A local and international team led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) + Andersen Hunter Horne have been selected to complete the central Barangaroo masterplan.

International architecture firms including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) were vying for the chance to provide master planning services for Barangaroo Central, after Barangaroo Delivery Authority put the call out seeking the ‘world’s best in urban planning, urban design and architecture professions’.

The Barangaroo Delivery Authority says the world-renowned team which won the job will help shape the future of Sydney through the development of a masterplan for the central portion of Barangaroo.

The 5.2 hectares site is located between the new Headland Park at the northern end of Barangaroo and the commercial mixed use area at Barangaroo South.

The successful team described its goal for the masterplan as an opportunity to deliver a rich collection of open spaces, cultural uses, offices and apartments promoting excitement and diversity through new century thinking.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrell team leader, Phillip Enquist, said “Central Barangaroo’s architecture and public places can inspire the world. It can be a place for all Sydneysiders, and a place for the world to come to experience.

“Our team is diverse, energetic and keen to collaborate with the Government and the community to create a world renowned precinct of substance and delight,” Enquist said.

The master planning team will commence work next week.

The appointment followed a national and international search.

“We have chosen a team which will ensure central Barangaroo becomes one of the world’s best places, with inspirational public places and opportunities for architectural excellence,” said CEO of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, John Tabart.

Consultation with the Sydney public and stakeholders will form a key element in the development of the master plan.

SOM will lead the urban design and planning for the project. With more than 75 years of expertise and 1,500 design awards, SOM has developed a portfolio of world renowned projects and a reputation for delivering the highest quality of service and innovation. The firm’s office is based in Chicago.

Andersen Hunter Horne is an ongoing 10-year collaboration between the three offices – renowned Danish landscape architect Jeppe Aagaard Andersen, Adam Hunter of Environmental Partnership and Mike Horne of Turf Design Studio.

Horne worked at the NSW Government Architect’s office as Design Manager to the Olympic Coordination Authority; beginning with the Master Concept Design, ending with the closing ceremony. He went onto design the Athens Olympic Village landscape and the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village landscape. He is currently designing Frasers Broadway public domain and Sydney Park redevelopment.

David Wheeldon

SOM-and-Andersen-Hunter-Horne-to-design-Barangaroo-1736089594.png

Let’s connect!