By Megan Gorrey
It was touted as Sydney’s version of Salamanca Place in Hobart – a slab of waterfront land, sandwiched between historic sandstone buildings and the vast harbour, and buzzing with visitors to outdoor cafes and markets.
But more than two years after the former Coalition government signalled part of the Moore’s Wharf and Stores complex at Millers Point would be transformed into a new public space next to Barangaroo’s swim hole, the site remains a car park for the Port Authority of NSW marine operations base and emergency response crews.
The state government wanted part of the Port Authority of NSW car park sliced off to expand public access to the foreshore next to Marrinawi Cove.Credit: Sam Mooy
Sydney MP Alex Greenwich is among those pushing for the site to be revitalised after residents and visitors voiced support for an outdoor cafe, pop-up food trucks, coffee carts and markets, on the edge of Marrinawi Cove.
“This gated-up car park has the best direct harbour view in Sydney, and I’d prefer it was enjoyed by families swimming, rather than parked utes,” Greenwich said.
In the latest battle over the use of land on Sydney’s foreshore, the Port Authority of NSW says the Moore’s Wharf building and pontoon area are crucial to support safe shipping and enable a rapid response to mishaps and pollution on Australia’s busiest harbour, as well as allowing for the mooring of its vessel fleet.
Former Coalition cities minister Rob Stokes trumpeted plans to turn a portion of the fenced-off car park into a public space days before the then-Perrottet administration lost the state election in March 2023.
Citing the “raging success” of Marrinawi Cove, which had opened earlier that year, Stokes said the $5 million overhaul would provide swimmers with extra shade and more “space to relax after a dip”.
“This could be Sydney’s answer to Salamanca Markets, a new public space on the water’s edge where people can enjoy weekend markets, or have a place to drop their towel before going for a dip in the harbour pool at Marrinawi Cove,” Stokes said as he announced the overhaul at the time.
Those plans have not eventuated. The Labor state government last month said the cove would close for three months to allow for safety upgrades, construction of new facilities, and an expansion of the swimming area.
A spokeswoman for the government’s development arm, Infrastructure NSW, said it was “currently working with the Port Authority of NSW to investigate the potential to expand the public space at Marrinawi Cove into part of the adjacent Moore’s Wharf car park area”.
Thousands of swimmers flock to the cove in summer – but the leisure space is largely limited to the sandstone blocks around the water.Credit: NSW government
A Port Authority spokesman said staff were working on improving facilities at the cove “while ensuring we maintain adequate arrangements for critical operational shift working staff who work 24/7, 365 days a year”.
The Moore’s Wharf warehouse was built from locally quarried sandstone and completed nearby in 1837. It was later dismantled and rebuilt at its current location in 1980.
Millers Point Residents Action Group spokeswoman Yasmina Bonnet said: “Three years ago, swimming in this spot was banned.
“Now, thousands of swimmers enjoy Marrinawi Cove every weekend during summer, so this additional recreation space to connect with the harbour, family and friends would be very welcome.”
The Port Authority of NSW argues the complex is crucial to guard safety and ensure a rapid response to emergencies.Credit: Sam Mooy
Infrastructure NSW said the upgrades to the cove, where construction started last month, would provide improved amenities in response to community feedback.
The overhaul includes a new decking platform and non-slip stairs to provide swimmers with safer access to the water.
Some of the large sandstone blocks around the cove will be relocated to provide extra space.
There will also be a new outdoor shower, an expanded swimming area with a realigned shark net, and a depth marker to improve safety. The swimming hole is expected to reopen by mid-December.
The cove, at the north-east corner of Barangaroo Reserve, became the first new harbour swim site to open west of the bridge in 50 years when a ban on swimming at the spot was lifted in 2023.
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