use precinct we can attract investment and

propel innovation.

power & enerGy

As of 1913, White Bay became a generator for power and energy.

This is also a tradition that should be extended, but with new

forms that are fit for purpose in the 21st century knowledge

economy.

IDEA Stem City

STEM CITY

Our idea is: that the White Bay Power Station is redeveloped to become STEM City: A globally unique mixed-use development that is Australia’s hub for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. STEM City has three main components:

1. KnowLeDGe CoMMUnIty

An agglomeration of knowledge industry enterprise at varying

scales including education, research and innovation. Industries

symbiotic with Sydney’s knowledge corridor.

USeD LoCaLLyto enhanCeSteM CIty

ShareD GLobaLLyto DrIve / attraCtInnovatIon

raDICaLLyInCreaSInGSyDney’SGLobaLCoMpetItIveneSS

3. vertICaL vILLaGe DeSIGn

A true mixed-use masterplanned precinct that vertically

integrates commercial space, education, residential, retail and

public realm.

2. LIvInG Laboratory

A world first Technology Masterplan that incorporates data measurement and sharing on energy, waste, transport, human movement,

wellbeing and other indices. Data will be openly available to a global audience to interpret and adapt for civic improvement initiatives.

Lasalle Franciscanas School,Zaragoza, Spain - J1 arquitectos

tetro Grid Kenetic Light Installation

Campus office neri hu Design

ICI MontreuilLaurent de Carniere MFo park, Zurich

Data LayerS

Traffic

Human movemenT

Wellbeing

ligHT

TemperaTure

air qualiTy

rainfall

poWer usage

Wi-fi acTiviTy

mobile daTa usage

ameniTy capaciTy

Open Source DATA Pool

IMPACT Anticipated Outcomes

IMPLEMENTATION Delivery Principles

1. DATA LAYERS: A comprehensive network of data inputs that continually monitor the activity of the precinct

2. OPEN DATA: A platform for generously sharing this data with innovation partners and interested parties

3. SCALE: STEM City will require appropriate levels of density to assist in its funding, build a critical mass of businesses and to maximise the precinct data set

4. GOVERNANCE: Delivery should be overseen by a trustee body comprising of government, private enterprise and community that act to enact its charter

5. INCENTIVES: To attract best innovation talent both in Australia and internationally

1. The establishment of a globally revered innovation hub that creates and drives employment opportunities

2. A unique vertical village, much of which is ‘open to all’ and will create a fascinating new focal point for public life

3. A funding model and density that allows for the inclusion of micro-apartments and affordable housing design

4. A data sat that enables world-class traffic and transportation management within and to/from the precinct

5. A remarkable re-imagination of a monolithic architectural form and the addition of exquisite new public places and buildings

SteM CIty CreDItS

proJeCt LeaDS revIew paneL

Institute for Sustainable Futures - UtS:

Professor Stuart White

emerge Capital:

tim Frogley, michael Gibson

SJb:

Adam Haddow, Jonathan Knapp

right angle Studio:

Barrie Barton, Luke Brown, Jenn Rogers, Shenaz engineer

woods bagot:

Gavin Kain, Frank Alvarez

Meld technologies:

Bruce Duyshart

aeCoM:

Andy Yung, David Fox

oculus:

Bob earl

6 Degrees architects:

mark Healy, michael Frazetto


ENERGY FROM WASTE

Adaptive Cluster

WHITE BAY GREEN POWER PARK

RENEWABLE ENERGY REACTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Clean air

Biofiltration

Energy from waste

Any new use for such an important structure should start by understanding, in forensic detail, the complex asset that the White Bay Power Station represents: not only the bricks and mortar above ground, but the social history, infrastructure connections, transportation routes and social history. From this detailed knowledge a new set of uses can be derived that build on this legacy.

“Lighting, plants and walk ways

can be designed to create an

authentic urban destination, for

tourists, visitors, residents and

anyone curious to learn about

green technology, and new models

of mixed-use developments; all

thriving in Green Power Park.”

ENERGY FROM WASTE

ENERGY FROM WASTE

Adaptive Cluster

WHITE BAY GREEN POWER PARK

RENEWABLE ENERGY REACTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Clean air

Biofiltration

Energy from waste

Any new use for such an important structure should start by understanding, in forensic detail, the complex asset that the White Bay Power Station represents: not only the bricks and mortar above ground, but the social history, infrastructure connections, transportation routes and social history. From this detailed knowledge a new set of uses can be derived that build on this legacy.

“Lighting, plants and walk ways

can be designed to create an

authentic urban destination, for

tourists, visitors, residents and

anyone curious to learn about

green technology, and new models

of mixed-use developments; all

thriving in Green Power Park.”

ENERGY FROM WASTE

DESTINATION: WHITE BAY POWER STATION

Grimshaw

GREEN POWER PARK

The Green Power Park would transform the White Bay Power Station into a source of renewable energy, powering nearby neighbourhoods and acting as a catalyst for growth for The Bays Precinct. It would be a cluster of workplaces, housing options, cultural events and learning centres, creating a ‘green tech’ zone with the Power Station at its heart.


The Green Power Park could produce sustainable power for major businesses and become an almost energetic self-sustaining cluster. It would be a dynamic ecosystem of complementary and modern spaces for Sydneysiders to work, learn, live and play. The past would be kept alive as the Power Station is repurposed, with its history and stories woven into the redesign.

Sydney Heritage

emergenttechnologies

university

tools

energy loop

cultural economy

power

0km services

community

resources

A case study for Green Power Park includes a site in Norwich, UK with plans to regenerate the long-derelict 30-acre Utilities Site close to the city centre. The Green Power Park will produce sustainable power for major businesses and offers communities the possibility to become an almost energetic self-sustaining cluster. The prospect of fascinating reasearches on emergent technologies will give a new identity to the Bay.

By repurposing the power station, value can be added through its functional use, with cultural value added by keeping the past alive in its repurposing, and the stories told as part of its re-design.

The station will act as a magnet for businesses looking to start up in a new ‘green tech’ zone, establishing Sydney as a centre for innovation.

Green Power Park

NORWICH _ INSPIRING NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL NORWICH _ ENHANCING HERITAGE, CREATING PROGRESS WAPPING _ FROM DERELICT TO VIBRANT

WHITE BAY POWER STATION _ BUILDING ON A FACINATING PAST AND LOOKING AHEAD AS SYDNEY’S CULTURAL CATALYST

“The site is a symbol of energy,

growth and innovation;

designed for the future and

built on foundations of the

past.”This proposal reignites the potential of the White Bay Power Station as a source of renewable energy, powering nearby neighbourhoods and acting as a catalyst for growth for The Bays Precinct.

