circular quay

Marine construction firm McConnell Dowell has secured a contract to build a new ferry hub at Barangaroo, to serve Sydney’s newest commercial district.

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has issued planning approval for the project.

The project involves construction of two ferry wharves with pontoons, seated waiting areas, weather protection, real-time service information and electronic ticketing using the Opal card.

A third wharf is planned to be constructed in future based on the requirements to serve increasing demand.

NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said that the project will increase public transport options for people travelling to and from Barangaroo, and mitigate future capacity constraints at Circular Quay.

Constance said: "The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering the transport infrastructure needed to support the historic Barangaroo development.

"Barangaroo is expected to accommodate up to 23,000 office workers and attract up to 33,000 visitors per day when complete"

"Barangaroo is expected to accommodate up to 23,000 office workers and attract up to 33,000 visitors per day when complete, and the ferry hub will be a vital connection to this key destination."

Planned to be opened to customers in late 2016, the Barangaroo ferry hub is one of three projects being developed in the region.

Work is underway on Wynyard Walk and the Wynyard Station upgrade.

Wynyard Walk is a pedestrian link between Barangaroo and Wynyard Station. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

Image: Ships moored at Circular Quay, Sydney. Photo: courtesy of Merbabu.