Transforming the current open-air pier to a flexible waterfront venue

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct (WBAP) project involves the major development and adaptive re-use of Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 and the Shoresheds, two original 1920s finger wharves on Hickson Road, transforming them into what will become Sydney's major public arts and cultural performance hub. Key elements of the development include modernized theatres and audience facilities, rehearsal and studio spaces, theatre back of house workshops and support, commercial and retail spaces. The precinct will be home to many of Australia's leading arts and cultural organisations such as Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, The Song Company, Gondwana Choirs, Bangarra Dance, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonic Choirs, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bell Shakespeare, and Australian Theatre for Young People.

TTW has been involved with Pier 2/3 since before 2000 and involved in the precinct redevelopment since masterplan in 2013. Engaged directly by Infrastructure NSW, TTW has worked closely with key stakeholders throughout our involvement, to develop the design, to ensure the intent was always maintained, to celebrate the wharves heritage, and to guide the construction process.

Notable TTW scope items include:

  • Existing structure investigation and condition survey
  • Maintenance and upgrade engineering advice, including timber pile foundations
  • New roof pops and large scale roof modifications
  • Removal of columns to create large open performance and workshop spaces
  • Additional mezzanine floors and roof spaces throughout
  • Review of existing timber structure for fire engineering solutions
  • Theatre space design, including acoustically isolated structure, catwalks, rigging, retractable seating units, etc.
  • Internal and external stairs, gantries and lifts throughout
  • Construction phase and temporary works engineering
  • New facade and alterations to existing

Client: Infrastructure NSW

Architect: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, HASSELL

Builder: Richard Crookes Construction

Value: $200M

Completion: 2021

Sector: Government & Public, Art & Culture

Services: Heritage, Construction Engineering, Structural, Facade

  • 2022 - AIA Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage
  • 2022 - AIA National Award for Public Architecture