Green Power Park is the overarching strategy of the development, with a cluster of workplaces, housing options, cultural events and learning centres creating a ‘green tech’ zone with the power station at its heart.

As the site grows and thrives, aided by accessible connections with the Light Rail system, the magnetism of a new development will attract people to the area, with the iconic power station giving the site a real sense of place, as well as a practical benefit for nearby residents. INVESTORS

technology development

blogger

artistsmakers

incubator spaces

recyclable waste

zero mile community WHITE BAY POWER STATION

URBAN FARMING

VISITOR DESTINATION

incubators

HOUSING

financial sector

CATALYST FOR URBAN REGENERATION

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT

REAL ESTATE

expertise

expertise

GREEN TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

CULTURAL ECONOMY

BUSINESS

LIVING

SHOPPING

LEISURE

AMENITIES

RESEARCH

MEDIA

GRE

EN E

NER

GY

OU

T

WA

STE

IN

mentors

Green tech eco-systemWith the White Bay Power Station at its heart, this hub will create a dynamic eco-system of spaces that complement each other and create a modern space for Sydneysiders to work, learn, live and play. Some of these uses would be well-placed in the refurbished spaces of the power station itself, as well as new buildings on neighbouring sites.


BAYS MARKET DISTRICT

DESTINATION:

To rejuvenate the Sydney Fish Market (wholesale and retail) and connect it to the water, and expand the fresh food offering, creating a world-class Bays Market District.



BAYS MARKET DISTRICT

Bays Market District

“The Bays Market District will … widen Sydney’s food and dining offering. Our ambition is to create a new world-class food and dining attraction for Sydney – in the way that Borough Markets in London or La Boqueria in Barcelona attract day to day shoppers as well as tourists, it will draw on the activity and spirit of both the wholesale and retail operations at Sydney Fish Market.”




1 New Pyrmont mixed-use neighbourhood

1

7

7

6 Flexible temporary use space for markets, festivals, picnics and performances

12 Ferry/aquabus stop7 Water based activities

13 Fishing fleet8 Restore creek and wetlands, combined with mangroves to enhance and restore the health of Blackwattle Bay

14 New Light Rail stop

15 Future development sites when Western Distributor is removed

9 Dragon Boat launch ramp and clubhouse

6

12

13

15

15

15

14

2 Market hall (fish) and north facing café and restaurant promenade

2

8

8

8

8

3 Market hall (NSW and Australia produce showcase)

3

9

4 Culinary School, community spaces and key-worker housing

10 Waterfront neighbourhood park

4

10

5 New sports ovals - transfer any current development rights to gain active open space for these growing communities

11 Floating promenade

5

5

11

A MARKE(T)D DIFFERENCEPAGE 2

DESTINATION: BAYS MARKET DISTRICT

AECOM

A MARKE(T)D DIFFERENCE

A Marke(t)d difference proposes a reconfiguration of the Sydney Fish Market’s location, form and function. It rethinks the entire area, proposing to redirect traffic from Bridge Road – either under, around or through Wentworth Park – and using the current concrete batching plant and leisure fleet as the new home for the Bays Market District. The existing fish market site would be a colourful, new mixed-use community.

This would create a new waterfront location facing north across Blackwattle Bay by reshaping and partially naturalising the Blackwattle Bay channel. This would create an indented and north- facing waterfront edge to frame the market site and connect Wentworth Park to the water. The promenade and piers would make it easy to visit on water and an idyllic picnic and recreational area could be an integral part of the market experience.

“Although outside the official Bays Precinct boundary, we think it is wise to reconsider the active recreation uses for Wentworth Park and surrounding development sites concurrent with the Bays Market District precinct.”

– AECOM


Parc la Villette

borough markets salamanca markets queen victoria markets

ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

PRECEDENTS

1

2

4

3

3

3

3

5

5

5

7

7

6

2

hafen city BASQUE CULINARY CENTRE

Bays Market DistrictDestination 2:

KEY OBJECTIVETo rejuvenate the Sydney Fish Market (SFM), connect Wentworth Park to the Bay and expand the fresh food offering and production, creating a World Class Bays Market District.

continuous PUBLIC WATERFRONTopen air MUSEUM of GASTRONOMY[SEMI] PERMANENT MARKETSCULINARY SCHOOLMICROBREWERY & DISTILLERYURBAN FOOD GARDENSAFFORDABLE & STUDENt HOUSINGHOTEL / OFFICESRESTAURANTS & CAFESPOP UP SHOPS & FOOD TRUCKS

Relocate Bridge Road to the south of the Light Rail Viaduct and create a car-free link between the northern sector of Wentworth Park and Blackwattle Bay. Service vehicles and drop-off only to the waterfront. Parking under cultivated open spaces.

Create a venue for a World Class food destination with a revitalised SFM at its core. Reinforce this with craft and market activities, food production and demonstration, restaurants, breweries etc. with ‘pavilions’ in the Park.

Pavillions or ‘follies’ in the Park (cultivated landscape) make up an open air Museum of Gastronomy for Sydney.

Conservation / restoration of the Coal Loader.

Continuous public access to the water edge.

Retention of fishing fleet and an authentic maritime activity.

Potential residential use / hotels / offices etc over redeveloped fish market complex.

big ideas strategic moves1

2

3

4

5

6

7

LFA

REVITALISATION OF BLACKWATTLE BAY

This Great Idea would create an internationally-renowned market district that celebrates Sydney’s food production and culture in an open-air museum, the Sydney Museum of Gastronomy. The idea suggests relocating Bridge Road to the south of the Light Rail viaduct to create a car-free link between the northern sector of Wentworth Park and Blackwattle Bay.

It would reinforce the revitalised Sydney Fish Market with craft and market activities, food production and demonstrations, and restaurants or microbreweries in ‘pavilions’ in Wentworth Park, sitting within cultivated landscapes and the Museum of Gastronomy.

The coal loader would be conserved and restored and a possible new mix of uses – housing, hotels or offices, for example – could be possible over the redeveloped Fish Market complex.


BAYS WATERFRONT PROMENADE

DESTINATION:

For the first time, to deliver a continuous, staged, waterfront promenade from Balmain to Pyrmont, connecting right through to the CBD and beyond.



BAYS WATERFRONT PROMENADE

Bays Waterfront Promenade

“…we want to deliver a continuous, shared waterfront promenade from Balmain to Pyrmont that opens up the direct harbour frontage. Our proposal will see this delivered incrementally, with priority locations to unlock access identified this year. It will build on the popular access that Sydneysiders already have along the water in areas such as Blackwattle Bay Park and Bicentennial Park.”




