Overseas cities show how Sydney can save Glebe Island port

Major cities around the world have successfully integrated residential developments around harbourfront industrial zones. Protectors of Sydney’s Glebe Island port say the Minns Government needs to follow suit.

Industry leaders fighting to save Glebe Island port say it can survive if the NSW Government copies bold planning decisions embraced by some of the world’s leading harbour front cities.

The Working Port Coalition has written to Premier Chris Minns and key Ministers claiming Sydney’s vital maritime hub has potential to co-exist with surrounding residential developments, citing urban design examples from London, New York and Rotterdam.

The state government continues to have the future of Glebe Island under review, including an option to shut down Sydney Harbour’s last working port to make way for high-rise apartments near a planned Bays Metro station to open in 2032.

The Metro West network running between the CBD and Parramatta will include a station at The Bays, near Glebe Island, which would be handy for residents.

But in a letter to government, the Coalition argues “there would be support for a hybrid model” that could satisfy the state’s objectives for housing around transport centres without compromising key industrial and event operations that rely on the port.

A source speaking on condition of anonymity told The Daily Telegraph: “You could leave Glebe Island as is and have a residential focus on adjacent Rozelle Bay. It has an existing marina that could be retained then have high-priced apartments on the waterfront and more affordable stock in behind.”

The Coalition submitted with the letter a 10-page report summarising a high-level summit attended by its 25 member organisations – and government department officials – in late March.

Operations Lead Olufemi Adeyemi at the top of Glebe Island cement silos. Picture: Thomas Lisson

While not explicit on where residential precincts might be developed in relation to Glebe Island, the report said: “A hybrid model could be a viable option with rigorous planning, adequate buffers, no curfews, and governance safeguards.”

The Coalition also referenced approved mixed-use and residential developments around overseas ports, saying: “Examples from the UK and globally illustrate how working ports can successfully co-exist with cities. Ports are not only commercial assets but also strategic economic enablers.”

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou, the acting spokesman for the Coalition, told The Daily Telegraph: “The Coalition strongly advocates for a smart, hybrid solution.

“One that protects existing industrial operations while preserving critical capacity for major event staging including New Year’s Eve fireworks, Vivid Sydney and Sail GP.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said a world class integrated port precinct for both housing and industry would work well in Sydney. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“Around the world, forward-thinking cities have successfully designed integrated port precincts for industry and housing. Sydney deserves no less.

“We urge the government to lead with vision by commissioning an architectural design competition that challenges the brightest minds to deliver innovative, hybrid outcomes.

“This is a rare opportunity to meet pressing housing needs while safeguarding the last remaining elements of Sydney’s working harbour – an irreplaceable asset that defines our city’s character, economy and global reputation.”

The Daily Telegraph has seen a 2016 report from an overseas study tour undertaken by Duncan Gay, then NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, who visited Cringle Dock in London during an eight-day trip.

Major cities around the world have successfully integrated residential developments around harbourfront industrial zones. Picture: Supplied

“The Cringle Dock Redevelopment is a proposed mixed use port/residential development site on the south side of the Thames River near Battersea Power Station,” the report read.

“The project includes … residential buildings (up to 422 units including affordable housing). It is at a very early stage of development, but may have relevance for the Bays Precinct redevelopment.”

Glebe Island was also mentioned in correspondence between the Port Authority of NSW and the Independent Planning Commission in 2021.

A Port Authority official told the IPC in an email how “the retention of Glebe Island and White Bay as a working port is consistent with the State Infrastructure Strategy”.

A NSW Government spokesman said a review of the Bays Port precinct was underway “including its future as a working port, which has involved extensive consultation with stakeholders”.

“This is a complex set of considerations and no decisions have been finalised at this stage,” the spokesman said.

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Originally published as Overseas cities show how Sydney can save Glebe Island port