Walsh Bay Arts Precinct transformation
It takes a mighty village to successfully deliver a project of this scale. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects are the master strategists who envisioned the wharves' transformation. Richard Crookes Constructions turned an empty wool store into a cutting-edge performing arts and events space at Pier 2/3. Hassell Studio led Sydney Theatre Company's upgrade at Wharf 4/5.
Interiors
The mission of the interior transformation was clear: honour and preserve the unique heritage of Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 while propelling them into the future. The existing heritage elements and structures were safeguarded while significant remediation works were undertaken to repair and preserve the space.
The transformation, executed within the constraints of heritage guidelines, included:
- structural alterations and fire engineering upgrades to fortify the precinct
- detailed internal fit-outs creating purpose-built artistic spaces
- acoustic strategies tailored for each space
- vibration isolation added to floors, ceilings and wall partitions, creating sonic sanctuaries
- sections of roof raised to accommodate performance and technical equipment
- original timber flooring conserved and salvaged, honouring heritage protocols
- new brushbox and ironbark timber flooring incorporated, distinguishable from the original in line with the Burra Charter
- crown-cut, book-matched Queensland maple veneer adorning key performance spaces
- energy-efficient LED lighting installed, bringing vivid life to timbers, props, and costumes
Emphasising history, accessibility & acoustics
Over two years, Pier 2/3 now home to Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare, underwent a titanic transformation, including:
- raising parts of the roof, creating a cathedral to house state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
- installing retractable seating banks, creating flexible performance spaces that adapt to the needs of each performance
- adorning key spaces with Queensland maple veneer, its fiddleback figure echoing the sounds of traditional wooden instruments played by the Australian Chamber Orchestra
- imprinting braille text onto the veneer panels - a staggering 100,000 indentations hand-routed – featuring tactile musical legends
Wharf 4/5 renewal
Wharf 4/5 had not been upgraded since 1986 and was no longer fit-for-purpose. Its renovation included:
- strategic demolition of internal structures, preserving significant heritage elements
- integration of state-of-the-art technical systems
- upgraded theatre, recording, and educational facilities
- retractable seating banks to meet the demands of each performance
- elevated roof sections, accommodating lighting and sound catwalks and granting the power to produce and assemble grand theatre sets on-site