The Infinity Loop is a world-class utility artery beneath the Bays Waterfront Promenade that could future-proof sustainable services for the whole Precinct, providing recycled water, sustainable energy and services such as Internet connectivity that can be added as The Bays Precinct evolves.

Sprouting low carbon energy and water, the Infinity Loop could seed jobs, entertainment and innovation, as well as green walls, green spaces, and green homes, offices and buildings. The idea goes beyond just sustainability; it suggests using energy from walking or jogging to create kinetic energy, and even suggests a surfing, swimming urban Wave Park powered by sustainable energy pumps that would purify Sydney Harbour via its own wave action.

What could we do with infinite sustainable water and energy?

DESTINATION: BAYS WATERFRONT PROMENADE

BrookfieldFlow SystemsKinesisCox

INFINITY LOOP


GHD

500 mExisting wall could easily be redesigned as part of necessary upgrades to improve ecological function

Ecological measures easily retrofitted to existing wall (cost saving)

Existing promenade

80% of foreshore is suitable for implementation with varying

designs

Living Sea WallsThe idea that ties it all togetherAlice Walker – GHDIncreased complexity of seawalls will help regenerate the natural estuarine ecosystem by providing habitat and shelter for intertidal flora/fauna. This will subsequently improve the water quality in the Bays. The design of the sea walls could also incorporate the promenade pathways and/or features such as a pollution collection system. There are many different design options available depending on the existing structures and proposed future use.

Example: Cowan Bay, Hornsby Shire Council

Living Sea Walls can help regenerate the natural estuarine ecosystem by providing habitat and shelter for intertidal flora and fauna. They require the modification of existing sea walls and development of new sea walls.

Creating Living Sea Walls for The Bays Precinct would allow intertidal sea life to flourish, with the flexibility to incorporate the pathways of the Bays Waterfront Promenade or features such as a pollution collection system. Living Sea Walls provide a cost-effective way to improve water quality, create additional habitats and enhance biodiversity.

LIVING SEA WALLS


A concept similar to New York’s High Line, Bays Skywalk is an elevated architectural walkway above the western shore of Rozelle Bay curving around the working harbour along the northern shore.

The Bays Skywalk could take pedestrians and cyclists along the shores of Rozelle Bay without interfering with the working harbour area below. Any impact or disruption on the harbour yards would be minimised while providing panoramic views across Rozelle Bay, as well as a unique bird’s eye view of the harbour activities.

The Skywalk would connect to Bicentennial Park, Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge pedestrian and cycle path and could include a Skywalk shopping and restaurant precinct that integrates with the transformed waterfront.

BAYS SKYWALKSydney Heritage Fleet

DESTINATION: BAYS WATERFRONT PROMENADE


WHITE BAYDESTINATION:

In partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, to engage stakeholders on innovative solutions to the environmental and operational issues at White Bay Cruise Terminal and consider longer-term future uses of White Bay.

INCLUDING WHITE BAY CRUISE TERMINAL

The Transforming City Living: The Bays Precinct Sydney Discussion Paper identified White Bay Cruise Terminal as an immediate priority Destination. A limited number of submissions were received for the Destination through the Call for Great Ideas.

Following further work with the Port Authority of NSW and feedback from the public, White Bay has been incorporated into the Transformation Plan as a longer-term Destination.

White Bay including White Bay Cruise Terminal



While most of the ideas were Destination specific, some illustrated leading-edge thinking that could be applied across the Precinct.

These ideas have been brought together for wider consideration, illustrating the impact they could have not just on The Bays Precinct, but on Sydney as a whole. The Independent Assessment Panel found that a number of these concepts were raised in multiple submissions.

These Precinct-wide ideas focus on outstanding outcomes in terms of transport and infrastructure, environmental concepts and funding and governance.

PRECINCT WIDE IDEAS



PRECINCT WIDE IDEAS



TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURECity of SydneyLFAAECOMRozelle/White Bay Precinct CommitteeRozelle/Iron Cove Precinct CommitteeUniversity of SydneyMott MacDonald

PRECINCT WIDE IDEAS

Numerous submissions referenced better accessibility and connectivity in The Bays Precinct. The Independent Assessment Panel noted that several submissions related to the re-use of Glebe Island Bridge, the relocation of Bridge Road to align with the viaduct and Light Rail line, or strategies to redirect traffic from Bridge Road around Wentworth Park to allow connections to the waterfront.

Under these scenarios, Glebe Island Bridge could connect White Bay with Sydney Fish Market, focusing on pedestrian, cycling and public transport connections to create both a commuter route and a new loop for recreational walkers, runners and cyclists. Some ideas focused on the concept of a ‘living bridge’ – a place to cycle, jog or stroll through without cars nearby, with shaded areas for resting or relaxing.

Other ideas drew on integrated transport concepts, looking at opportunities for an expanded light rail, ferry or metro network. Ideas to relocate Bridge Road could allow an expanded Bays Market District, while enhancing and integrating with light rail stops and providing connections to and from the waterfront and markets. An extended light rail to White Bay and Gladstone Park in Balmain could utilise existing old tunnels.

folie

ArchitectuRAL INSPIRATION

the site

section plan

section

TSCHUMI ‘FOLLIES’

TSCHUMI ‘FOLLIES’

steven holl

steven holl lightrail viaduct wentworth park coal loader site

Bays Market DistrictDestination 2:

1

1

1

2

2

2

Bridge Road relocated

Light Rail Viaduct

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

Follies

Cultivation

5

5

5

6

6

6

Existing Fig Avenue

Fig Succession Planting

7

7

8

8

Bikeway

Public Art

9

9

9

10

10

10 11

Shareway Access

Markets

11

12

12

Continuous Public Access

Affordable Housing Over

13

13

12 13

Public Pier

14

14

14

Marina

Authenticity of the Fish Market and Fleet.

Sydney Museum of Gastronomy:

—Bush Tucker

—Kangaroo Steamer

—Convict Diet

—Farming

—Cultivation

—Immigration

—Utensils

—Artifacts

—Contemporary Sydney Chefs and influences

—Cooking class and demonstration food growing

Respects and interprets the heritage of the site.

Generates economic development via craft industries and tourism.

Provides for public benefit.

Provides for affordable housing.

Is resilient in providing options for future development.

Integrates land and water.

THE PROPOSAL PROVIDES FOR:


INNOVATION BUSINESS PARK

GRAIN SILO / INDIGENOUS ART GALLERY

TRI-GENERATION POWER STATION /

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE

THEATRE

1880 HISTORIC SHORELINE HARBOUR LOOP LIGHT RAIL LINK

ROZELLE BAY FOOD & BEVERAGE DISTRICT

CRUISE TERMINAL

6 STAR HOTELANZAC BRIDGE PARK

FISH MARKET

THE 2030 GLOBAL HARBOUR CITY“Port Jackson, I believe to be without exception the � nest and most expansive harbour in the universe”. John White, Surgeon General First Fleet - 26 January 1788

In 2030, Sydney Harbour will remain as the most important asset to Sydney and its community. The Bays Precinct will be transformed into a celebration of public life on Sydney Harbour and will strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a global city. The Bays 2030 proposal captures a unique opportunity to retrace our harbour history and Indigenous heritage for future generations. The Bays 2030 engages the past, present and the future as the harbour continues to evolve.

