First look at waterfront Pier Pavilion at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo

A new iconic landmark, commissioned by the state government, on Sydney Harbour has hit a major milestone with work starting on an “oasis in the heart” of the Barangaroo. See the vision.

Artist impression of the stunning Pier Pavilion at Watermans Cove in Barangaroo. It will take 12 months to be completed.

A new iconic landmark, commissioned by the state government, on Sydney Harbour has hit a major milestone with work starting on an “oasis in the heart” of the Barangaroo.

A national design competition for the Pier Pavilion at Watermans Cove was won by Besley & Spencer in 2020 with the design celebrating land, sea and sky.

The design for the state government project was chosen for its usability and inclusivity, timeless appeal, and relationship to its surroundings.

Its key features include a landscaped green roof covered with native plant species to attract wildlife, 86 columns around the perimeter of the pavilion and through the curved bench area.

It will also feature an 18-metre long seat for sitting and relaxing and it is set to become Sydney’s newest public space where people can meet and gather or attend events by water, beside the bustling Barangaroo restaurants.

Lands and property minister Steve Kamper at the construction site.

Work has started on the 12-month construction of the Pier Pavilion at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo.

Situated on the waterfront at Watermans Cove, the pavilion is part of the precinct’s vision to ensure more than half of Barangaroo is high quality, accessible public space, and will host weddings, markets among other events.

The contract for the pavilion’s construction was awarded to Australian-owned Stephen Edwards Constructions and is expected to take 12 months for completion.

Lands and property minister Steve Kamper said he was “excited” to see work begin on the “spectacular pavilion”.

“[It] is set to become an iconic landmark by the water for gathering, and an oasis in the heart of Barangaroo,” he said.

Artist impression of the harbourside pavilion.

The project will feature 86 columns around the perimeter of the pavilion.

The pavilion will include an 18-metre long seat for sitting and relaxing.

“The new Pier Pavilion is the latest piece in the Barangaroo precinct, and a stunning addition to the world-class architecture of Barangaroo and the continuous foreshore walk from Woolloomooloo to Pyrmont.”

Mr Kamper said the pavilion will be open all year for people gather and relax on Sydney’s harbourside and it will be used for a broad range of programmed events to “strengthen” Barangaroo’s position as a world-class destination.

The design competition’s winner, Jessica Spresser was “honoured” to be a part of the project alongside Peter Besley and she echoed Mr Kamper’s excitement to see construction start.

“The pavilion is designed as a democratic gathering space under a landscape canopy and will act as a meeting place, a site for events, a memorable part of the city, and an oasis of tranquillity,” she said.