RSHP and Lendlease have officially completed the Barangaroo South Masterplan in Sydney, marking the successful transformation of a 22-hectare former container port into a carbon-neutral, mixed-use precinct after 15 years of redevelopment. The project reconnects the city’s northwest waterfront with its central business district (CBD), integrating commercial, residential, and public spaces along the harbor.
Project Overview
The masterplan emerged from RSHP’s victory in an international design competition, developed in partnership with Lendlease. It comprises three key zones: Barangaroo South, a high-density extension of the CBD; Barangaroo Reserve, a restored natural headland reintroducing indigenous landscapes to the harbor; and Barangaroo Central, a low-density residential area linking the northern and southern ends of the development.
Centered around the Sydney International Towers, which were completed in 2017, Barangaroo South has evolved into a dynamic urban hub blending business, leisure, and cultural elements. Three office buildings are arranged in a fan shape, extending from Wynyard Station and opening westward to frame panoramic harbor views while creating expansive public spaces at street level.
Public Spaces & Infrastructure
Over two-thirds of the site is dedicated to public and recreational use, featuring a suite of landmark facilities. The Wulugul Walk, a continuous waterfront promenade completed in 2021, the Watermans Cove—an amphitheater-style boardwalk set to open in 2025—and Hickson Park, a one-hectare green space established in 2020, offer residents and visitors versatile areas for relaxation and socializing.
Enhanced accessibility is a cornerstone of the development, supported by new infrastructure. The Sussex Street Bridge opened in 2016, the Barangaroo Ferry Wharf was completed in 2017, and the Sydney Metro Barangaroo Station entered service in 2024. These additions strengthen connections to the city’s broader transport network, facilitating seamless travel within and beyond the precinct.
Coastal Integration & Design Vision
According to latest news，the redevelopment reimagines Sydney’s coastline, integrating it into a 14-kilometer continuous waterfront trail stretching from the Anzac Bridge in the west to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the east. The design encourages direct engagement with the water, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and experiencing Sydney’s maritime character.
“This project aims to give back to the city, reconnect people with the harbor, and create places that are both public and human-centric,” said Paul Thompson, Associate Director at RSHP.
Sustainability & Accolades
Barangaroo South is part of the Clinton Climate Initiative’s Climate Positive Development Program, serving as a model for climate-resilient urbanism. In 2019, it became Australia’s first carbon-neutral precinct, with the three Sydney International Towers architecture earning WELL Platinum certification and a 6-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The project promotes sustainable mobility by prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport, embedding itself within a wider cultural and ecological network along Sydney Harbor. Its commitment to environmental responsibility and urban integration positions it as a benchmark for future waterfront developments globally.
By revitalizing a disused industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable community, the Barangaroo South Masterplan not only transforms Sydney’s skyline but also sets a new standard for how cities can reconcile urban growth with ecological preservation and public access to natural assets.
