Revitalised Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct to open to public in March

February 28, 2022

Arts / Culture / Education / Entertainment / Venues /

Following the completion of major construction works, Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, will officially open to the public in March with the revitalised heritage precinct featuring world-class cultural facilities and becoming the new home to some of Australia's leading performing arts companies.

As part of construction, large sections of the roof were raised to increase usable performance space and accommodate the required lighting and sound equipment, and retractable seating banks were installed to deliver flexible performance spaces.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare are now rehearsing and practicing in their new spaces at Pier 2/3, with visitors able to attend events onsite from mid-March 2022. The 23rd Biennale of Sydney, presented from 12th March until 13th June 2022 will exhibit at Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, where audiences will be able to experience international and Australian artists as part of its free program.

Spanning Wharf 4/5 and Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is home to nine resident companies: Australian Chamber Orchestra; Australian Theatre for Young People; Bangarra Dance Theatre; Bell Shakespeare; Gondwana Choirs; Sydney Dance Company; Sydney Philharmonia Choirs; Sydney Theatre Company; and The Song Company.

NSW Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the facility would help draw people back into the CBD and attract international visitors.

Minister Stokes notes “this is a pivotal project for Sydney because it will transform the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct into a premier arts destination and enhance Sydney’s reputation around the world.

“It’s amazing achievement to have a public arts and cultural hub right on Sydney’s famous waterfront with new state-of-the art facilities, while still having its iconic heritage preserved.”

NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government was proud to welcome resident arts companies to their new home in Pier 2/3 and the public to the whole Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, after major works were completed in December.

“After two years of carefully transforming an empty wool store into a premium 21st century space for the arts, Pier 2/3 welcomes the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare as its new resident companies.

“I look forward to seeing the reactivation of the Precinct from March when the resident arts companies on Pier 2/3 welcome audiences and participants into their new spaces - including the Biennale of Sydney, in residence at Pier 2/3 until June. The evolving story of Walsh Bay Arts Precinct now shifts into the hands of the many artists who will transform this precinct in new and unforgettable ways.”

For more information, visit www.insw.com/projects-nsw/walsh-bay-arts-and-cultural-precinct

Image top: Walsh Bay Arts Precinct._NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin with Pier2-3 and Wharf 4-5 resident company representatives and Create NSW Interim Chief Executive Annette Pitman. Credit: Daniel Boud; Image above: courtesy of Infrastructure NSW, Pier 2/3 and Harbour aerial

14th December 2020 - Sydney’s redeveloped Walsh Bay Arts Precinct welcomes back performing arts companies

15th November 2019 - NSW Government approves funding for redevelopment of Walsh Bay arts precinct

24th May 2018 - Walsh Bay arts precinct given development to proceed after backing from locals

5th April 2017 - NSW Government commits more funds for Walsh Bay arts precinct transformation

22nd March 2016 - NSW Government appoints architect for Walsh Bay arts precinct

22nd May 2015 - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct concept gets green light

15th November 2021 - Victorian Government commits additional $241 million for Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation

25th November 2020 - Victorian 2020/21 Budget allocates $1.46 billion for Arts Precinct transformation

12th March 2020 - Cairns Performing Arts Precinct secures urban design award

2nd May 2019 - Gold Coast’s HOTA arts precinct continues to break box office records

20th March 2019 - New promenade to connect Townsville sports and arts precincts

21st February 2019 - Architects partner to redesign Melbourne Arts Precinct

3rd October 2018 - Major redevelopment of Sydney harbourside arts precinct begins

15th May 2018 - Red Earth Arts Precinct opens in the Pilbara

25th October 2017 - Karratha’s Red Earth Arts Precinct moves forward

2nd March 2015 - Ararat Arts Precinct set to be focal point of Victorian town

25th January 2015 - Expanded Collingwood arts precinct to provide secure creative space

17th June 2014 - Music Centre to be first part of Christchurch Performing Arts Precinct

8th May 2014 - Christchurch performing Arts Precinct designation partially lifted

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