Image: Photo: Will Thorpe
A long-touted upgrade to the wharves and promenade at Circular Quay has been halted, with the Minns Government withholding the funding necessary for its completion.
What began as a grand plan under the Baird Government remained in limbo for years, before Labor promised a lesser upgrade instead. After coming to power, the Minns Government scaled down the project, and has now quietly put it on the shelf.
About $171 million had been spent on it before the end of the 2024 fiscal year, with most of that sum going towards planning.
More talk than action on Circular Quay renewal project
There has been no update from Transport for NSW on the Circular Quay Renewal project since August 2024.
The agency referred to the quay as “the symbolic gateway to Sydney’s world-famous harbour and city, a significant transport interchange and a place with deep cultural and historical significance for all Australians.”
“It is one of Australia’s most visited destinations in the heart of Sydney, with millions of passenger trips to and from the area each year.
Transport for NSW expected the revamp to improve accessibility with new wharves and upgrades to the railway station, improve the experience of the public and staff alike, deliver local economic benefits, and reflect the significant “shared history” of the site.
The last notification for local residents regarding upcoming works was distributed in February 2024.
Federal involvement in renewal
According to federal agency Infrastructure Australia, three out of five stages of the project had been completed. The last update was in 2022, by which point the agency had evaluated its business case.
As a result, the project was added to the Infrastructure Priority List as an Investment-ready proposal.
In a document which is publicly available — though marked as sensitive — the agency was emphatic about the state of Circular Quay.
“Despite Circular Quay’s strategic importance, transport infrastructure is deteriorating, with the wharves and promenade approaching their end of life. Amenity is poor and public spaces are disjointed and managed by multiple parties, resulting in safety concerns and diminishing visitor experience.”
“The Circular Quay Renewal proposal seeks to update the transport infrastructure and amenities, enhance and activate public spaces, improve retail offerings and increase awareness of and exposure to heritage assets and First Australians cultures and history.”
Situated on Sydney Cove, the wharves are close to where Sydney was founded by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788.
Maintenance of wharves needed
Grand plans aside, the wharves at Circular Quay are in need of significant maintenance going forward.
A planned closure of wharf two for essential maintenance has been postponed until after the busy summer period, with Transport for NSW saying that the decision was taken in order to “minimise impacts on customers” and maintain reliable services.
“This will allow further investigation of options to reduce the required closure period and ensure continued operation of the iconic Freshwater-class ferries.”
The ferries were expected to be temporarily removed from service whilst the works took place.
“The F1 Manly service, including the Freshwater-class vessels and Manly Fast Ferry, will continue to operate as usual.”
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