17 May 2016
The $3.4bn 20 hectare transformation of Darling Harbour has received the highest available rating for master-planned precincts in Australia, demonstrating ‘World Leadership, by achieving a 6 Star Green Star - Communities v1 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
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 the world’s largest electric car charging facilities at the ICC Sydney Exhibition car park, 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.”
Mr Emery added, “Our partners in development and our customers from the wider community look to Lendlease for our strength in meeting new benchmarks across sustainability measures and our commitment to world best practice. This is the second time in as many months that Lendlease’s inner urban projects have been recognised for this commitment.”“We’re thrilled to be delivering this project on behalf of the State Government and this new world class entertainment precinct for more than 26 million visitors* to Darling Harbour each year.”
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.
Learn more about Darling Harbour Live.