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Sydney’s newest cultural precinct on the Harbour foreshore - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct - has received the state’s top award, the NSW Architecture Medallion, for the transformation of Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 undertaken by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects.

The new precinct secured awards in four categories at the 2022 NSW Architecture Awards - the state’s most celebrated architectural honours presented by the Australian Institute of Architects – receiving awards for Public Architecture, Greenway Award for Heritage and a commendation for Interior Architecture.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct was unveiled earlier this year following the completion of major redevelopment works on the historically significant Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 undertaken by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects. The Precinct recently won in the Adaptive Reuse category at the National Trust Heritage Awards 2022

On the announcement of the awards, Peter Tonkin, Director of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects noted “It has been a genuine privilege working on the robust and beautiful twentieth-century buildings at Walsh Bay, a visionary industrial project originally created for the benefit of the public, and to see it now grown into a different and even more focal public role. It’s also been a privilege working with so many inspiring people in all aspects of the project.”

A member of the International Union of Architects (UIA), the Australian Institute of Architects and its members are dedicated to raising the quality of the built environment for all and to the advancement of architecture. The Institute’s award program enables public and peer recognition of the innovative work of members, and provides the Institute with a valuable mechanism to promote architects and architecture across Australia and internationally. The winners were announced via a virtual livestream event on Friday 1st July.

In July 2021, the renovation of Sydney Theatre Company’s premises at The Wharf by Australian Architecture Studio Hassell was recognised with the prestigious Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture at the 2021 Australian Institute of Architects NSW awards. This was especially meaningful for the Company as the Sulman Medal was also won by the original architect, Viv Fraser with the office of the NSW Government, for the original repurposing of the abandoned finger wharf into a theatre-making space in 1985.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is located on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and is now a premier arts and culture hub, home to nine of the nation’s foremost performing arts companies. Former cargo wharves built between 1913 and 1920, Wharf 4/5 and Pier 2/3 are an integral part of Sydney’s history and now feature a heritage-sensitive design by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, undertaken by Richard Crookes Constructions. As the northern most operational pier at Walsh Bay, Pier 2/3 was a key ‘open berth’ location for passenger cargo ships and following the Second World War, the wharf functioned as a migrant arrival point for new families starting their lives in New South Wales.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct’s resident companies comprise Bangarra Dance Theatre, Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Theatre Company and The Song Company, all located at Wharf 4/5 and at Pier 2/3, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare.  A premier arts and culture hub, the Precinct presents a vibrant program of musical concerts, dance and theatre performances and public events throughout 2022.

For more information on Walsh Bay Arts Precinct 

Image: Redeveloped Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Credit: Brett Boardman

Related Articles

17th June 2022 - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct to celebrate Make Music Day with free event program

16th May 2022 - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct revitalisation secures National Trust Heritage Award

31st March 2022 - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct opens to public showcasing redeveloped Pier 2/3

30th March 2022 - Bell Shakespeare presents the first performance in new Walsh Bay Arts Precinct theatre space

28th February 2022 - Revitalised Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct to open to public in March

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

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