rogers stirk harbour and partners: barangaroo hotel

‘barangaroo hotel’

the winning proposal for sydney’s biggest hotel more than 100 metres out over the harbour has sparked a heated debate amongst the local community. while no developer has been allowed construction out over the water before, the proposal put forth by british architect richard rogers aims to embark on this untouched territory and, in doing so, help redevelop the area of east darling harbour.

some argue that it breaches the height and density restrictions for the area it is set to be constructed in, as well as bypasses sydney’s ban on building over water. meanwhile, rogers has pointed out that proposed design will benefit the currently ‘non functional’ old container wharves at east darling harbour.

‘there’s no reason why, in the 21st century, we should not build lightly – we have to tread very lightly – out into the water.’- RR

the hotel sitting on a 150 meter long pier aims to provide a different view of the habour with a better oversight of the opera house. moreover, the construction of the wharf, according to sydney’s premier kristina keneally, would also improve access to the habour for visitors of barangaroo. however, for some it is questionable whether the hotel may just be a newer version of the ‘blues point tower’, a widely criticized apartment tower at mcmahons point.

aerial view of the east darling harbour with extended pier

aerial view of the east darling harbour

a model of the proposed hotel at barangaroo image © brendan esposito

to encourage debate about the site, the barangaroo delivery authority hosted a public meeting last night with lord rogers and the former prime minister paul keating, arguing the merits of the scheme.