New vision for Walsh Bay arts precinct

The Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality, Racing and the Arts, George Souris has recently released the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Vision Report. The report promotes a vision for a sustainable and activated arts and cultural precinct that supports and nurtures Sydney’s home-grown culture and creativity and transforms Walsh Bay into Australia’s leading arts precinct.

Walsh Bay provides a unique opportunity to create a distinct arts precinct as an integral part of Sydney’s cultural landscape as well as a vibrant tourist, commercial, residential and business centre. The NSW Government commissioned the international consultancy and engineering firm, ARUP to explore how best to combine a premier location with world-class arts activity.

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Vision Report envisages Walsh Bay as a cultural cluster that will be a hub for artists, creative workers, performers and producers to come together, as well as a place where audiences meet the magic of theatre, dance, music and creation and have a good time.

The report also highlights Walsh Bay as an urban precinct – a place for living and working, supporting contemporary work styles as well as leisure activities in a unique setting.

As part of the long term redevelopment of Pier 2/3 the NSW Government Architect’s Office has been contracted to develop a comprehensive master plan for the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Ideas in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Vision Report will inform the master plan process to ensure the precinct is activated in a way that complements the existing arts activities at Wharf 4/5 and Sydney Theatre and neighbouring world-heritage listed Sydney Opera House.

While the long term planning for the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct continues Arts NSW have secured a Development Consent from the City of Sydney to operate Pier 2/3 as a cultural facility for a range of short term uses including rehearsals, exhibitions, workshops, filming and major events such as Sydney Writers’ Festival and the Biennale of Sydney.

The full Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Vision Report and details concerning the long term redevelopment and short term use of Pier 2/3 are available on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/creative-spaces/arts-properties/pier-23/.