Latest news with #Barangaroo
The Guardian
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
‘Legacy-making' Sydney metro stations take out top prize in NSW Architecture awards
Sydney's recently opened network of city metro stations have taken out one of the top prizes at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2025 NSW Architecture awards, announced on Friday night. Dozens of Australian architecture firms, engineering companies, landscape designers and public art experts shared in the 2025 NSW architecture medallion for their work on the Central, Barangaroo, Gadigal, Victoria Cross, Martin Place, Waterloo, Sydenham and Crows Nest stations in what the judges hailed as a 'legacy-making' and 'city-shaping' cross-sector collaboration. 'The project is transformative, not just in transport terms but in how it redefines civic experience in Sydney,' the judges' citation said. 'This is infrastructure that supports not just movement, but social and cultural connection as a catalyst for future development and change. It demonstrates the far-reaching impact architects can have on shaping public life and delivering tangible benefit to society and the environment.' More than 130 NSW projects were shortlisted for the awards, with the first building constructed for the new city of Bradfield and the surrounding area of Aerotropolis – the site of Sydney's future second international airport – collecting the Premier's prize. Hassell's First Building – the first stage of an advanced manufacturing readiness facility – is a prefabricated timber pavilion that can be disassembled, expanded or relocated for future use. 'A new city requires a big dream … it's incredibly exciting to see that dream taking shape here in Bradfield,' the premier, Chris Minns, said of the Hassell design. 'The way this building plays with natural light, the way it sits at home in the landscape, it's incredible attention to detail, it's craftsmanship – not to mention the innovation and progress that will happen here. In short, it's a beautiful place.' GroupGSA's restoration of a collection of early 20th-century industrial buildings in Rosebery won the Lord Mayor's prize – restricted to projects within the City of Sydney – for the project's imaginative commitment to heritage, sustainability and urban vitality. The brick factories and industrial sheds, constructed between 1921 and 1940, and the neighbouring textile mills have been unified into a single precinct, connected by a central pedestrian spine that knits tenant spaces, showrooms and retail outlets together and presents a freshly energised street front for passersby. 'This is not capital-A architecture,' the judges said. '[It is] the result of extraordinarily skilful handling – in patching, opening up and scrapping back found fabric – creating an interesting, cohesive experience for workers, visitors and the neighbourhood.' 'Like a trifle made to a cook's whim' was how judges described BVN's Yarrila Place, in Coffs Harbour, which won the Sulman medal for public architecture. The new civic and cultural space in the north coast town emerges from the ground with a solid brick base before giving way to deep green ceramic panes, curved and glazed like leaves of the enormous fig tree the building is anchored to. 'BVN have taken all the ingredients of a civic hub – library, gallery, museum, makerspace, civic offices and chambers, and more – and layered them with deliberate unpredictability,' the judges said. 'Proportions, adjacencies and stackings defy conventions.' Heritage work was acknowledged with Design 5's massive remodelling of the White Bay power station, which collected the Greenway award for heritage, while the conservation award was won by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Purcell Architecture for its research-led, methodical and careful approach to restoring Australia's oldest building in continuous use, the NSW Parliament House in Sydney. The Colorbond award for steel architecture went to a residential house in Leura. Marra+Yeh Architects' Eco-House, set in a rare hanging swamp, was praised for its holistic and deeply thoughtful approach to sustainable architecture. The house's roof design deflects prevailing winds and captures water for reuse in bushfire defence and irrigation, while its interior configuration is season adaptable, ensuring comfort and minimal energy use year round. BVN collected another award in the residential category for its transformation of a typical suburban block of land in Byron Bay into a dwelling christened the Lighthouse, which seamlessly blends interior with exterior with an open, central garden forming both the entry and heart of the home. Also in the residential category, Casey Brown Architecture was recognised for its major interior remodelling of Babylon, architect Edwin Kingsberry's eccentric 1950s residence perched on the ridge dividing Pittwater and Avalon. Its new interior was 'full of contradictions – ramshackle and refined, rich and restrained,' judges said. The final result was a highly original interior that was 'unexpected, joyful, and completely unique'. Among the dozens of other winners, of particular note were AJC Architects' win in the Enduring Architecture category for its Moore Park Gardens residential project in Sydney and Tzannes' 39 Martin Place, which won the Sir Arthur G Stephenson award for commercial architecture. Wardle's handsome industrial park of the future design, Bourke & Bowden, situated in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Alexandria, was also recognised in the commercial category. The Australian Institute of Architects' NSW president, Elizabeth Carpenter, said in a statement the 2025 winners highlighted a profession that was 'not only responding to urgent challenges, but leading with integrity, innovation and care'. 'The awarded projects are powerful reminders that architecture is both an art and a responsibility – one that connects communities, strengthens cultural understanding, and shapes more sustainable and inclusive futures,' she said.
