The Cox Architecture-designed Barangaroo ferry hub has been officially opened by NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and Andrew Constance, the minister for transport and infrastructure.
Designed to provide weather protection, expansive views of Sydney’s iconic harbour as well as efficient and functional passenger movement, the new wharves feature two 48m x 23m pontoons that can accommodate up to four ferries each catering to residents, visitors and workers travelling to Sydney’s newest commercial and residential district.
“The completion of the new Barangaroo Wharf is an important milestone for the NSW Government in delivering high quality transport infrastructure to support the Barangaroo development,” Berejiklian said.
“Around 13,000 office workers have already moved into Barangaroo South, and this is expected to grow to 23,000 workers when the precinct is completed in 2021,” she said.
According to Cox Architecture project director David Holm, the inspiration behind the design was “twofold and talks to the core of both function and identity; it is the delivery of streamlined passenger flows and a simplicity of functional layout coupled with an expression of Sydney harbour’s iconic maritime history and architectural form”.
“The ferry hub forms a new western city ferry gateway which both responds to and facilitates growth into the north-western sector of Sydney’s CBD. It will also help alleviate congestion in the nearby Circular Quay ferry hub and spread the passenger load more evenly for operators and provide more convenient city access and egress for travellers,” says Holm.
In terms of the final design, “Our objective,” says Holm, “focussed on efficiency of movement through the identification of and removal or easing of points of friction”.
“We also delivered an intuitive approach to wayfinding that does not exclusively rely on signage, which can sometimes result in distraction and disruption of flows.”
“The overall design is part of a language that is consistent with the suite of Sydney harbour ferry wharves and allows an identity and spirit to be established.”
“The result, we believe, is one with true balance,” he says.
In terms of inspiration, Holm says that “Previous design and international benchmarks were examined to ensure a seamless passenger experience, including our own award-winning work with the Brisbane ferry terminals and at Sydney airport.”
