The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Trust has unveiled a draft concept of its plan to revitalize the World Heritage listed Cockatoo Island.
The draft vision follows an independent review commissioned by the federal environment minister in 2020 and draws from the complex and layered history of the 18-hectare island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, as well as the ideas and ambitions generated from community consultation.
The concept includes the creation of eight distinct precincts on the island, including a creative precinct for the arts, performances, exhibitions and events, a tidal terrace, a harbour boardwalk, a campground and improved visitor experience of the convict-era buildings.
A spokesperson for the Harbour Trust told ArchitectureAU, “The Harbour Trust has worked with a design team to refine the aspirations of the community, weave through a First Nations narrative and shape this Draft Concept Vision. Harbour Trust partners consisted of Turf Design, Breathe Architecture, Cox Inall Ridgeway and Hatch Roberts Day.”
The Harbour Trust’s draft vision for Cockatoo Island.
“We want to create a truly special destination for both Sydneysiders and all visitors – a destination that acknowledges the historic significance of Cockatoo Island for First Nations Peoples, and its important role in the history of modern Australia, from our convict and colonial past to our industrial and military history,” said Joseph Carrozzi, Chair of the Harbour Trust.
Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also known as Wareamah by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, it remains a place of significance to the First Nations peoples of Sydney and is believed to be a sacred women’s place. The Harbour Trust is continuing to consult with First Nations peoples on the future of Wareamah.
In the 2020 review, a group of philanthropists made a submission calling for the island to be transformed into a “world class arts and culture destination,” inspired by Naoshima, one of the art islands in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan.
The group were aided by experts including architects Dillon Kombumerri and Alec Tzannes.
The Harbour Trust is seeking community feedback on its draft concept.
