Ask most people to identify an iconic Sydney building, and the likely response may include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and possibly Sydney Tower, all of which were built a generation ago. A new batch of work in the pipeline may change that.
The latest addition to the Sydney skyline was launched today, with Crown Group to build a $250 million, 220 apartment tower on Sydney's Clarance Street.
The 25 storey building will be capped with a dozen steel arches which it says will make it one of Sydney's centrepieces and a globally recognised icon.
Down the road on Bathurst Street, developers CBRE are close to selling all 470 apartments at its Greenland Centre development, which will be Sydney's tallest residential tower at 235 metres.
CBRE's Regional Director, Structured Transactions and Advisory Services, Wayne Redman says, “What is changing in Sydney is the introduction of world’s best practice in design, led by both global and leading local architects."
"Sydney needs to have a more diversified architectural style to capitalise on the attributes of the CBD and the harbor, particularly in the context of very strong competition to attract business from places such as Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, etc. The internationalisation of cities and global architectural practices is bringing innovation and ideas to Sydney, including sustainability initiatives.”
Just outside the CBD, One Central Park was named as one of the world's top 5 buildings earlier this year.
It's one of three newly constructed buildings on the city's CBD frindge, including Australia's first Frank Gehry designed building, which is almost complete.
The building is one of two new additions by the University of Technology.
Some office towers are getting a makeover, like AMP's 50 Bridge Street, which will feature a 200 metre high angular building with a series of shifting glass segments stacked upon each other which will no doubt change the face of Sydney's Circular Quay.
Meanwhile, construction is well and truely underway at Sydney's Barangaroo.
Troy Steer, Public Engagement Manager with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority says, "Over the next decade, the western edge of Sydney’s CBD is being transformed into a global financial hub, headland park and inviting public spaces with a mix of office towers, apartments, hotel complex, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions."
"Barangaroo will showcase how city populations can live sustainably. Of the 22 hectare site, fifty per cent of Barangaroo will be public space, including a continuous 2km public foreshore promenade running the length of the site."
"Design excellence is also a key principle guiding the creation of Barangaroo, embedded in the culture, processes and thinking of the Authority and guiding all design decisions.
As one of the first climate positive precincts of its size in the world, Barangaroo will showcase Sydney as a leader in environmental sustainability."
James Packer's Crown Sydney, will dominate the western CBD skyline once complete.
Let's not forget Sydney's smaller pieces, like the newly announced Cloud Arch.
Even if there were a few spoofs.
What do you think about the new buildings going up around Sydney's CBD? Are they better than Melbourne?
