This latest design opportunity at Barangaroo is one of the most exciting for our generation of landscape architects and urban designers.

Over the last decade Barangaroo has been transformed into a thriving precinct for locals and tourists with the new 1.85hectare park set to be the next significant piece in that transformation.

Registrations of interest into the Harbour Park design competition are now open with designers able to lodge their interest www.design.harbourpark.sydney

“As part of the competition, we’re looking for ideas that embrace Barangaroo’s commitment to design excellence and sustainability while still ensuring the park celebrates the natural history and living culture of the site,” says Head of Projects at Infrastructure NSW, Tom Gellibrand.

The competition jury will be chaired by former Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating, who has been involved in the planning and delivery of the Barangaroo Precinct from its inception. The jury also comprises leading figures from the local and international design community including Australian landscape architect and urban designer Oi Choong.

“Essentially, you have a blank canvas for greening the heart of Barangaroo, adding to the necklace of parklands and icons that define our world-famous harbour,” says Ms Choong, adding “What a gift, to lead the design of this significant public space at Sydney’s latest landmark waterfront destination – it is a project that will be a grand contribution to Sydney, following on the success of Barangaroo Reserve.”

Related: Jessica Spresser’s Pier Pavilion design

The competition for the park is open to design teams that may include international and interdisciplinary talent within the Australia-led design team. Competitors will first be shortlisted based on their credentials and general approach, before embarking on a design concept that completes the vision for Barangaroo’s open public spaces and continues the precinct’s commitment to honouring the role of First Nations people and the history of the site.

“We’ll be seeking innovative ideas for a flexible and active space, that will add to the art and cultural offerings already in Barangaroo, creating a timeless, welcoming, and connected space,” Ms Choong said.

The jury will also include Jefa Greenaway, the founding Director of Greenaway Architects who has championed Indigenous led design thinking for 30 years; Ivan Harbour, architect and founding partner at London-based practice RSHP, and Catherine Mosbach, landscape architect and the founder of Paris-based design firm mosbach paysagiste.

Formal expressions of interest will open from 17 January 2023, with shortlisted parties announced in March 2023. www.design.harbourpark.sydney

We think you might also like this article on bangawarra: voices leading change.