Power of partnership

From a fenced-off container port to a buzzing harbourside destination, Barangaroo South was made possible through the power of partnership. The inspiration came from the NSW Government’s bold vision to return the harbour foreshore to the people of Sydney. Lendlease worked hand-in-hand with government authorities, capital partners, acclaimed designers, Indigenous advisers and the community to deliver a globally recognised destination. “Barangaroo wasn’t here over a decade ago,” says former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. “Then we as a community, the Government and the private sector came together to deliver an amazing precinct which has given so much to the skyline, to the economy and to the people of Sydney.”

In December 2009, Keneally announced the NSW Government had selected Lendlease as the preferred developer for Barangaroo South. “It was an extraordinary opportunity to develop a blank slate right on the waterfront in the middle of a big global city,” she says.

The recently completed Barangaroo South is now an integral part of Sydney’s economic, cultural and social fabric, according to Tom Gellibrand, Chief Executive, Infrastructure NSW. “It’s the result of a really strong, collaborative and ongoing relationship between the private sector and the public sector,” he says. “It’s a fantastic place to work and play.”

For Dale Connor, Lendlease’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Construction, that spirit of collaboration was the foundation. “From the start it’s been about partnerships – first and foremost with government entrusting us to deliver this remarkable place. Working with our capital partners has been crucial, as has partnering with first nations communities. We also collaborated with outstanding international and local architects to create next-generation workplaces and stunning residences."

This strong public and private partnership brought Barangaroo South to life, uniting many talents to deliver a compelling destination. “Collaborating with the NSW Government, we've created something that Sydney can be truly proud of,” says Lendlease’s Tom Mackellar, Chief Executive Officer, Development. “It puts us on the world stage. When we're out talking to customers and partners around the globe, they see Barangaroo South as a benchmark of what a fantastic urban regeneration project looks like.” Tom Gellibrand picks up on that point: “The benefits transcend Sydney and Australia – they're actually international.”

Senior Director, Ivan Harbour, from award-winning architectural firm RSHP who designed the precinct’s masterplan says the precinct outcomes were enhanced by crucial feedback from a number of parties including the community: “Architecture is all about collaboration.” Kristina Keneally, the State’s first female Premier, expresses delight at the result: “It’s a brand new, from scratch, modern precinct right on the water.” 

“Truly iconic for Sydney, a city that is full of iconic sights: the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and now Barangaroo can proudly stand amongst those icons.” Barangaroo South is a blueprint for what cities can achieve when vision, courage and collaboration align to leave a lasting legacy for generations.