Distributor, which are major phy sical barriers for integrated urban development. The removal of road traf � c along this section of the network will allow the development potential of the Bays Precinct to be fully unlocked and transform the experience of the public realm. The landmark ANZAC Bridge can be subsequently transformed into a public place with a globally signi � cant park, cultural, retail and social spaces.

BAYS 2030THE

1880 2015 2030

The Harbour interface is rede � ned as a new pedestrian and cycle network following the 1880 historic shoreline. The path reintroduces the harbour to this line, reimagining a historic experience of the harbour with new experiences of the land-water interface. This path runs through the Precinct as a sustainable spine, enabling smart water cycle management and water sensitive urban design. A series of channels, lagoons and fountains anchor the path and provide opportunities to engage with the water and the history of the 1880 shoreline, challenging the typical harbour-land interface.

A new ‘Harbour Loop’ Light Rail network connects the Precinct to the Sydney CBD and Pyrmont. The proposal is an extension of the CBD Light Rail, using the existing freight rail tracks linking Rozelle Rail Yards and White Bay, and a new proposed bridge to Barangaroo and Circular Quay.

The Bays 2030 proposes to relocate surface traf � c on the ANZAC Bridge into a tunnel linking Victoria Road to the Sydney CBD and Cross City Tunnel. The connectivity to and within the Precincts of the Bays is signi � cantly constrained by their interface with the ANZAC Bridge and Western

TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE: BAYS 2030EpCox The Bays 2030 was highlighted by the Independent Assessment Panel as a

transport and infrastructure concept that represented a major departure from current thinking.

The Bays 2030 proposes to relocate traffic from Anzac Bridge into a tunnel linking Victoria Road to the Sydney CBD and Cross City Tunnel to unlock the Precinct’s development potential. By doing so, Anzac Bridge would be repurposed as a new global destination: an urban park with places to socialise, cultural areas and shopping, all supported by public transport and walking and cycling corridors.

This would redefine the interface between land and water on the Harbour as a pedestrian and cycle network that follows the shoreline as it was in 1880 to both promote a healthy and sustainable way to experience the Harbour, but also to enable smart water cycle management and water sensitive urban design through a series of channels, lagoons and fountains.

Further, a new ‘Harbour Loop’ Light Rail network from The Bays Precinct to Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD would extend the CBD Light Rail using the existing freight rail tracks linking Rozelle Rail Yards and White Bay, and a proposed bridge to Barangaroo and Circular Quay.


ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTSPRECINCT WIDE IDEAS

To promote environmental excellence throughout The Bays Precinct, the Independent Assessment Panel noted several precinct-wide concepts in addition to the Living Sea Walls idea.

The University of Sydney suggests using an existing biogeochemical model developed for the Sydney Harbour Observatory to identify and rank the threats to water quality in the Precinct’s three bays, allowing a team of engineers and scientists to make recommendations about sustainable water quality improvements at the planning stage.

This could include options to mitigate the pollution in stormwater runoff by providing artificial wetlands or sand filtration units; examining the benefits of increasing flushing as a result of changing the bridge embayments; or remediating polluted sediments in place. Early identification of major risks to water quality could incorporate cost-effective recommendations at the design stage.

Precinct-scale infrastructure could respond to ambitious sustainability performance goals. It would rely on a flexible framework that takes advantage of economies of scale and diversity of load across Destinations and local communities. It would respond to evolving market conditions, building typologies and emerging technologies.

Collaboration with local communities would ensure energy and water systems can benefit a wider catchment.

University of SydneyGHD

FISH MARKETSFISH WASTE RETAIL / RESTAURANT

SEWAGE FROM ALLFACILITIES & HOUSEHOLDS

POMACE(FERTILIZER)

BIODIESELFROM FISH OIL(MADE FROM FISH WASTE)

SORTEDWASTE

ORGANIC WASTE

ANAEROBICDIGESTER

WATER | ENERGY & RESOURCES | ENVIRONMENT | PROPERTY & BUILDINGS | TRANSPORTATION | URBAN PLANNING

Smart waste management

Waste is sorted, processed and reused on site to meet zero energy target

CONCEPT:

APPROACH:

BIOGAS

BIODIESELFROM USED

COOKING OIL

FERTILIZERSFROM COMPOSTBIODIESEL

FROMSEWAGE SLUDGE

SORTEDWASTE

ZEROWASTE TARGET

ELECTRICITY / HOT WATER

WATER

AIR NATURAL GAS

COGENERATIONPLANT

WASTE


FUNDING AND GOVERNANCE

In places like Bryant Park in New York, public open spaces are managed by not-for-profit organisations. The Independent Assessment Panel noted an idea that proposes a new public waterfront park managed by a not-for-profit – the Bays Precinct Park Management Corporation.

The Park could be funded from private users of the space and from a fee from private developments. It could offer privately-sponsored programming throughout the year, giving the public a calendar of major events and creating an additional source of funding. Private functions could also provide funding.

Green Bonds could allow access to long-term funding through principles that could establish a global exemplar for the delivery of funding, infrastructure, buildings and communities while also making a commitment to resilience and the responsible use of current resources.

The Principles could make a future vision for resilience bankable to attract the emerging institutional investor markets that carry a mandate for climate change mitigation. They would be embedded in procurement contracts for early works, and could capture the attention of institutional investors who are looking to invest in long-term projects and assets with strong climate change mitigation benefits.

The Independent Assessment Panel identified the ideas around value capture as ideal for implementation in The Bays Precinct, given the significant uplift in adjacent land value that will result from the transformation. Any value capture scheme – subject to approval by the NSW Government – would need to be based on the uplift in land value from rezoning and the benefits of transport and utility infrastructure.

Theresa DevineFlux ConsultantsGoodman LimitedToga GroupJBA Urban

Bryant Park


The Independent Assessment Panel identified a number of themes that were considered in multiple submissions. These themes echo many of the principles that came out of The Bays Precinct Sydney International Summit of late 2014 and many will be embedded in the Transformation Plan and ongoing thinking for The Bays Precinct.

These ideas and themes are focused around:

• leading-edge sustainable precinct

• cultural and recreational activation

• additional strategic land

• integrated planning

• adaptive re-use of heritage

• temporary activation

• housing choice

• design excellence.

