The proposal to commit $200 million to the renewal of Circular Quay will give Sydney an impressive front door says the Urban Taskforce.
“Circular Quay is the very heart of Sydney’s global image and it must be of the best possible design quality.” Says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson “ The proposal by the NSW Government to invest $200 million on renewing the wharves is therefore very welcome.”
“ To fund the renewal the government is selling a number of hotels currently leased through the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA). This effectively signals the end of SHFA which loses its income stream and its roles will be undertaken by Government Property NSW and Destination NSW.”
“The principle of recycling assets to renew important public facilities like the Circular Quay wharves is very appropriate in the 21st century.”
“The renewal of Circular Quay should also involve the worn brick paving which stretches from the Opera House around to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. This paving was part of a makeover of the Quay for the Bicentennial in 1988 and after nearly 30 years of wear and tear needs to be replaced by the granite paving being used in the rest of the city.”
“The end of SHFA is appropriate with the decision to sell the hotel assets but it will be important that other agencies in the government continue the place management roles that have supported festivals, markets and popular events. SHFA has over many years provided an excellent events management role in the Rocks and at Darling Harbour and Destination NSW must continue these activities to attract local and overseas visitors.”
