The Minns Labor Government has marked a major milestone in the transformation of Bays West, with the first stage of the international design competition attracting 165 submissions from leading design teams across Australia and around the world.
Led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW, the competition will help shape the future of Sydney's newest waterfront suburb, defining the look, feel, and character of two key areas of the precinct: the White Bay Power Station and Glebe Island precincts.
The strong response from local and international design teams reflects the importance of this urban renewal project.
Bays West spans White Bay, Glebe Island, Rozelle Bay, the White Bay Power Station Precinct and the Rozelle Rail Yards. The Government's vision is to transform the whole area into a vibrant new neighbourhood, with residential, entertainment and waterfront public spaces
The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 homes, including at least 10 per cent affordable and essential worker housing, alongside public open spaces such as parks and a waterfront promenade, as well as community facilities. It will open public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years while retaining important deep-water facilities that support Sydney's working harbour.
Competition Progresses to Next Stage
The International Design Competition has been endorsed by all major design industry bodies: Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of Australia and Urban Design Association NSW and is being delivered in two stages.
The first stage, an open global Expression of Interest process, has now concluded, attracting more than 165 submissions from multidisciplinary teams of architects, urban designers, landscape architects, planners, sustainability specialists and ecologists.
A panel of renowned Australian and international experts in design, infrastructure and development, chaired by the NSW Government Architect, will now assess submissions and shortlist teams to progress to the second, paid invitation-only stage of the competition.
Shortlisted teams will be announced late September, and the winning teams will then move to the next stage of the competition, the paid design phase.
The competition seeks an overarching urban framework for the precinct, including public open spaces, building form and scale, public benefits, street network, sustainability outcomes, with connections to the harbour and surrounding communities. The successful design team will continue to play an ongoing role in the future planning and development of Bays West.
Community input has already played an important role in shaping the vision for Bays West and there will be more opportunities for feedback and ideas via an exhibition in early 2027 prior to the development of the masterplan.
By unlocking Bays West, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new homes in the right places, close to jobs, transport and public open space, while preserving Sydney Harbour as both a working and living harbour connected to Country.
For more information visit: nsw.gov.au/bays-west-design-competition
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The response to the first stage of the Bays West International Design Competition has exceeded expectations, with more than 165 submissions received from some of the world's leading design talent.
"This level of interest demonstrates the significance of the opportunity before us and the global appeal of helping shape Sydney's newest suburb.
"As we move to the next stage of the competition, we're looking forward to seeing innovative ideas that will help deliver thousands of new homes alongside world-class public spaces and waterfront access."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"This is one of the most significant urban renewal opportunities in Australia, and the overwhelming response from design teams around the world shows just how important Bays West is as a city-shaping project.
"More than 165 submissions have been received from teams eager to help create a new waterfront precinct for future generations.
"We're setting a benchmark for design excellence and sustainability, while celebrating the area's rich maritime, industrial and Aboriginal heritage.
"The next stage of the competition will bring forward bold and innovative ideas to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary Sydney waterfront."
NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said:
"The exceptional response to the Expression of Interest phase reflects the unique opportunity Bays West presents to designers and urban thinkers from around the globe.
"We have attracted an impressive field of talented multidisciplinary teams who recognise the opportunity to help shape a new piece of Sydney.
"The next phase of the competition will focus on creating a design-led urban framework that balances housing, public open space, sustainability and connection to Country, while transforming this former industrial area into a vibrant place for people, nature and community."
Chief Executive Bays West Delivery Authority Anita Mitchell said:
"The Bays West Delivery Authority and Government Architect NSW were invited to hold information sessions on the Bays West International Design Competition with local industry organisations and it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and interest for the Design Competition and for that to translate into so many expressions of interest is a great sign of the industry's engagement in the transformation of the precinct."