OTHER IDEAS AND THEMES






The Independent Assessment Panel recognised the importance of environmental excellence throughout The Bays Precinct and recommended the following ideas for further consideration:

• green roofs

• water quality in The Bays Precinct, including stormwater treatment

• 6 Star GreenStar buildings and communities

• a Precinct-wide energy, water and waste solution

• marine innovation

• aiming for a carbon neutral Bays Precinct.

Through these measures, the Precinct’s waterways could be restored to provide a healthy waterway for transport, recreation, commerce and flourishing marine life. The Living Sea Walls (see page 23) would soften the Harbour’s edges while enhancing water quality and creating habitats to increase biodiversity.

Precinct-scale infrastructure would focus on sustainable energy, water and waste management. Other options include fuel cell and co-generation power generation; harvesting rainwater; grey and blackwater re-use; and converting biodegradable waste products to produce bio diesel.


LEADING-EDGE SUSTAINABLE PRECINCTLucy SharmanTotal ConstructionJacobsKI StudioMott MacDonaldHames SharleyDean CotterMcCullough RobertsonUniversity of SydneyIngrid MatherRamboll EnvironGrimshawInstitute of Sustainable Future, University of Technology SydneySydney Institute of Marine SciencesSavills AustraliaGHD

SOLAR THERMALHOT WATER

GEOTHERMALHOT WATER

BIOMASS OR WASTE-TO-ENERGYPLANT

SOLAR PV & TESLA POWER WALL PACKS

NATURALGAS

NATURALGAS

HOT WATER

CHILLED WATER

ELECTRICITY

NATURAL GAS

POWERWALLPACKS

BAYS WATERFRONTPROMENADE

ELECTRICCHILLERS

GAS FIREDENGINE

ELECTRICITYGRID

HEATRECOVERY

TO CENTRALENERGY PLANT

TO BAYS WATERFRONTPROMENADE &

MARKET DISTRICT

BAYS MARKETDISTRICT

ICE STORAGE TANK

THERMALENERGY

STORAGETANK

HOT WATERBOILERS

WHY?

Cleaning / filtering

PurifiCation Detention retention

ConveYanCeinfiltration

HoW?

■ To create a healthy water body, with healthy edges.

■ To enable Sydneysiders and tourists to swim in the Bays in 20 years time.

■ To grow our own, sustainable aqua produce in the Bays.

■ To create an international showcase for transforming dirty water in a city harbour to clean water.

■ Interpret and re-define the waterways and drainage pattern leading into the Bays.

■ Initiate, with Councils, a clean the water campaign.

■ Introduce meandering steam nature back into the drainage/ open space lands leading to the Bays.

■ Relocate big ships out of Blackwattle Bay where the contaminated sediment within the shallow bays poses a health hazard.

■ Charge boats to enter Blackwattle and Rozelle Bays.

transforming baYs to Clean Water

Investigate removing sections of Glebe Island to open water in bay

Daylight the water connection to the bay

Floating pool

Canal cleansing biotope

Floating cleansing biotope

Investigate feasibility to meander a stream

Floating cleansing biotopes. Landshaftspark, Germany. Canal cleansing biotopes. Innnenhafen, Germany.

Floating pool. Copenhagen, Denmark.(source: www.kopenhag.net)

Floating pool proposal. New York, USA.(source: www.archdaily.com)


The Panel identified several submissions that drew on the potential of The Bays Precinct as a new cultural and recreational hub for Sydney. These ideas considered events and activities that would both support the Precinct’s objectives, while also drawing people to play in and enjoy the surrounds.

Ideas linked green spaces such as Wentworth Park to new housing areas, and emphasised the need for both temporary and permanent playing fields, including ideas about new playing fields that act as a green roof over other uses.

Arts and performance were also a clear priority, with ideas for new performance spaces in public areas or with new building uses, as well as an emphasis on public artworks that reflect the Precinct’s Indigenous and maritime influences. A number of ideas also thought differently about where to place cultural and recreational areas, including floating ‘islands’ offering entertainment and recreational areas for the whole community.

Heritage was also important, including recognition of Indigenous heritage, with a number of submissions suggesting an iconic new cultural facility to present Australia’s Indigenous heritage, with a design that incorporates elements of Indigenous art, design and culture.

CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVATIONFabiano SalmiJBA UrbanSydney Art Zone

Sydney Art Zone Mission

To create an arts zone in Sydney that will augment the city’s competitive advantage as the world’s most liveable global city. Accelerating its cultural production and export capacity; acting as the cultural centerpiece of the Bays regeneration and supporting green creative lifestyle opportunities for residents of the Bays and wider Sydney.

SAZ as a 10 Ha precinct around the White Bay Power Station, including its own frontage to the foreshore ensuring ongoing public access to the waterfront.

To master plan, with supportive planning legislation, active connections to adjacent streets and landholdings in Rozelle to support creative industries and lifestyle. This is to include sustainable energy solutions to generate a green, sustainable public facility reflecting the origins of the site as a Power Station.

The prime objective is to create an iconic arts centre in the Power Station building and a wider precinct where creative processes and products are developed and made accessible to a wide public audience. This will include, but not be limited to, all forms of art, music, design, performance and creative processes which are contemporary, thoughtful and possibly challenging.

SAZ is to be an open, living, supportive environment for all creative and innovative processes. SAZ mandate is to provide support for creative processes including but not limited to workspace and accommodation to those who participate where necessary. Each component of SAZ, whether retail, commercial or other activities, will be assessed on the value of the idea and its affinity with the SAZ mission.

Governance + Implementation Strategy

The “Sydney Arts Zone Limited” (SAZ) has been created as a company limited by guarantee and is a registered not-for-profit designed to administer the proposed Sydney Art Zone at White Bay.

It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission and as a Benevolent Public Institution. It is envisaged that the property (approximately 10 Ha surrounding and including the White Bay Power Station) would be placed under a Trust through the process illustrated below.

It is envisaged that SAZ will work in partnership with the Trust and be responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the mission, vision and goals of SAZ. A board of directors will be appointed to oversee key areas such as:

• Marketing• Asset Management• Finance• Sustainability• Curatorial and Programs• Audit and Risk.

A CEO will be appointed and will report to the Board.

SAZ is a not for profit organization and will seek deductible gift recipient status “DGR“. All profits are to be in support of continuation of creative and innovative processes, education, assistance to artists and their display, promotion or manufacture.

