NSW Government approves $57.5m commuter ferry hub at Barangaroo
The NSW Government last week said that workers and residents will have another convenient option for travelling to and from Barangaroo after the Department of Planning and Environment approved plans for a new commuter ferry hub.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said marine construction firm McConnell Dowell has been selected to build the $57.5 million project, which is due to open in late 2016.
The project includes the construction of two ferry wharves featuring fully accessible pontoons, seated waiting areas, weather protection, real-time service information and electronic ticketing using the Opal card. A third wharf will be constructed in the future when demand increases.
According to the Department, ferries would use the hub eight times an hour during weekday peak periods and 14 times an hour all day Saturday and Sunday.
“The assessment found that this project will take pressure off ferries at Circular Quay and King Street Wharf as well as improving public transport to the western and central CBD and harbour,” a spokesperson said.
The ferry hub will also link commuters to the new underground railway station at Barangaroo as part of the Sydney Metro, recently announced by the government.
The project is expected to generate up to 60 jobs during construction and 18 jobs during operation.
The Department of Planning and Environment received 31 submissions during the community feedback phase. The feedback resulted in conditions to manage impacts such as noise, urban design and vessel movements.
The Barangaroo Ferry Hub is one of three projects being delivered in the area, with work continuing on Wynyard Walk and the Wynyard Station upgrade.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 07 September, 2015