A sneak peek into the new plans for Central Barangaroo

The final step in the revamp of Barangaroo has edged closer, with fresh designs to be released for public feedback as early as this week for the Central Barangaroo precinct surrounding the new Metro station.

An underground food court and shopping centre linked to the Barangaroo Metro stop are part of the latest proposal for the high-profile waterfront site, while a luxury hotel operated by an international company will also underpin the development.

New images show the reworked plans for the site, which will include 150 apartments.

The proposal features seven new buildings, with six of those expected to be between seven or eight storeys, while one in the southeast corner will be up to 10 storeys – in a bid to address controversies over height limits which have dogged the site.

Aqualand is hoping to gain approval of the new precinct and start work before the end of the year, and construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

In 2022 then-Premier Dominic Perrottet stood with former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating and announced height limits for the area would be reduced, leading to criticism from the developer over a lack of clarity on what was permitted at the site.

Aqualand Project Director, Tim Roberston, said he was hopeful the latest plans had addressed previous concerns.

“Projects like these get a lot of scrutiny, that comes with the territory, but we’re ready to get on with it and deliver something that honours the promise of this spectacular location,” he said.

“Once the Metro opens later this year we expect that many people will ask what the holdup has been with Central Barangaroo. Thankfully we’ve had really clear direction from the new government and we’re ready to get on with delivering a fantastic lifestyle precinct for Sydney.”

The design has been backed by Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper, who said “the refined design prepared by Aqualand delivers a world class mixed-use development of residential, commercial, community and cultural uses, while balancing the views of the local community”.

The Barangaroo Metro is expected to open later this year as part of the City and South West Metro line.

Original excerpt: Lachlan Leeming, The Daily Telegraph