Mirvac breaks ground at $2 billion Darling Harbour mixed-use precinct

The redevelopment proposal is also expected to deliver around 265 apartments, offering housing choice and diversity on the fringe of the Sydney CBD
Mirvac breaks ground at $2 billion Darling Harbour mixed-use precinct
Joel Robinson July 31, 2023CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Mirvac has officially commenced construction at their $2 billion revitalization of Sydney's Harbourside mixed-use precinct on Darling Harbour.

The precinct, which is replacing the tired Harbourside Shopping Centre, will deliver a critical piece of Sydney’s $15 billion Western Harbour rejuvenation that has been underway since the completion of the International Convention Centre.

Due for completion from 2026, the new Harbourside precinct will reimagine the Darling Harbour waterfront for the 21st century, reconnect with the people and places of Pyrmont, and create a network of new public spaces that seamlessly bring together community, visitors, residents, and workers.

The redevelopment proposal is also expected to deliver around 265 apartments, offering housing choice and diversity on the fringe of the Sydney CBD, and make Darling Harbour a more attractive and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.


The soaring residential tower. Image supplied

Mirvac’s CEO Development Stuart Penklis said the team had been working with the NSW Government since 2016.

“We have been on a journey to truly understand this site, starting with international group Snohetta partnering with Hassell and Djinjama winning the international design competition inspired by the natural landforms of Sydney Harbour," Penklis said.

"Our cultural commitment continues as we work with the community, and partner with Bila Heritage to continue to bring Harbourside to life in a way that is truly connected to Country.

“Sites like this are incredibly rare when you consider the proximity to the CBD, the existing and future pedestrian linkages, access to public transport and other critical infrastructure. We are proud to be starting the development at Harbourside that will elevate this precinct as a legacy Sydney destination and a place to live, work, shop and enjoy.”

Subject to final approvals, the new Harbourside project deliver 10,000 sqm of public open space, including a new waterfront with restaurants, bars, national and international retailers, a new 3,500 square metre park and connections from Pyrmont to the waterfront, including $50 million in public domain funding and $7 million in public art and activation.

Around 2,000 construction jobs will be created as part of the development, and 4,500 jobs on completion.

"This redevelopment demonstrates Mirvac’s integrated design, development and construction capabilities and our ability to partner with Government to unlock large scale complex mixed-use projects," Penklis added.

Mirvac’s CEO Development Stuart Penklis was joined at the official commencement event by Mirvac Group CEO &  Managing Director Campbell Hanan, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Honourable Paul Scully MP, Acting CEO Placemaking NSW Susan Lee, and other guests, who marked the occasion by turning the first sod onsite.

Scully said the development is a "great example of the Minns Government working with the private sector to deliver world-class amenities to the people of NSW."

Joel Robinson

Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Urban.com.au, managing Urban's editorial team and creating the largest news cycle for the off the plan property market in the country. Joel has been writing about residential real estate for nearly a decade, following a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism at Leeds Beckett University in England. He specializes in off the plan apartments, and has a particular interest in the development application process for new projects.

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