New pavilion at Sydney’s Barangaroo to be made from oyster shell concrete

Sydney’s most famous white waterfront icon may have some competition after the next big thing for the harbour was unveiled.

Move over monoliths, there’s a new kid on the block.

The Pier Pavilion, featuring 123 towering columns of concrete ground from local oyster shells, is coming to Sydney’s Barangaroo harbourside precinct in 2022.

The winning design was picked from 172 entries nationwide and announced on Tuesday.

By emerging Brisbane architect Jessica Spresser, in conjunction with architect Peter Besley and Arup, it features a green rooftop garden and columns built from white “oyster concrete”.

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The winning design. Picture: NSW Government

“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,” Ms Spresser said.

She was “incredibly honoured” to win, adding it means “a great deal” as a young architect.

It has 123 columns. Picture: NSW Government

Made from a white concrete using oyster shells. Picture: NSW Government

The site is in Watermans Cove. Picture: NSW Government

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The NSW Government said the design is “set to become an iconic landmark” at Watermans Cove, adjacent to the six-star Crown Resorts hotel skyscraper.

It was selected from five finalists for its “timeless appeal and relationship to its surroundings”, beating three Sydney opponents and one from Melbourne.

The cost is capped at $10 million and will be funded from developer contributions, with Infrastructure NSW to refine the design before lodging a construction development application.

View from the water at night. Picture: NSW Government

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the winning masterpiece was “an elegant Australian design” with a nod to Ancient Greek temples.

“Jessica’s design is sophisticated and iconic, celebrating the natural elements of land, sea and sky that compose the site,” he said.

The site location. Picture: NSW Government

The minister said it will be open year-round within the 22-hectare Barangaroo waterfront precinct and used for a range of programmed events, including as a centrepiece for the annual Vivid festival.

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