Project: Circular Quay Arts and Cultural Framework
Organisation: Transport for NSW
Place: Sydney
Year: 2018–2019–2020
Project Type: Culture-led Placemaking, Strategy, Policy & Research, Night-time Economy
The NSW government is upgrading Sydney’s Circular Quay ferry wharves and exploring how the broader Circular Quay area could be renewed in partnership with the private sector. It is an opportunity to create a revitalised, vibrant, waterfront destination and a modern transport interchange.
City People was commissioned by Transport for NSW to develop an arts and cultural framework to inform the renewal of Circular Quay.
Objectives
- provide a set of key cultural principles to guide the Circular Quay renewal
- establish the contemporary understanding of the area’s culture and history
- recommend how the area’s cultural offer could be unified through place management
Outcomes
City People produced the Circular Quay Cultural Framework that reflected a significant body of research and consultation and included a set of cultural principles to guide redevelopment of the area.
Given Aboriginal peoples’ continuing connection with Warrane (Circular Quay) the voice and guidance of Aboriginal people was essential.City People therefore collaborated with specialist Aboriginal advisor Peter White to co-author the framework and ensured it identified the views, opinions and cultural knowledge of the Aboriginal contributors.
We consulted key stakeholders, undertook research and analysis of the unique policies, interests and values embodied in the area. The framework takes into consideration the location of Circular Quay, its history, function and value.
We defined how arts and culture could improve and enhance Sydney’s significant cultural precinct.
Next steps
Transport for NSW subsequently sought proposals from industry on how Circular Quay could become a vibrant, waterfront destination and significant transport interchange.
As Technical Advisor, City People is supporting Phase 2 of this market process. We are informing two urban renewal and infrastructure consortia about the Circular Quay Cultural Framework.
This will enable them to explore ways to embed arts and culture in their proposals to redevelop Circular Quay into a vibrant and exciting destination for generations to come.
For more information, please visit Transport for NSW – Circular Quay Renewal.
