Barangaroo: From Industrial Wasteland to Urban Oasis

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Hey! So...I honestly don’t know what the response to this video will be. Researching this video proved to me that while many people do like Barangaroo, a lot of people detest it. I expect a somewhat divisive response in the comments for this video. Just know that I did try to explore this topic as best as I could, trying to discuss its advantages and disadvantages, while also offering my own view of the precinct. I love it there - maybe you do, maybe you don’t - but let’s keep it civil in the comments. Thank you for watching!

[@lukew3940]

Hey mate, really enjoy your videos. Can you do an analysis on Electric Vehicle adoption in NSW

[@Nismo-gy3wz]

awesome

[@LegitArchitecture]

I worked on the planning of this scheme last year, doing the animation for the construction process. It's very expensive because of the groundwater pumping while they fully tank the basement.

[@childrensorg856]

Who are you anyway? Don't think you're even Australian.

[@electro_sykes]

another circular quay in the making

[@gslim7337]

I worked on the Barangaroo site and I think I can shed some light as to why the final development is what it is. The site up until 1925 was the old Sydney gasworks for which coal tar was allowed to freely seep into the sandstone. The concrete slab that made up the container wharf sat on a fill consisting of a mixture of clay & asbestos. Damn, if the carcinogens won't get you, the fibres will. It had to all be extracted and it was an enormously expensive process. I guess that was the tradeoff to get a safe clean parkland that you have today.

[@lori8501]

Great information! One that backs up my frustration with people in our society who complain when things are expensive yet demand Sustainability Initiatives of businesses and projects. Anything with that label is EXPENSIVE, the money has to come from somewhere!

[@djanitatiana]

@@lori8501 Exactly this. It costs a bucketload and us in the harbour precinct should keep in mind how much could be built in Parramatta, Campbelltown or Schofields, say, for the same money, and be humble about it.

[@lamonimita3422]

Sharath, I am so proud of you, Mate. Your videos are so well thought out and executed - It's no surprise that you're blowing up nowadays. I remember when you hit 5k subscribers, and now you're touching 25k. You deserve the recognition you're getting. Suggestion: Could you possibly consider a video on Sydney Olympic Park (development from swampland to Olympic Village to Olympic games to Opal Tower to now)? Also, an episode on Wentworth Point/Rhodes pocket would be interesting. Thanks and keep up the great work, Mate.

[@oliveelephant]

I second the call for a Rhodes/Wentworth Point (Homebush Bay) episode. I recall in the 90s travelling into the city and seeing the Greenpeace shipping container with the poison symbol on it just below the bridge to Meadowbank, and even people walking around in hazmat suits. Also curious as to the extent of the remediation on the Wentworth Point side, seeing as there's a school there now, and as far as I recall they didn't remove the top 5 metres of soil on that side. Though maybe the most toxic thing still in that area is an ex-gf of mine haha

[@timmyhexham9603]

Loved the video AND what a wonderful presentation

[@AL-el2bl]

Year 9 Geography teachers going to love this 😂

[@liammland]

We watched it in year 12 geography yesterday 😂

[@greenlach7398]

Or Senior Geography that use Barangaroo as an example of Urban renewal

[@laurafergs88]

Or uni students who don't live in Sydney 👀

[@anonymousthe1st885]

Fax

[@shaytrueblueaussie]

@@greenlach7398Yep, can confirm.

[@jace888au]

Great video on the history of Barangaroo. As someone who has worked in Barangaroo since the beginning, I am impressed with how the area has developed but it's not without it's practical flaws whether it be pricing (of entertainment/food/coffee, or those shorter residential towers you called out) or just how horrible the place becomes when it's raining heavily and windy!

[@jim_ouk]

Not too long ago, I travelled to Barangaroo for a solo photo walk. As I walked around Barangaroo taking my photos, I was a bit baffled that a place so modern compared to the rest of Sydney had a totally different atmosphere. Like, you put one foot in Wynyard, everything's familiar (well, assuming you're a NSW citizen) Once you step back into Barangaroo, suddenly you travelled to the future.

