REDEVELOPING

SYDNEY’S DARLING
HARBOUR
akshay | anjali | sreeshna | thejus.
LOCATION
Gadigal Country
Sydney, Australia DARLING
STATUS
Completed HARBOUR
YEAR
2018
SCALE
20 ha
INTRODUCTION

SYDNEY CITY

DARLING HARBOUR

MAP OF AUSTRALIA

Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia has undergone a significant urban design transformation. Once a working harbour, it's now
a vibrant waterfront precinct known for its restaurant's, museums, and entertainment options. The urban design focuses on
creating a welcoming public space with features like:
•Increased green areas and plazas
•Improved pedestrian and cycling paths
•Seamless connections between buildings and the harbour itself.
This approach makes Darling Harbour a prime example of how urban design can revitalize a waterfront area and create a more
enjoyable and sustainable destination.
HISTORY-TIMELINE
Pre-European Settlement
PRE - 1788
The area was known as the region
of Cockle Bay had a significant
cultural and fishing ground for the
local Gadigal Wangal clans.
19th CE
1811
The first wharf, Market Wharf, is
constructed at the foot of Market
Street.
1826
Governor Ralph Darling
renames the area after his wife,
Eliza Darling.
1855
The first railway in New South
Wales opens, including a branch
line to Darling Harbour.
1874
The Iron Wharf at the southern
end of Darling Harbour is
completed.
Late 1800
Darling Harbour becomes a major
industrial and maritime hub.
HISTORY-TIMELINE
20th CE
1901
Pyrmont Bridge opens to traffic.
1960
The railway goods yard covers 56
acres and transports
13,500 trains annually.
1855
The last goods train departs
Darling Harbour.
1855
Major redevelopment begins in
preparation for the Australian
Bicentenary celebrations. Darling
Harbour is transformed into a
recreational and tourist
destination.
1855
The Sydney Aquarium, Australian
National Maritime Museum, and
Sydney Convention and Exhibition
Centre open.
21st CE
2000
Continued growth and
development, with new hotels,
restaurants, and entertainment
venues.
2010
Major projects like the
International Convention Centre
Sydney (ICC Sydney) and the
Ribbon building are completed.
2016
Darling Quarter and Darling
Square are completed, adding new
public spaces, retail, and residential
areas.
2020
Ongoing projects like the
Harbourside redevelopment,
Tumbalong Park upgrades, and
Chinese Garden expansion
continue the precinct's evolution.
CONCEPT
Darling Harbour's makeover targets a modern, sustainable waterfront. Imagine more parks, green spaces, and harborside
walkways. The focus is on creating a mix of residential, retail, and entertainment options alongside improved public transport.
Expect eco-friendly features and community involvement in shaping this vibrant Sydney destination.

SUSTAINABILITY
Darling Harbour is ​‘green, global and connected’, taking its lead
from the city’s ​‘Sustainable Sydney’ vision.
Highlights include water-sensitive urban design solutions, better
transport and pedestrian connections, and 30% more public
space – earning the precinct a 6 Star Green Star Communities
rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
All up, it incorporated 650 new trees and 9,000sqm of green
space.The selection of drought-tolerant plants and unique soil
composites – along with the integration of elements such as
permeable paving and stormwater harvesting tree pits – ensures
this precinct needs minimal irrigation.
HERITAGE AND TOURISM
The redevelopment of Darling Harbour has carefully balanced heritage preservation with tourism enhancement. Efforts to
respect the area's historical significance included the adaptive reuse of older structures, integration of interpretative displays,
and the acknowledgment of Indigenous heritage. This approach ensures that the rich history of Darling Harbour, from its days
as a bustling port to its cultural significance for the Gadigal people, is preserved and showcased. Museums, historical plaques,
and educational exhibits play a crucial role in educating visitors about the area’s past while allowing heritage and modernity to
coexist.
Tourism has been significantly boosted by the redevelopment, with new attractions like the
International Convention Centre Sydney drawing global events and visitors. Enhanced public
spaces, improved transport accessibility, and a variety of dining and entertainment options have
transformed Darling Harbour into a vibrant destination. This revitalization has led to increased
visitor numbers, job creation, and economic benefits for local businesses, making Darling
Harbour a thriving hub for both locals and tourists. The redevelopment has successfully created
a dynamic area that honors its heritage while providing modern amenities and attractions.
DEMOGRAPHICS While specific data on user demographics over a decade
might be difficult to find publicly, some general user group
Christianity Islam Hinduism Buddhism information can be gleaned from the urban design studies:
Sikhism Others User Groups: Darling Harbour caters to a diverse range of
user groups, including :
Tourists
Residents living in the surrounding area
Workers in the office buildings around the harbor
Visitors to the entertainment and recreation facilities
Others
38.2% Occupation information is also not explicitly mentioned in
the studies, but based on the user groups, we can infer
Christianity some dominant occupations:
46.1%
Tourists: This category is difficult to define by occupation,
but may include people on vacation, business travelers, or
day-trippers.
Residents: Occupations would vary depending on the
specific residential areas surrounding Darling Harbour.
Workers: Office workers in industries like finance,
technology, or professional services would likely be
prevalent.
Visitors: Depending on the specific facilities visited, users
Buddhism could include families with children, people attending
3.8% Hinduism Islam conventions or events, or those enjoying restaurants and
4.8% 6.3% bars.
MORPHOLOGY