S16, 2-14 BAYSWATER RDPOTTS POINT, NSW 2011

[email protected]

SYDNEYARTZONE.ORG.AU

GOVERNANCE

Act of Parliament


Birds Eye Perspective

01

02

03

04

06

Wentworth Park

05

07

Future Mixed Use Redevelopment Opportunity

Pavilion Style Buildings with Retail Markets as an Extension of Bays Market

01 New Pedestrian Connection across Wattle Street to Wentworth Park


03 Use of some arches for creative retail space

04 Wentworth Park Light Rail Station

05 Bays Market Park (new pedestrian boulevardover Lower Fig Street

06 Adaptive use of heritage building for theBays Market


Key

3 ultimoThe Bays Market

BANK STREET PRECINCTTHE BAYS - July 2015

EAT

LIVE

WORK

PLAY

This submission responds to the, ‘Call for Great Ideas’ for Sydney’s Bays Precinct initiated by urban growth and the New South Wales government.

The aim of the discussion paper launching the transformation of the The Bays Precinct is to transform city living by engaging city residents with the waterfront and releasing the value and quality of the adjacent lands.

Our ‘Great Idea’ focuses on Precinct adjacent to the Sydney Fish Market which we have called the Bank Street Precinct. This precinct extends from the existing Fish Markets extending north up to and including its original connection to Old Glebe Island Bridge. Our idea is to redevelop City West Office Park into our extension of the waterfront which acts as a catalyst for a pedestrian link back to Pyrmont Bridge and Sydney CBD.

The visual connection across Bank Street and opening up Saunders Street will connect the existing adjacent dormitory suburb to the new waterfront precinct by creating a new vibrant place for people to eat, meet and enjoy the magnificent, revitalised bay frontage.

Introduction

Objectives

Concept Opportunities

Placemaking Objectives

Redevelopment of City West Office Park will open a gateway to this Stage 1 of the Bays Precinct redevelopment. It will remove the barrier of the existing wall of commercial buildings which front Bank Street and provide the opportunity for extension of the vibrant waterfront and markets precinct into a new unexpected place where residents and visitors can meet, eat and enjoy active and passive recreational pursuits. It will facilitate the connection of the proposed precincts to the immediate community and the Sydney CBD via Pyrmont Bridge:

- To create an extension of the Markets Precinct along the waterfront to Glebe Island Bridge - let’s call it a ‘social farm’.

- Social Farm; a waterfront promenade edged with active communal gardens, passive set downs and council managed market places which bring added weekend activity

- To enable physical and visible connections to the surrounding residential precinct and the CBD by the redevlopment of City West Office Park as a new amphitheatre modelled on rice terraces to enable the continual flow of people to the new green promenade.

- To increase liveability in the urban realm through public and private ‘farming’ spaces

- To create farming produce and promote community interaction

Precinct Objectives

To deliver a continuous shared waterfront promenade from Balmain to Pyrmont:

- Stage 1 being the redevlopment of the frontage from Wentworth Park to Pyrmont

- To create a connector within the Bays Precinct and to the surrounding suburbs

- To establish a new must-see destination for visitors to Sydney

- To create a waterfront playground to bring communities together

- To provide connections with the water and new waterfront infrastructure such as boardwalks and jetties, so more people can enjoy activities on the water

- To rejuvenate the Sydney Fish Markets into the Bays Markets District

- To create the largest fresh food market in the Southern hemisphere and double visitation over the next 10 years

Connections and Vistas

By demolishing the existing wall of commercial buildings an opportunity exists to expand the existing public access easement to provide sightlines and vistas from the surrounding residential precinct and public domain to the rejuvenated waterfront.

In doing this, a further opportunity exists to provide significant additional activation to the spaces peripheral to this new meeting place which focuses on and provides encouraging access to the waterfront. Vistas from the public domain pathway from the Pyrmont Bridge line connect foot traffic, cyclists and joggers back to Pyrmont Bridge and CBD.

Public Domain and Landscape

Extending the future public domain of the waterfront across Bank Street and through the new amphitheatre of City West Park to Saunders Street is imperative to identifying this as a public meeting place. The activation and opening of vistas will create identity and ownership for the surrounding residents of this new waterfront precinct.

The opening of vistas from both the public domain of Pyrmont Bridge and the local Saunders Street residents will also create a layer of custodial surveillance providing a significantly higher level of public safety and security than would exist if the City West Office Park site was not incorporated.

By creating a hierarchy of public and semi-private community gardens in addition to the community market places, the opportunity is created for the ‘social farm’ to increase liveability in the urban realm through community and public interaction.

The unique character of this landscape and public domain will create a place not seen before on the Sydney Harbour waterfront. It will become a signature attraction of modern urban lifestyle for the Bays Precinct.

Built Form and Massing

Drawn from the elegance and grace of Asian rice terraces the built form will cascade down from Saunders Street to Bank Street, boarded and activated by retail and food offerings this central amphitheatre can provide a focal point for public entertainment similar to cinema in the Domain.

By redeploying the existing built form and creating a broader mix of uses the opportunity exists to create a much greater sense of ‘place’ where residents and visitors are able to enjoy common amenity not available today. In addition a hierarchy of landscape spaces through the community gardens and markets will enable social engagement and interaction which will enrich the urban amenity.

Many submissions recommended the inclusion of Wentworth Park as part of The Bays Precinct Transformation Program, and this has been reflected in the Transformation Plan. The inclusion of Wentworth Park, and stronger connection with the Bays Market District, could create the opportunity to better use Wentworth Park for active recreation, or create an opportunity for underground parking. This would also provide better connections to nearby suburbs and possibly allow more exciting uses for this publicly-owned land.

Other submissions proposed the inclusion of strategic landholdings around White Bay Power Station (north of Roberts Road), sites surrounding the Sydney Fish Market or the development of a future market area in Ultimo, opposite Wentworth Park.


ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC LANDKatherine WebsterKeith GoodmanFootball NSWGrand Castle InternationalGoodman Toga Group JBA Urban


A number of submissions emphasised the need to integrate the planning for The Bays Precinct with the planning for future transport and infrastructure and for the lands surrounding the Precinct.

These concepts would rely on collaboration with utilities and State agencies regarding undergrounding infrastructure and the most appropriate ways to connect with WestConnex to optimise access in and out of the Precinct. Strong links with local councils were also recommended, to ensure that zoning in lands surrounding the Precinct is consistent with its new uses.

Submissions also called for integration with other NSW Government plans across transport and planning – for example, alignment with Sydney’s Green Grid as identified in A Plan for Growing Sydney.

INTEGRATED PLANNINGDouglas GannonDiego Fernando, Garzon RayoRobert Bird Group Eco Investor MediaAECOM

LIVING CONNECTIONS

The geography of the Bays Precinct makes interconnection of the various areas of the waterfront very difficult to achieve, and in turn it becomes difficult for the general public to efficiently access the precinct as a whole.

