The shortlisted teams, announced on Tuesday after 165 entires, include Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, who transformed London's Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern; Danish firm Cobe, which is leading Copenhagen's Nordhavn master plan; and British practice Allies and Morrison, part of the team behind King's Cross Central. Australian firms such as Bates Smart, BVN, Lahznimmo, and Gallary Studio are also on the list.
New South Wales government architect Abbie Galvin said the teams brought experience in delivering some of the world's most significant urban renewal projects. 'We look forward to seeing how they respond to this remarkable harbourfront site and the opportunities it presents to create a vibrant, sustainable and connected neighbourhood for future generations,' she said.
The winning scheme and all shortlisted submissions will be exhibited publicly in early 2027. The government will then select a team to prepare an urban framework identifying street structures, open spaces, and building heights. That team will continue to advise as development proceeds.
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper called the project a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to transform the working harbour. Bulk port operations will be shifted from Glebe Island by 2030, and the Bays West metro station is due to open in 2032. A minimum of 10 per cent of homes will be affordable or essential worker housing.
Galvin acknowledged 'lessons learnt' from the divisive Barangaroo redevelopment, which was also the subject of a design competition before the winning vision was abandoned. She said Bays West would emphasiese residential, public and cultural facilities rather than the commercial orientation of Barangaroo.