A consortium consisting of Grocon, Scentre Group and Aqualand has been announced for the development of Barangaroo Central, a major urban redevelopment project planned for the heart of Sydney’s newest innovation precinct.

Sitting between the commercial hub of Barangaroo South and the PWP Landscape-designed Barangaroo Reserve, the 5.2-hectare site will contain three hectares of public space for recreation, events and entertainment. The rest of the site will incorporate a mix of residential, retail and commercial components.

According to the Australian Financial Review, Scentre will develop the retail aspect, while Aqualand will look after the development of apartments. Grocon will oversee the development of Barangaroo Central’s office space component.

The appointment follows a lengthy delay in the deal – originally slated for confirmation last year – and a drawn-out tender process which started in 2014. Competing developers for the Barangaroo Central project included Mirvac and Barangaroo South developer, Lendlease.

The project – which has been called the final piece in the Barangaroo puzzle – is expected to be completed in 2024. Its completion will also see the opening of Wulugul Walk, a footpath that will stretch the complete two kilometres of foreshore from Walsh Bay to Darling Harbour.