Daily Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
James Packer adviser tipped to be $80m penthouse buyer
James Packer adviser Lawrence Myers is tipped to be the mystery circa $80m buyer of Crown's penthouse at Barangaroo. Myers, who is the chief executive of Packer's family office Consolidated Press Holdings, and his wife, Sylvia, currently have their Rose Bay mansion listed with hopes above $90m. The Agency's Steven Chen, who sold the penthouse and is the co-agent for the luxury Bayview Hill mansion, has been contacted for comment. And according to multiple sources, Myers, who took up the Consolidated Press role two years ago, has negotiated a deal to eventually move into the luxury penthouse, which will sit 32 floors above Packer's luxury two-level apartment. MORE: Security guard sells $4m lottery win The sources differ on the price Myers is paying, with the amounts ranging between $70m and just under $80m. The Wentworth Courier last week broke the news that the buyer of the 849sqm six-bedroom penthouse, on levels 81 and 82 of the Barangaroo tower was rumoured to be from Sydney's east. Designed by Meyer Davis, the penthouse includes a small pool with balcony. All up there are four balconies, with views to Darling Harbour, North Sydney, the heart of the CBD and the iconic harbour. Other features include a gym, wine cellar for 300 bottles, a butler's pantry, two guest bedrooms, a separate entrance for nannies and chefs and a wet bar. The panoramic views, taking in the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, can never be built out. Although one of Sydney's best apartments, it's understood James Packer's double storey apartment on levels 48 and 49 of Crown — which cost $72m — is even more impressive. 'Packer's is just spectacular, with more than 1000 sqm of space and two designers have worked on the interiors,' one source said. The Myers family's Rose Bay home, listed with both Chen and Pillinger chief Brad Pillinger, is also spectacular. On a 1039sqm block, the grand property, designed by David Walker and Peter Janks, has incredible views of the Harbour Bridge from nearly every room — even the bathtub and gym. There's also an incredible wet-edge pool with spa and cabana. The 1,100 sqm of internal space flowing to the outdoors can host parties of more than 200 guests and an executive office on the entry level is big enough for boardroom-scale meetings. There's a 10-seat cinema, games room on the lower ground level. And there are four bedroom suites, with three of them opening to balconies facing the harbour. The house, in the name of Sylvia Myers, was bought from billionaire businessman Brett Blundy in 2018, title records show. No price is indicated, though reports at the time put it in the $43m-$45m range. It adjoins a harbourside pathway to Queens Beach and there's an eight car garage with a turning circle. The current Rose Bay record is $55m for a Bruce Stafford-designed six-bedroom residence at 12 Dumaresq Rd, which sold in February.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
James Packer adviser tipped to be $80m penthouse buyer
James Packer adviser Lawrence Myers is tipped to be the mystery circa $80m buyer of Crown's penthouse at Barangaroo. Myers, who is the chief executive of Packer's family office Consolidated Press Holdings, and his wife, Sylvia, currently have their Rose Bay mansion listed with hopes above $90m. The Agency's Steven Chen, who sold the penthouse and is the co-agent for the luxury Bayview Hill mansion, has been contacted for comment. And according to multiple sources, Myers, who took up the Consolidated Press role two years ago, has negotiated a deal to eventually move into the luxury penthouse, which will sit 32 floors above Packer's luxury two-level apartment. The sources differ on the price Myers is paying, with the amounts ranging between $70m and just under $80m. The Wentworth Courier last week broke the news that the buyer of the 849sqm six-beroom penthouse, on levels 81 and 82 of the Barangaroo tower was rumoured to be from Sydney's east. Designed by Meyer Davis, the penthouse includes a small pool with balcony. All up there are four balconies, with views to Darling Harbour, North Sydney, the heart of the CBD and the iconic harbour. Other features include a gym, wine cellar for 300 bottles, a butler's pantry, two guest bedrooms, a separate entrance for nannies and chefs and a wet bar. The panoramic views, taking in the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, can never be built out. Although one of Sydney's best apartments, it's understood James Packer's double storey apartment on levels 48 and 49 of Crown — which cost $72m — is even more impressive. 'Packer's is just spectacular, with more than 1000 sqm of space and two designers have worked on the interiors,' one source said. The Myers family's Rose Bay home, listed with both Chen and Pillinger chief Brad Pillinger, is also spectacular. On a 1039sqm block, the grand property, designed by David Walker and Peter Janks, has incredible views of the Harbour Bridge from nearly every room — even the bathtub and gym. There's also an incredible wet-edge pool with spa and cabana. The 1,100 sqm of internal space flowing to the outdoors can host parties of more than 200 guests and an executive office on the entry level is big enough for boardroom-scale meetings. There's a 10-seat cinema, games room on the lower ground level. And there are four bedroom suites, with three of them opening to balconies facing the harbour. The house, in the name of Sylvia Myers, was bought from billionaire businessman Brett Blundy in 2018, title records show. No price is indicated, though reports at the time put it in the $43m-$45m range. It adjoins a harbourside pathway to Queens Beach and there's an eight car garage with a turning circle. The current Rose Bay record is $55m for a Bruce Stafford-designed six-bedroom residence at 12 Dumaresq Rd, which sold in February.
