CONNECTED: Milestones & Momentum - Q1 in the Western Harbour
24 October 2025
It has been an energetic start to 2025, with plenty to celebrate early on for the Western Harbour! Momentum is building across key projects and exciting activations, setting the stage for a year of transformation. Engagement sessions are already underway, bringing together stakeholders to discuss progress and priorities. Members are celebrating important construction milestones, playing a key role in the reimagining and transformation of the Waterfront into a truly vibrant, world-class destination.
A recent highlight includes bringing together some of the precinct’s leading hospitality operators for a roundtable session. Kindly hosted by Bottega Coco, the session provided a valuable platform for operators to share priorities, raise local challenges, and explore how a Community Improvement District (CID) could help unlock new opportunities across the Waterfront. The insights were thoughtful, constructive, and underscored a shared appetite for collaboration. CIDs are most effective when they’re driven by an active, engaged and passionate business community. This roundtable was a strong demonstration of that in action, highlighting how a CID can serve as a powerful vehicle for bringing people together around shared goals to enable positive, precinct-wide change.
Over the coming months, the New Sydney Waterfront team will continue to deepen engagement with the diverse community of businesses and stakeholders across the precinct, gathering valuable insights and local expertise to ensure the CID is tailored to the needs of those who know it best. This engagement will be central to delivering on shared priorities and realising a bold, collective vision to transform and revitalise the Western Harbour into one of the world’s great waterfront destinations.
Momentum is also building on the development front - The Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the completion of its floating roof, bringing the new precinct one step closer to offering an exceptional food and retail experience that will attract global visitors. Aqualand’s Barangaroo Central development has been approved, with plans for over 50 new retail spaces and vibrant public areas that will enhance the precinct’s appeal. Meanwhile, Foundation Theatres is set to transform The Star Sydney’s Event Centre into a Broadway-style theatre, adding a new layer of cultural vibrancy to the area.
Summer might be over, but autumn and winter are bringing plenty to look forward to. Golden Hours Barangaroo, presented by Aperol Spritz, is keeping the vibe alive with DJs, glow-up sessions, and waterfront dining. And with Vivid Sydney 2025 on the horizon, get ready for 23 nights of stunning light installations, live performances, and events that will keep the precinct buzzing.
There’s more to come… and the New Sydney Waterfront Co remains committed to playing a role in shaping what’s next. As we continue to evolve, collaborate, and build momentum, we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you!
Rachael Smith
BID Director
Credit: NSW Government