New public space and second swim spot step closer at Barangaroo

NSW Gov

A second swimming spot at Barangaroo will be investigated following the enormous popularity of Marrinawi cove, opened earlier this month by the Liberals and Nationals Government.

Nawi Cove has been earmarked as the site for a second Barangaroo swimming spot, which will also be home to a new 1.85-hectare public space in Central Barangaroo.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said Infrastructure NSW would complete appropriate studies as part of the scoping of the project, which is now underway.

"Thousands of people have embraced the new swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove in recent weeks and we want to offer more opportunities for everyone to enjoy swimming in the heart of the city and close to public transport," Mr Stokes said.

"Some of the options under investigation for Barangaroo's next swimming spot include more structured facilities, so instead of swimming in the harbour itself, we may look into a floating pool similar to the Spree River in Berlin or Islands Brygge Harbour Bath in Copenhagen."

"Nawi Cove's position metres away from the future Barangaroo metro station would make it an accessible and central place for all people to enjoy a swim on Sydney Harbour."

The Liberals and Nationals Government has invested more than $16 million as part of the Places To Swim program, which will fund the upgrade and creation of 19 swimming spots across NSW, including the Inner West, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool and regional NSW.

Along with investigations for more swimming, the NSW Government's plans for the new 1.85-hectare harbourside park at Central Barangaroo have progressed, with Expressions of Interest now open inviting design teams to make submissions for Sydney's next great public space.

A new temporary recreation area within the future park site will open in March and include trees and shrubs, seating, a children's play area, an outdoor gym and handball courts.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the new Harbour Park will offer artists a unique opportunity to contribute to the aspect and experience of one of Sydney's most high-profile waterfront public spaces.

"Artists will be engaged at the early concept stages of planning and will work closely with landscape architects from the outset on design, development and delivery of the park and its public art," Mr Franklin said.

"The world's best cities are memorable, which is why $8 million of the Barangaroo Art Levy collected from developer contributions will go towards public art in the new Harbour Park."

The NSW Government has established a jury chaired by former Prime Minister The Hon Paul Keating and comprising leading figures from the local and international design community including Australian landscape architect and urban designer Oi Choong as part of the Harbour Park design competition.

Formal expressions of interest are now open with designers able to register and lodge a submission at the Harbour Park design competition website. Shortlisted parties will be announced in March 2023.

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