The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Stephen Page: ‘Am I old? Am I not old? Can I still create?'
Stephen Page stands wrapped in scarf and beanie against the morning winter chill at Sydney's Marrinawi (big canoe) cove, at the northern end of Barangaroo reserve. 'This mouth of water, one of the biggest in the world, it's an operatic landscape and it was so inspirational,' he says. As he looks past the sculpted sandstone across the harbour, the acclaimed choreographer recollects the Eora nation stories that prompted some of his best-known dance works during his 31 years as artistic director of the Sydney-based Bangarra Dance Theatre. There was, for instance, Patyegarang, in 2014, about the Cammeraygal teenager who taught the English astronomer William Dawes her language; and Bennelong, in 2017, about the Wangal man who developed a close bond with the New South Wales governor Arthur Phillip but died addicted to alcohol. Set to turn 60 this December, Page is relaxed these days, and makes an excellent walking companion as we stroll past the Sydney red gums and coastal banksias. Having offered a hearty hug upon our meeting, he leans in along this waterside walk named Wulugul (kingfish), laughing often. By contrast, in his final years before departing Bangarra in 2022, he drove himself hard. Leaving Bangarra was 'bittersweet', he recalls, 'because I was dealing with the grieving of stepping down from that'. But while he was saying goodbye to the company he had devoted most of his adult life to, he was also pushing through grief after the sudden death in 2016 of his older brother David Page, Bangarra's longtime music director and composer. Three Page brothers had each been a key part of the company: Stephen, David and Russell, a charismatic dancer who died by suicide in 2002, aged 34. By the time Stephen stepped away, he was the last of the brothers left at Bangarra, even as he built a clan of dancers around him. It magnified his sense of loss. 'David and Russell would always be quite vivid images and visions in my memory. David's music is always in our mind.' Page talks readily about David, with an awe. It all comes back to when they were kids, the solidarity of growing up with little money in a family of 12 children who loved pop culture and musicals, putting on concerts in their back yard in the working-class Brisbane suburb of Mount Gravatt. The enigmatic David, who had a brief career as the child pop star Little Davey Page, would turn the rotary clothesline into a merry-go-round, and film them all with a Super8 camera. The children would dress up as the Jackson Five and perform to neighbours on their laundry roof. It was their playground, and their training ground. Page recalls that the family bond was deeper and stronger than any material absence: 'When there was struggling, when there was no food, when they couldn't pay bills, it was about telling stories and humour and performance. David and I and Russell, we digested that creative instinct to carry it through into our professional lives.' Page laughs at the memory of some of the play the three brothers had in rehearsing together over the years. They had found a creative haven together, he says. 'We would talk about the spirit of story constantly, and it was always about the emotional [aspects] and the psychology for us.' It took Page more than a year after leaving Bangarra to feel like his old self. 'I had time to think. I had to see my good old therapist, because I was like, 'What's going on?' They're like, 'Stephen, you're grieving, you're leaving something after 31 years'.' Page is far from retired, 'creating better than I ever have', he reflects, as we pass hard-hatted workers drilling at the Cutaway, the large below-ground sandstone venue being turned into a gallery and events hall (but not an Indigenous cultural centre as earlier mooted). Page says David's 'spirit and energy has inspired' his newest works. He feels 'cleansed' through these latest stories. His first major post-Bangarra work is Baleen Moondjan, a story of grief, love and kinship, which opened the 2024 Adelaide festival on Glenelg beach, and will now be adapted for performance on a barge for the Brisbane festival this September. Page says his late mother, Doreen, would have loved this story being staged close to where she raised her family. The song and dance cycle will feature giant replica whale bones, a totem figure for Doreen's Nunukul/Ngugi saltwater maternal line from Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island). His mother had been forbidden by her English/Irish father from acknowledging her Aboriginality: he told her instead to say she was Indian. The whale story is based on cultural knowledge passed on by Doreen's older sister, Auntie Joyce, after their own mother died. 'I wanted to use the metaphor of the whale as a sense of empowerment and strength that sits within my mother's matriarchal kinship system,' Page says. 