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This layering of purpose is finding “When you get all these elements
its way back to many of the major then it is going to be a place that
urban regeneration projects that has meaning and character and
“A successful place is one that creates Mirvac is involved in, most notably pulls people back. It will appeal
the renewal of Harbourside in
to a different group of people for
a better future and by that, I mean it is Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct. different things at different times.”
For nearly 40 years Darling
Memories play an important role in
more socially engaging, it is active, inclusive Harbour has been the go-to place the perception of place and the past
threads itself deeply into the fabric
for Sydney’s big celebratory
moments. Harbourside at Darling
of Harbourside’s future design.
and also environmentally responsible. Harbour was the catalyst for “When I was growing up, Darling
renewal on the western shore and
Harbour was a fun place,” says Ms
Mirvac’s transformation plans for
And it is comfortable.” the former shopping centre are Westgarth. “It had become tired
and lacked a bit of soul but there
gathering momentum.
are positive attributes to draw on;
Norwegian architectural its proximity to the harbour and
firm Snohetta and Australian beyond its recent use and context,
LIZ WESTGARTH
Hassell Principal and Managing Director architecture studio Hassell the Indigenous story.
partnered with Indigenous Design
Advisers, Djinjama, in their “Celebrating Indigenous heritage
and culture is important for
Below: Harbourside reimagined competition winning design for Harbourside and gives another
Harbourside, having an integrated
approach to architecture, layer of meaning to Tumbalong,
landscape, public domain and as it was originally known. It was
cultural connection that magnifies a place of shared country for the
the public benefit. Gadigal and Wangal people and this
idea of it being shared is integral to
The layering of different uses, the design response.
reversing an era of separation “Place is the
and disconnection, will result in “The building reads more as a
over 10,200sqm of public domain landscape with references back to
including a new waterfront sandstone and water; it is when intersection of
promenade, approximately 265 you are in nature that you most
luxury apartments, 33,500sqm of powerfully feel like you are in a physical form,
office space and 10,000sqm of retail. shared space. How much more
Perhaps the most remarkable comfortable and pleasant will it
element of the project is the be to have that harbour view from activity and meaning.
regreening of a precinct where beneath the shade of a tree.”
nature has previously taken a Another important element in
backseat. creating an inclusive shared place is What we can do
A proposed 3,500sqm Waterfront getting the right mix of spaces that
Garden will offer a new public park, will encourage locals and visitors to as designers and
connecting the neighbourhood come at different times of the day.
to the waterfront. A variety of “Harbourside is unique in that it developers is provide
green spaces is a result of deep is a truly mixed use development,
engagement with Mirvac’s partner, with commercial, residential,
Placemaking NSW and the local retail and a diversity of public open the conditions for
community, making a significant spaces,” says Ms Westgarth.
contribution to cooling the
environment and a mirror to the “As we move forward there will others to make place
green space proposed for Cockle be less and less single use. There
Bay on the opposite shore. is now such a blurred boundary
between the home and work and that requires
Hassell Principal and Managing and recreation. One of the really
Director Liz Westgarth believes positive things about mixed use
place begins to have deeper at Tumbalong is that when the public participation.”
meaning when an emotional office workers are gone, residents
attachment is formed. While the will be home and people visiting
elements critical to achieving that the restaurants. It creates an ABBIE GALVIN
bond are simple to articulate they interesting, energetic city.” NSW Government Architect
are infinitely more complex to
deliver. The imperative of creating a shared
and inclusive city is a view shared
“A successful place is one that by the NSW Government Architect
creates a better future and by Abbie Galvin, who stepped into
that, I mean it is more socially the role in 2019 after more than 30
engaging, it is active, inclusive and years in private practice. She views
also environmentally responsible. integration as one of the greatest
And it is comfortable,” says Ms challenges for cities as they grow
Westgarth. and change to accommodate new
ways of work and living.

28 ISSUE 17 SPRING/SUMMER 2023 The Right Place by Mirvac Artist’s impression. Indicative only and subject to change. Landscaping and other aspects of the project may differ from this image. The Right Place by Mirvac ISSUE 17 SPRING/SUMMER 2023 29