The bold plan to transform Sydney’s White Bay

The NSW state government is hoping to turn a derelict stretch of the inner harbour into a thriving waterfront precinct, in what would be one of the biggest urban renewal projects in the world.

The 5.5km of shorefront in the inner harbour precinct includes White Bay, Glebe Island, Rozelle and Blackwattle Bay, and is almost entirely abandoned and wasted.

Currently, the area is a reminder of the city’s industrial and maritime past, a far cry from the glittering Sydney Harbour around the corner.

Announcing the plans today, Premier Mike Baird acknowledged much work was to be done.

“I’d describe it at the moment as an urban wasteland, right next door to the world’s greatest harbour,” Mr Baird said.

The plans take inspiration from great cities around the world.

In a nod to Tokyo, the Blackwattle Bay fish markets may make way for a promenade and fresh food markets, while the power station White Bay is earmarked for Sydney’s answer to the fabled Tate Modern gallery in London.

Rozelle Bay is slated to be transformed with apartments, parks and a vertical school.

Whether the state-owned land is to be sold off or kept in public hands is yet to be decided.

A summit will be held later in the year gathering the best minds in architecture and urban planning from home and abroad.