'It's about continuing the spirit of stories. I thought, 'Mum, I'm going to give you a gift, and David, your spirit is going to help me create Baleen Moondjan'.' It follows Page's final work for Bangarra, Wudjang: Not the Past, in 2022, an ode to his late father, Roy, a Munaldjali bushman from the Yugambeh nation, who during his childhood was forbidden from speaking his language. Page's parents nonetheless both became great storytellers who instilled a respect for Country in their large brood. Roy died in 2010 and Doreen in 2018. Both productions honouring their parents essentially began with David's legacy: a three-minute recording uncovered in the late composer's office based on a song Roy had given him in his own Yugambeh language, which he spoke on his deathbed, as well as notations written in Jandai, the traditional language of their mother. Page in the past has spoken of the challenge of living in two worlds, of being denied a traditional language because he has come from 'a forbidden generation, an assimilated generation'. Page once recalled Roy using the term 'whispering language' because Stephen's grandmother could only whisper their language to Roy at night. Loss is profound throughout the family, thus dance and what Page calls his 'blackfella operas' became a medicine, a means of reconnection. 'Mum's last years, she didn't have quality of life, she didn't speak,' Page recalls. 'She was at Georgina Hostel, a First Nations old age home. She had dementia, Alzheimer's. 'The night before David passed, late at night, she was wailing, making these noises, and the nurses told my sister the next day. They were like, 'We haven't heard her talk or make a sound for 18 months'. I think she knew [David was passing away], and that always stayed with me.' Page's renewal and cleansing has been aided by his son, actor and writer Hunter Page-Lochard, 32, who founded the production company Djali House, for which father and son are billed as co-directors, although Page insists Hunter is his 'boss'. One gets the impression he enjoys working with his son so much because it reminds him of the creative energy of working with David and Russell: wherever the urban mob is, that's his creative home. The pair have four development projects on their slate, including an imminent adaptation of David's one-man autobiographical play, Page 8, into a narrative feature film with the working title of Songman. 'It's been really beautiful to work with Hunter, and also to see the first [full-length feature] story that we birth through Djali House is our story, through the lens of David's life,' says Page. The generations continue to unfold. Page, who also has a stepdaughter, Tanika, glows when asked about Page-Lochard's two daughters, Mila, 6, and Evara, 3. 'It just makes this crazy world and life worth living for,' he says of becoming a grandfather. 'The combination of that, going through and reflecting the Bangarra chapter of my life, and then finding a sacred stability, of feeling recharged and reawakened for the next chapter. 'You go, am I old? Am I not old? Can I still create? But the reason Hunter started Djali House is we have imagination, we have creativity, we have vision. We love stories. Walking with Page, there's a sense he is seizing the moment, surveying the Country and water before us for the next story, plugging into youthful energy. But that was how it always was with the big Page mob. 'I've always started with a blank canvas for my work. David would jump on, and with our creative clan we'd just paint the story and bring it to life.' Baleen Moondjan is at Queen's Wharf, Brisbane festival, September 18-21
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Casino giant slapped down in latest push to install pokies as machine profits hit all-time high of $8 billion
Australia's largest casino group will not be permitted to run pokies as fallout continues from a damning report into a major poker machine regulator. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Friday ruled out legislation to allow Crown's Sydney casino to install poker machines. It followed reports the gaming giant was lobbying MPs to overcome the legal obstacle as their licence does not permit pokies. 'This is a legislative imposition that's been put in place in the state for over a decade,' the premier said. 'It would require a bill, presumably, from the government, to knock over that restriction, and I'm not going to do it.' The government did not indicate its position if a non-government MP tried to move legislation supporting Crown's position. But there is no suggestion any MP would make that move. Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said allowing pokies in Crown's waterfront casino at Barangaroo would betray the community's agreement to give away public land for a restricted gaming facility without poker machines. Gaming tables at the towering complex opened a year late in 2022 after an inquiry found Crown was not fit to operate a casino, forcing it into three years of remediation. 'With gambling harm on the rise, we need less venues with large poker machine floors, not new ones right on the harbour,' Greenwich said. He referenced a NSW auditor-general report released on Thursday that found regulators were failing in harm-minimisation efforts. The report also found licence conditions were not being pro-actively reviewed and little was done to force pokie venues to take meaningful actions when problem gambling was noticed. Poker machine numbers have increased under the state Labor government, with NSW having half of all Australian pokies in 2022/23. Profits from the machines hit all-time highs of $8.4 billion in the 2023/24 financial year. That delivered $2.3 billion in tax revenue, a figure tipped to hit $2.9 billion by 2027/28. Gambling reform advocates found the report unsurprising and lamented government inaction in the reform space. An independent panel in 2024 recommended mandatory cashless gaming be introduced state-wide, but the government has not followed through. 'This inaction privileges the special pleading of a harmful and predatory industry over and above the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW,' Wesley Mission chief executive Reverend Stu Cameron said.
