Circular Quay ferry wharves makeover closer after funds secured

A facelift for Circular Quay’s ferry wharves is a step closer after the NSW Government announced it had secured a $192 million funding windfall.

An artist’s impression of a revamped Circular Quay.

A  FACELIFT for Circular Quay’s ferry wharves is a step closer after the NSW Government announced it had secured a $192 million funding windfall.

The Government has sold the rights to the ground lease rental income at ­Darling Quarter for the next 30 years, in order to fund the $200 million wharf upgrade.

Preliminary work on the proposed Circular Quay upgrade has already started.

Consultation will begin in 2017 and construction of the project (pictured right) is expected to start in 2019.

Wharves would be two-storey under the government’s plans.

Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet said millions of residents and tourists who visit Circular Quay and use the ferry wharves deserved a “world-class” experience.

“We are working hard to make our assets work for the people of NSW, and this first transaction is a huge win for our iconic harbour and the millions of people who flock to Circular Quay every year,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The ferry wharves are long overdue for a facelift, and now we have secured almost the full $200 million we promised to make them shine again.”

An impression of the Circular Quay foreshore.

Upgrades proposed for Circular Quay include double-storey wharves plus new retail facilities.

The project was announced in September 2015 by Premier Mike Baird who said the wharves were functional, but not much else.

“I think … if we are honest, we look at these wharves and say we can do much better,” Mr Baird said.