The $3.4bn 20 hectare transformation of Darling Harbour has received the highest available rating for masterplanned precincts in Australia with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) handing the project a 6 Star Green Star Communities (v1) rating.
The Darling Harbour regeneration, which encompasses the Darling Square neighborhood as well as ICC Sydney and the ICC Hotel, was assessed for its sustainability performances across five impact categories - Governance, Innovation, Liveability, Economic Prosperity and the Environment.
Jonathan Emery, Managing Director, Urban Regeneration, Lendlease, said: “We’ve successfully integrated sustainability in Sydney’s newest and most connected inner city precinct to enrich the quality of people’s everyday life by creating an efficient, resilient and healthier place for Sydney and the world to live, work and play.
“Cities across the globe are competing in areas such as capital, economic activity, tourism, culture and education to be ‘the world’s most liveable city’. The transformation of Darling Harbour epitomises the evolution that’s happening in the city right now, and symbolises forward-thinking investment by the State Government as Sydney seeks to reposition itself on the global stage as a progressive city.”
High scoring sustainable concepts include Australia’s largest electric car charging facilities at the ICC Sydney Exhibition car park, and the nation’s first community funded and Australia’s largest CBD roof top solar array.
GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Romilly Madew, said: “Our cities are more than engine rooms of economic growth – they are also at the frontline as we tackle many of the world’s challenges, from how we mitigate climate change to how we harness our human capital. Darling Harbour is the latest expression of Lendlease’s commitment to ensuring sustainable outcomes for people and the environment rank alongside economic outcomes. Darling Harbour’s regeneration will create a positive legacy for future generations, with a 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating providing the positive reinforcement that this development is sustainable.”
All works are due for completion in 2019. The Darling Harbour transformation will become home to more than 4,200 residents, 3000 workers, and more than 60 retail outlets. Nearly 40% of the precinct will be open public space for everyone to enjoy.