BOUVEYARD THREE SQUARES GREEN HARBOUR PERMEABILITY PUBLIC REALM

.
DARLING HARBOUR MAP
Attractions and museums
Australian National Maritime
Museum Captain Cook Cruises
Carousel Chinese Garden of
Friendship Cockle Bay
Amphitheatre Cockle Bay
Wharf Darling Harbour Marina
Harbourside Amphitheatre
Kingpin Bowling Lounge King
Street Wharf LG IMAX Theatre
Sydney Powerhouse Museum
Pyrmont Bridge Sailing Sydney
Star City Hotel and Casino
Sydney Aquarium Sydney
Convention and Exhibition Centre
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Sydney Wildlife World
Visitor Centre Tall Ship James
Craig The Playground

Transportation Access
water taxis Lifts
bus stop stairs
taxis accessible way
Parking cycleway
stations
cycle parking
VIEW

MASTER PLAN
WHY DARLING HARBOUR
Urban Transformation: It showcases a successful transformation from an industrial port area into a vibrant mixed-use precinct
with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces . This offers valuable insights into brownfield redevelopment and creating
sustainable, livable urban environments.
Public Realm Design: The focus on creating high-quality public spaces, like plazas, parks, and pedestrian walkways, is a key
aspect of the project . Studying how these elements integrate with the surrounding built environment can inform the design of
inclusive and attractive public areas in other cities.
Balancing Interests: Darling Harbour caters to tourists, residents, and workers. Understanding how the design achieves this
balance and encourages diverse uses of the space is crucial for urban designers working on complex, multifunctional areas.
Sustainable Practices: The project incorporated green building practices, improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and
water-sensitive urban design solutions . This makes it a valuable example of integrating sustainability principles into urban
design.

INFERENCE
The impact of the design choices on the success of the precinct. How did the focus on walkability, mixed-use development,
and public spaces contribute to its vibrancy?
The challenges faced during the transformation. What were the difficulties in integrating new development with existing
infrastructure and addressing the needs of diverse user groups?
The long-term sustainability of the project. How well does the design encourage social interaction, economic activity, and
environmental responsibility?

ANALYSIS
While studying Darling Harbour's urban design offers valuable insights into brownfield redevelopment, public realm design,
creating inclusive spaces, and integrating sustainability principles. The lessons learned can be applied to improve the design of
urban areas worldwide
PROBLEM
Commercialization: Expensive shops and restaurants catering to tourists, pushing out affordable options for locals.
Traffic congestion: Increased visitors and residents straining infrastructure.
Loss of heritage character: Modernization overshadowing the area's historical significance.
High-rise buildings blocking views: Proposed skyscrapers impacting the public's enjoyment of the waterfront.
Public space quality: Limited green areas and generic landscaping diminishing the appeal for relaxation.
Affordability of housing: Development focused on luxury apartments, pushing out residents.
Waste management: Increased population leading to more waste and potential pollution.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility for people with disabilities in some areas.
Overcrowding: Popular events and peak seasons leading to an overwhelming number of visitors.
SOLUTION OF REDEVELOPMENT
The Darling Harbour redevelopment, known as Darling Square, benefited greatly from the combined expertise of Arcadis teams
across multiple locations. Civil, structural, traffic, and various other engineering disciplines were brought together to deliver the
project. Arcadis' specialized capabilities, such as flood modelling and digital engineering practices, played a key role in cost-
effectiveness and innovation. For instance, their flood modelling survey led to adjustments that increased the development yield.
Additionally, Arcadis introduced 3D modelling, a now-standard practice, for the project.
Environmental impact was a major consideration throughout the design process. Arcadis prioritized achieving positive
environmental outcomes by implementing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) practices. These practices, including rainwater
harvesting and raingardens, helped Darling Square achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating. The project's high-efficiency
facade and sustainable water management solutions further ensured minimal environmental impact. With strong project
management and a focus on safety, Arcadis successfully delivered Darling Square on time.
Increased Public Space: The project delivered 30% more public space, with parks, plazas, and walkways.
Improved Connectivity: Pedestrian and cycling paths were integrated, along with better public transport links.
Sustainable Practices: Water-sensitive urban design principles were implemented, and green spaces were incorporated.
Aesthetics and Functionality: The design seamlessly blends architecture and public areas, creating a visually appealing and
functional space.

THE OUTCOME?
Darling Harbour is now a thriving hub for locals and tourists. It boasts a mix of entertainment, restaurants, cultural attractions,
and green spaces, all accessible and well-connected. The successful redevelopment serves as a model for sustainable and people-
centric urban design.
Thank you.