One of the ideas for improving pedestrian and cycleway access across the precinct, whilst adding significant quality to the experience of travelling through The Bays Precinct, is to create sections of waterfront access that are relocatable. The elements of water that flow through the entire precinct actually give birth to the opportunity – to create engineered, floating walkways that can be relocated as desired to create inspiring, functional new links through the precinct as desired by residents and visitors alike. Relocatable sections of floating walkway could also be engineered to ensure that current waterfront uses - ranging from the Cruise Terminal to regular private recreational vessels - can continue to operate, unencumbered by this buoyant infrastructure.

The concept could be expanded to create numerous, “editable” linkages that are moulded to suit developing paths of travel through the precinct, as it develops. Imagine if all public infrastructure could move itself to where you really wanted it to be….! At The Bays Precinct, this concept could be made a reality.

Floating public walkways could provide efficient access through the Bays Precinct for pedestrians, bicycles and even possibly provide retail opportunities on the water...!

At Coeur D’Alene in Idaho, USA, this floating green is moved everyday to provide a unique daily experience for visitors. Why can’t we do the same, but with public access infrastructure to the waterfront?

Sections of waterfront walkway could be fixed, connected to moveable sections for the level of flexibility desired in the overall pedestrian access network.

potential new public foreshore access infrastructure

existing public foreshore access infrastructure

mode 1 - cruise terminal operation mode connecting Pyrmont to White Bay

potential new floating and relocatable pedestrian and cycleway link structure

mode 2 - connect Pyrmont to the cruise terminal

mode 3 - connect White Bay to the cruise terminal

LIVING CONNECTIONS













LIVING CONNECTIONS













• Enhances access to the precinct, by removing a significant barrier to movement.• Significantly enhances the development potential of the Fish Markets and will reconnect the Ultimo/Pyrmont neighbourhood with the CBD.• Enhances the current investment in Darling Harbour, and creates new parks, development sites and city shaping opportunities.

• Provides new, extensive areas of open space within a higher density living environment.• Opens up many ‘on the ground’ opportunities as large roads designed to connect and feed traffic onto the Anzac Bridge redirecting traffic into the underground system.The upper level

park can have a direct connection to new buildings, new and existing parks and allows the easy and direct connection between a series of new neighbourhoods. A bold city needs to take bold moves; resulting in immense value being created in reconsidering how our infrastructure is to used. The City Connector builds upon the global rethinking of how infrastructure is repurposed to serve better the city and its people. Even though the bridge is relatively young, this shouldn’t stop us imagining an even more iconic future for the ANZAC Bridge and Western Distributor.

There are extensive plans for expanding the inner urban freeway network, and will relatively little additional tunnel, a direct connection to the Harbour Bridge, CBD and Cross City Tunnel could be made, removing the need for the Western Distributor and ANZAC Bridge to carry freeway traffic. This proposal also considers the existing crossing infrastructure of the Gladesville Bridge, built to freeway standards in the 1960’s but has need been fully utilised due to congestion in Drummoyne and Rozelle on Victoria Road. By making an underground link from the Lane Cove Tunnel to the Gladesville Bridge, and then underground through the Inner West, relieving traffic on one of Sydney’s most congested corridors. This routing of the freeway harbour crossing will also remove some traffic pressure from the Warringah Freeway but diverting cross city traffic well west of the CBD.

The plan also proposes a series of t-junctions between freeway legs. This will help to keep intersections simpler, requiring only two levels of tunnel at the intersection points. All of these key junctions have been spaced at least two kilometres apart to ensure they work as expected.

With the large investment being made, access to the Bays Precinct and the value of land close to the CBD needs to be a key part of the on-going development of these proposals.

THE CITY CONNECTORPAGE 2


As noted earlier, around one-third of submissions related to future uses for the White Bay Power Station. The Panel also noted through the transport and infrastructure themes the many ideas to adaptively re-use Glebe Island Bridge as part of a wider, integrated transport strategy.

A number of ideas considered the repurposing of the Glebe Island silos, which, while outside the immediate priority Destinations, presented creative thinking to make use of these existing structures, allowing the opportunity to experience a different space while retaining heritage and history. Other ideas linked the future use of the silos with overall plans for the Precinct, looking at how they could be part of an active ‘wellness’ loop that also includes a repurposed Glebe Island Bridge.

Some ideas focused on the concept of Glebe Island Bridge as a ‘living bridge’, like the famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence, where its focus is more on public areas with hideaway gardens or outdoor games.


ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF HERITAGEMiriam EliaKI StudioSarah Howard, Yuting Feng, Xiaoya Wang, Michele WilliamsMott MacDonaldEcoTransit SydneyJBA UrbanStella Lim, Hyunju Kim

WHY? ■ Make use of existing structures for the future of the precinct.

■ Be sustainable and minimise carbon footprints.

■ Allows the opportunity to experience a different space whilst retaining the heritage and history of the bay.

■ Introduces creativity and innovation into the precinct’s urban fabric.

SILO REHABILITATION

HOW? ■ Rehabilitate the existing silos around the bay into adaptive use

ranging from student housing, exhibition spaces to exercise amenities.

■ Engage in a public-private partnership or through government grants.

Proposal to transform abandoned silos into a climbing gym. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (source: www.inhabitat.com)

Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Cape Town, South Africa. (source: www.heatherwick.com)

Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Cape Town, South Africa. (source: www.heatherwick.com)

Lighting installation in a former oil silo. Helsinki, Finland. (source: www.archdaily.com)

Apartments in former limestone silos. Oxaen, Stockholm, Sweden. (source: www.tengbom.se)

Proposal to transform abandoned silos into a climbing gym. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (source: www.inhabitat.com)

Silo house, Phoenix, USA. (source: www.christophkaiser.com)


Many submissions suggested early and year-long activation across The Bays Precinct, allowing immediate and present engagement and experimental activation, based on the concept of ‘meanwhile’ uses – temporarily using space on a site while development is planned. These uses could support local artists, create new ‘pop-up’ dining and entertainment areas or provide temporary space for start-ups, through shared workplaces or incubator space.

Ideas included public art programs, with a variety of canvases for up and coming artists; programs of events curated by Sydneysiders to encourage productive local stewardship of the area; a ‘Building of fun’ with activities for children and comfortable areas for parents nearby; or modular combinations of fixed and floating boardwalks over the water that can be moved, added to or left as a permanent solution.

