Barangaroo is glowing up. Back in February, the plans to develop an un-used stretch of land on Barangaroo foreshore were granted official approval – with the previously neglected corner of the city reportedly on track to become a “dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub”. The major plans to transform the foreshore are currently on display for public consultation, with work expected to take a few years to complete. Can’t wait? No worries. A huge public pavilion has just opened at Watermans Cove, and we’re calling it: it’s topping our list of Sydney’s most architecturally stunning picnic spots.
Designed by architects Besley and Spresser to “celebrate the connection between land, sky and sea”, the soft, organic design is clad in custom-made ‘oyster terrazzo’ made from recycled Sydney rock oyster shells (450,000 in total) and Australian Marble chip. The tall, landscaped garden roof (formed with 2,500 native and drought-tolerant plants, and designed to attract native insects and birds) features a 7-metre round open oculus that floods the space with a circle of natural light. Beneath the pillars, you’ll find fully accessible round and double-sided seating – with its west-facing aspect making it the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the water.
As an open public space, the pavilion is open year round, 24 hours a day – Barangaroo office workers, welcome to your lunchtime upgrade.
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