The Property Council has called on the State Government to ensure an Indigenous cultural icon is delivered at Barangaroo to fill a major gap in Sydney’s cultural landscape and to further enhance the city’s world renown visitor attractions.
NSW Executive Director Ken Morrison welcomed today’s release of the design tender for the natural headland at the northern end of Barangaroo and associated public domain works, and called on the Government to think innovatively about options for celebrating Australia’s indigenous culture on the site.
“What better place to celebrate Australia’s indigenous heritage than Barangaroo?”, said Mr Morrison.
“International visitors to Sydney wanting to experience our indigenous culture must scratch their heads with the limited offer we have, particularly given how strongly indigenous culture is promoted to international travellers.
“Sydney needs to fill this gap in the city’s cultural landscape and Barangaroo needs a mix of spaces to make it truly special – it is a perfect fit.
”Barangaroo will be an icon site when it comes to sustainability, design and commerce.
“There is a great opportunity to create something world class and a win-win outcome for Indigenous Australia, Barangaroo’s urban renewal and for tourism to Sydney.
“This could be another thing for Sydney to be famous for and another reason for visitors to stay another day.”
The Property Council wants an indigenous cultural icon to be located in the yet to be planned public domain which will cover half of the Barangaroo site.
“The look and purpose of such a place might take many forms,’ Mr Morrison said.
“The challenge should be thrown down to the architectural and creative communities to grasp this vision and consider what form it might take and how such a use might be incorporated into Barangaroo.
”Planning should begin now even if funding does not become available until later years.”
Media contact: Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director on 02 9033 1906 or 0412 233 715.