TEMPORARY ACTIVATIONHelen Wright Taylia NewlynLuke Wolstencroft Jacobs

Luke + Delia presents

THE WHITE BAY PICTURE SHOWRe-imaging the historical White Bay Power Station

BAYS PRECINCT “GREAT IDEAS”

SKETCHES

FIXED DESTINATION POINT

MODULE LAYOUT CONCEPT

FIXED BOARDWALK

FLOATING BOARDWALK

HARVESTING RENEWABLE

ENERGYLIGHT

WEIGHT SHELTER

SOLAR POWERED LIGHTING

SOLAR POWERED LIGHTING

RAINWATER HARVESTING RAINWATER

HARVESTING

PLANTING

VIEWS

VIEWS

VIEWS

VIEWS

VIEWS

VIEWS

UP TO 2M DEEP

MODULAR FLOATING TYPE WALKWAY

FLOATING PONTOON

RAINWATER HARVESTING

DESTINATION POINTS FOR CAFE ETC

UP TO 2M DEEP

>3M

FLOODED CONCRETE STRUCTURE ON SEABED

FLOODED CONCRETE STRUCTURE ON SEABED

10M5M

PONTOON SOLUTION FOR BAYS PROMENADE


A range of ideas proposed different ways to address the challenge of housing affordability in Sydney. The city will only continue to attract and retain global talent if it provides accommodation for key workers and low income earners in locations close to their jobs.

A number of ideas suggest The Bays Precinct could be an ‘experimental studio’ for new housing types with new funding methodologies, facilities and services.

Ideas promoted the concept of Small House/Big Life where people have the choice to trade off well-designed compact living spaces with shared facilities for work and play. This included concepts from micro apartments to more traditional apartment and modern terrace housing with work/live environments, ‘all age’ housing and communal living.


HOUSING CHOICESophia ValencicMcCullough RobertsonCertain PlanningColliersAustraland Hassell StudioPwC

Collaborative Consultant TeamHDR Rice Daubney | Candalepas Associates | Bates Smart | Turner Studio AECOM | McGregor Coxall | Artelier Ten | WSP Group | Elton Consulting


The City of Sydney identifies design excellence as one of the key opportunities for The Bays Precinct, citing the importance that the community places on sustainable, authentic and diverse design.

The City recommends integrating any new developments with surrounding neighbourhoods, and using competitive design processes for large and prominent developments. It also emphasises the importance of multiple design responses and variety in architectural design.

The Transformation Plan identifies the establishment of the UrbanGrowth NSW Design Directorate. The Directorate will be led by the NSW Government Architect with other eminent design professionals from Australia and overseas. It will oversee excellence in public domain, urban, landscape and building design.

DESIGN EXCELLENCE City of Sydney


WHERE TO NEXTMany of the ideas reviewed by the Independent Assessment Panel and UrbanGrowth NSW have already been considered in the Transformation Plan: The Bays Precinct, Sydney.

As the transformation commences in the immediate priority Destinations, ideas that met the objectives of The Bays Precinct Transformation Program will be referred to in procurement processes, form part of the Comprehensive Transport and Mobility Plan or form part of ongoing conversations with the community, local government and other stakeholders as the transformation is delivered.

All submissions to the Call for Great Ideas can be found in their original form on The Bays Precinct website: www.thebayssydney.com.au

This website will also be the portal for all information relating to The Bays Precinct Transformation Program.


Aberdeen Asset ManagementAECOMAenimaAJCAlexander SwallowAlice KershawAllan KreuiterAngela DunnettAnn M BrewerAnthony ParringtonArt AdvisoryAsa WahlquistAustralandAustralian Institute of ArchitectsBalmain AssociationBalmain Community PrecinctBates Smart ArchitectsBrookfield, Flow Systems, Kinesis, CoxBVNCaitlin McGeeCertain PlanningChris RiedyCity of SydneyClayton UtzCoffeyColliersConcord 71 Pty LtdCundall AustraliaCUPADara Kidd Ten, Gabriel Moczar, Claudia Zoghbi, Elise Vanden DoolDave KennedyDavid HaritganDavid MurrantDavid TanevskiDean CotterDeloitteDennis O’SullivanDesane PropertiesDevesusDiego Fernando, Garzon RayoDouglas GannonEco Investor MediaEcoTransit SydneyEP CoxFabiano SalmiFleur Mellor and Juliet ByrnesFlux Consulting Football NSWGary MooreGeotron Engineering ConsultantsGHDGilbert GraceGood Design AustraliaGoodman


ACKNOWLEDGMENTSGoogle AustraliaGrand Castle InternationalGrimshawhabit8Hames SharleyHassell StudioHelen ArmstrongHelen WrightHyder ConsultingHyunju Kim, Stella LimIain PowellIan JonesIan McDougallImogen and Lachlan HoweIngrid MatherInstitute of Sustainable Futures, University of Technology SydneyJacobsJames GrantJan LarsenJBA UrbanJennifer AaronJensen YoungJim DonovanJulia DuerrKatherine Jane PainterKatherine WebsterKatie WilliamsKeith GoodmanKelvin O’KeefeKI StudioKristen HallKWC Capital ArchitectusLeichhardt Municipal CouncilLeichhardt Precinct CommitteeLend LeaseLes JohnstonLFALucy SharmanLuke WolstencroftMacquarie UniversityMarch TriulcioMaria BrandlMatt KendallMatthew AllenMBMpl Pty LtdMcCullough RobertsonMichael CranerMinter EllisonMiriam EliaMiriam RobertsMott MacDonaldPatrick MedleyPeter RetallickPureprofile

PwC

Pyrmont Action Inc.

Queensland University of Technology

Ramboll Environ

Richard Betts

Richard Carlisle

Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd

Robert Bird Group

RobertsDay

Rozelle/ Iron Cove Precinct Committee

Rozelle/White Bay Precinct Committee

Ruby de Gouw

Russel Lunney

Sarah Howard, Yuting Feng, Xiaoya Wang, Michele Williams

Saul Deane

Savills Australia

Sophia Valencic

Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils

Stella Whittaker

Stockland

Stockland, Woods Bagot, Meld Technologies

Sydney Art Zone

Sydney Fish Market

Sydney Heritage Fleet

Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences

Taylia Newlyn

The Premier Communications Group

Theresa Devine

Toga Group

Toland Pty Ltd

Tom Bucic

Total Constructions

University of New South Wales

University of Sydney

University of Technology Sydney

Victor Young

Warren Moss

Waterway Constructions

Weston Williamson + Partners

White Bay Joint Steering Committee

Woodcock

Yuhan Hyang, Georgia McDonald, Nicholas Tay, Aram Odesh, David Schwebel

Zoe Neill

www.thebayssydney.com.au

UrbanGrowth NSWLevel 14, 60 Station StreetParramatta NSW 2150PO Box 237

Parramatta NSW 2124DX 284488 ParramattaTelephone + 612 9841 8600Facsimile + 612 9841 8688

Documents

THE CALL FOR GREAT IDEAS