Mirvac set to deliver transformative public spaces at Harbourside

Stuart Penklis, Mirvac's CEO of Development, said: “We are excited to see the vision for Harbourside continue to take shape with the approval of our landmark public spaces. The new precinct will provide exceptional spaces for the community and visitors alike to connect with Sydney Harbour. Mirvac is investing $50 million to fund the public domain and will deliver a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready destination that honours the past, while looking boldly to the future. 

“This milestone was achieved following extensive engagement with local residents, businesses, First Nations leaders, renowned designers, industry bodies, authorities, and Local and State Government, including Placemaking NSW, through workshops, focus groups, and information sessions. This approach ensured diverse perspectives were heard and considered, helping to shape innovative placemaking. Receiving the green light highlights our team’s ability to manage complex projects and to genuinely value and respond to stakeholder input and feedback.”

Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell said Harbourside’s public spaces will be a significant addition to Darling Harbour and offer Sydneysiders and visitors another reason to visit the precinct. 

"The promenade and waterfront garden along with other incredible new assets will secure Darling Harbour as a world-famous destination for generations to come. This iconic part of Sydney’s harbour foreshore has been rejuvenated and with around 27 million visitors to Darling Harbour every year, a modern, accessible and enjoyable precinct with even more public space for recreation and play will only enhance the offering.” 

Mirvac is set to deliver over 11,000 square metres of new public open space at Harbourside, seamlessly connecting Pyrmont to the harbour’s edge and creating a vibrant hub for living, gathering, and connecting. All plant species selected for the public open spaces are Indigenous and have been chosen in consultation with Indigenous cultural experts.  

The public open spaces will include:

• An expansive ~6,000 square metre Waterfront Promenade, creating a dynamic blend of public space and seating, thoughtfully designed with landscaping, multiple pedestrian connections through the precinct, and a waterfront plaza. 
• A new 3,500 square metre Waterfront Garden, adjacent to the historic Pyrmont Bridge that will provide an inner-city oasis, with greenery, wide pathways, and diverse seating offering panoramic views across Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay.  
• Accessibility at the heart of the design, with ramps and a lift ensuring inclusive access for all.
• A new Bunn Street pedestrian bridge that will create a seamless link between Pyrmont, Harbourside precinct and the waterfront, encouraging active transport and enhancing the overall visitor experience. 

First façade panels installed

As part of the transformation at Harbourside, Mirvac has also installed the first office façade panels on the southern podium, a significant construction milestone. Designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architects Snøhetta + Hassell, the innovative façade is a first for an Australian project of this scale, built entirely from low- embodied carbon aluminium, responsibly sourced and certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative.  

Combined with passive design strategies that maximise natural light and ventilation, the podium reflects Mirvac’s focus on sustainable and future-focused development.                                        

Mirvac is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating under the latest Green Star Buildings tool for the office component, with 5 Star ratings being targeted across the retail and residential components.   

The facade and public realm draw deeply on the site’s rich cultural heritage, reinterpreting the original sandstone escarpment and honouring the shared Country of the Gadigal and Wangal people and the cultural significance of Tumbalong. The project team undertook cultural awareness training to understand the site’s history and meet Design for Country requirements, laying the foundation for a respectful, inclusive development guided by ongoing cultural awareness at every stage. 

Construction of the main building is well underway, while work on the public open spaces is set to commence shortly and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.