A vision for Blackwattle Bay

Reconnecting the harbour, its surrounding neighbourhoods and the city;

Showcasing Sydney’s living culture and stories of Country;

Building an inclusive and iconic waterfront destination that celebrates innovation, diversity and community.

 

What will the renewal deliver?

Presenting a once in a generation opportunity, the Blackwattle Bay State Significant Precinct will be a sustainable precinct – a place to live, work and explore, all on the doorstep of a renewed and reinvigorated harbourside location. Once complete the Sydney Fish Market will move to the new purpose-built architectural masterpiece at the head of Blackwattle Bay, facilitating the emergence of a world-class vibrant Precinct.

The NSW Government will deliver:

• Continuous waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo |  Creating the missing link to an otherwise 15km foreshore walk
• Net Zero Carbon Precinct |  Targeting Net Zero Carbon by 2050, delivering socially and environmentally sustainable outcomes and Green Star Communities ratings. A place where homes, jobs, recreational activities, transport, entertainment and services are within walking distance
• A green harbourside |  Minimum of 3ha of new open spaces in a beautiful waterfront setting
• A place for people |  Vibrant, authentic and inclusive place that builds on Indigenous and industrial stories and returns inaccessible parts of the harbour to the community for the first time in 200 years.
• A vibrant 24/7 economy |  Creating homes and places to work surrounded by a working harbour, waterside parks, cafes, restaurants and retail at the doorstep of the new Sydney Fish Market
• Integrated transport to the CBD and beyond |  Multiple modes of transport accessible within 500m - Sydney Metro, light rail, bus, ferry and active transport links.
• A direct boost to the NSW economy |  $30 million per annum boost to the tourism sector with around $11 million benefiting local businesses directly.

Above: Artist impression of Blackwattle Bay - An indicative layout based on the proposed planning controls

 

Where is the Precinct?

Located less than one kilometre from the Sydney CBD, Blackwattle Bay provides a rare precinct-scale opportunity for new homes and employment of the future and spans approximately 8.4 hectares of harbourfront land between the Anzac Bridge and the Sydney Secondary College on Bridge Road in Glebe.

The Precinct is at the centre of future and existing transport links - 

• Sydney Metro, connecting with the CBD and Greater Sydney
• Cycle routes, a key transport mode for a sustainable city
• Inner West Light Rail, connecting the Eastern Suburbs with the Inner West
• Pedestrian links, connecting with the CBD and popular harbour walks
• Ferry connections, linking the CBD with North Sydney and the Beaches.

 

Above: The Blackwattle Bay Precinct Study Area (Source, INSW)

 

What does that State Significant Precinct Study do?

To unlock the precinct for urban renewal, Infrastructure NSW has followed a State Significant Precinct planning process.

In July 2021, the State Significant Precinct Study was placed on public exhibition, providing a formal opportunity for the community and stakeholders to provide feedback on the precinct plan and proposed planning framework. This is similar to a Planning Proposal process, albeit with State-wide, in addition to local area significance.

The State Significant Precinct Study includes a range of technical assessments in response to the issued Study Requirements that investigate the impacts of the renewal, ranging from traffic and wind assessments through to solar (sun access) performance.

Once determined, the new planning framework will be enacted, and subsequently amend the relevant planning framework. To view what these proposed planning control changes include, view the Explanation of Intended Effects on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.  Any renewal within  Blackwattle Bay will follow the planning framework and controls.  For example, new residential buildings will need to follow a Development Application planning process as outlined in the Determined framework.

Above: DPIE State Significant Precinct planning process

 

What’s next for the Precinct?

We would like to thank everyone who submitted feedback to help shape the future of Blackwattle Bay. All submissions received by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment by 20 August 2021 will be reviewed by the project team, who will prepare a Response to Submissions for the Department’s consideration and ultimately the Minister’s Determination.

In the meantime, you may notice workers in the precinct undertaking site investigation works. These investigations are due diligence activities which are critical to further evaluate opportunities for the future renewal of the Precinct.

 

Where can I find more information?

The State Significant Precinct Study which was on public exhibition in July and August can still be viewed by visiting the Department’s Blackwattle Bay Planning Portal. To help understand what is proposed at Blackwattle Bay, the Guide to the State Significant Precinct Study provides an overview of the renewal and planning process.

Questions or feedback?

The community is at the core of the projects we deliver at Infrastructure NSW. While public exhibition on the plans for renewal has closed, we encourage you to provide feedback on how you would like to be informed and involved in the renewal.

Please phone 1800 931 109 (toll free) and ask to speak to a member of the Blackwattle Bay team, or email us at blackwattlebay@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au