The NSW Government today announced the successful completion of Wharf 4/5 of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and officially welcomed back some of the nation’s foremost performing arts companies.
The redevelopment has provided the six resident companies, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Gondwana Choirs and The Song Company, with brand new theatres, rehearsal spaces and studios, while ensuring the preservation of the heritage building and its intricate network of supporting piers.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the completion of Wharf 4/5 is an exciting step towards the rejuvenation of the iconic performing arts precinct, establishing it as a premier arts destination and enhancing Sydney’s reputation as an innovative global player in arts and cultural tourism.
“The NSW Government recognises the vital importance of arts and culture in enriching our lives and the essential role it plays in our wellbeing and the essential role it plays in our economy. This role has never been more evident than this year, with arts and culture our place of refuge and constant source of inspiration and hope through challenging times, and a vital sector of employment.”
“As our arts and cultural sector begins to repair from the pandemic and performances return to the stage, this timely reopening of the newly renovated Wharf 4/5 will bring employment to the arts sector and create innovative opportunities for diverse and cutting-edge cultural works in the brand new, purpose-built arts facilities.
“With improved performance spaces and improved patron amenities situated right on Sydney Harbour, Wharf 4/5 now offers a truly world-class cultural experience for all to enjoy as we welcome audiences back to the precinct this summer,” Mr Harwin said.
The external walkway around Wharf 4/5 is now open, allowing the public to walk around the foreshore. Bangarra Head of Design, Jake Nash, was commissioned to create the locally-inspired staging diagram to show the areas accessible to the public for the cultural hub, while giving visitors a sense of creativity that permeates the area.
Resident companies will progressively move back to Wharf 4/5 over the coming months and will announce dates for their return on their websites.
Grant D’Arcy, General Manager Sydney and Major Projects, Richard Crookes Constructions said “As a family owned Australian construction company, Richard Crookes Constructions is incredibly proud to be part of the redevelopment of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and to deliver such an important project for arts and for our local community.”
