Harbourside’s Transformation: A New Era Begins

At the heart of this $15 billion renewal is Harbourside, a visionary $2 billion redevelopment by Mirvac with partner Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd (MEC) that reimagines the original Harbourside shopping centre. Rising above a widened and landscaped waterfront promenade, and with new public spaces, the new Harbourside will feature integrated and curated retail with offerings for all visitors, new generation workspaces and residential living, set within over 10,000 square metres of public open space and 5,000 square metres of living and green roofs.

This final piece of Darling Harbour’s transformation is especially symbolic. It was here, in 1988, that the precinct began its journey from disused industrial port to vibrant tourist and entertainment hub. Now, Harbourside is set to become a beacon of modern urban design, community connection, and environmental sustainability.

A Place to Gather, Play and Connect

Mirvac is investing $50 million into the public domain, delivering a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready destination that honours the past while embracing the future. With around 27 million visitors to Darling Harbour each year, the new precinct will offer even more space to relax, explore, and enjoy Sydney’s iconic waterfront.

The new public open spaces will seamlessly connect Pyrmont to the Harbour’s edge, creating a dynamic hub for living, gathering, and recreation. All plant species have been carefully selected in consultation with Indigenous cultural experts, ensuring the landscape reflects and respects the heritage of the land.

Key features include:

• Waterfront Promenade (~6,000 sqm): A beautifully landscaped public space with seating, pedestrian connections, and a waterfront place..
• Waterfront Garden (3,500 sqm): Adjacent to the historic Pyrmont Bridge, this landscaped garden offers a quiet space to for community and visitors with panoramic views across Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay.
• Inclusive Design: Universal access, interactive wayfinding, focus on the night environment to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
• Bunn Street Pedestrian Bridge and North Walk: A seamless link between Pyrmont, Harbourside, and the waterfront, encouraging active transport and enhancing the visitor experience.
• Public Art: Major public art created by nationally recognised First Nations artists, integrated into the public domain spaces.

 

Inspired by Nature, Designed for the Future

Harbourside’s design is a collaboration between Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, Australian practice Hassell, cultural design studio Djinjama, and Indigenous cultural advisor Rowena Walsh Jarrett. Drawing inspiration from the natural landforms of Sydney Harbour, the precinct blends architecture, culture, and sustainability.

Over 6,000 square metres of living rooftops will span the residential, commercial, and retail buildings, while more than 100,000 native and climate-resilient plants will be introduced — restoring biodiversity and reducing urban heat in an area previously lacking green space.

With staged completion from late 2026, this iconic precinct is set to remain a world-class destination for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.harbourside.mirvac.com.