[@aperinich]

Don't be baffled. Many parts of Sydney are older than 200 years. Barangaroo didn't even exist 10 years ago. This is why it looks new - imagine that ! !

[@marmac83]

@@aperinich That's not what they mean.

[@johnstevenson5084]

An amazing place to spend time. A devastating place to spend money.

[@hardly.rivai_YT]

I visited Barangaroo one day and had a scoop of gelato there while waiting for the ferry to Parramatta that later arrived in the afternoon. There was a lot of people visiting this area, which shows the significance of urban renewal in Sydney in bringing all walks of life to come here to work, relax, chatting with friends, and more. I have to agree, the vested interests of private developers have turned Barangaroo into a polarising place to the point that Crown Casino is being stripped of its gambling licence before it has even open. However, the creation of Barangaroo Park provided much needed open space Sydney desperately needs in a CBD that is barely devoid of green public places. And the creation of Barangaroo Central will bring public housing at a time where it is most needed, even as renting becomes highly unaffordable. So yes, Barangaroo is not perfect, but it is better than nothing, and then some. It is an example, a standard, and a reminder about urban rejuvenation in Sydney, and how it is important that urban planners and government must account public interests before developing and constructing these places. Hopefully, Parramatta and Bradfield builds upon the foundation Barangaroo laid out and transform Sydney into a global city that we can definitely be feel proud of, including myself.

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Barely devoid?…. It’s either barely… Or it’s devoid.

[@aperinich]

While it was the Ports Authority, it was private property, and not able to be trounced upon by every ice cream muncher walking about the city. Seeing as its no longer Ports Authority, it would necessarily see more foot traffic - even if it were simply abandoned structures. The increase of pedestrian traffic is unavoidable,, and says nothing about the intention or quality of the development itself.

[@iansherwin5186]

Love your videos. I hardly ever comment but impressed by your impartial views and altruist opinions.True JOURNALISM.

[@cdgh99]

Great video but it would have been nice if you acknowledged the importance of the industrial history. It wasn't bad planning it was an essential piece of infrastructure and provided many jobs for the working class people of the area from the early settlement to the 1990s. Of course industry has now moved on and you acknowledged that. I liked how you acknowledged the lack of affordable housing but i think this could have been more directly linked to its history. Going from a place of working class people to that for the mega rich only. Overall Barangaroo is beautiful but it can't be emphasised enough that 99% of Australians will only ever be visitors and will never afford to live there which is in stark contrast to its history.

[@itsgrimace]

The casino will always leave a sour taste. 1) the approvals thing 2) the conditional licence which they broke the condition of but still get to keep the licence?! For me it's a reminder there are 2 sets of rules.

[@nolesy34]

Oh yes that means if you actually own a casino you can do something legally wrong... Go hiding somwhere before the media catch on, and when parliament sits come out of hiding with a fresh bill passed just for you, then invite the media Hey you haven't done anything if it was passed already

[@MattWhitehorn]

As a Melbournian - it certainly looks like a vastly better outcome than some of the similar urban renewal attempts in the Docklands here, it actually looks pleasant to be there. Also great that for the new growth areas there's a plan for a metro stop in them - unlike the current plans for Fisherman's Bend, where there's big plans for renewal, but probably will fall well short on connectivity from day one, while the ferry connections and pathway to existing rail show it's being considered from the outset. Seems like we could learn a bit from Sydney here.

[@Punchline42]

As someone who lived on high st before the gov aggressively kicked all of us out we lived there through years of nighttime containers being moved and unloaded. Then when they decided to make it beautiful it left a real sour taste.

[@PINEx2]

must have been pretty sweet getting to live in one of the most expensive suburbs for next to nothing ?

[@aperinich]

Yes well living anywhere is nice until your government evicts you because their developer friends asked them to.

[@galaxyfarrahway]

@@PINEx2 what you dont understand is that for much of its existence this was not an expensive area, just a working port. Many generations of families lived in the area and worked there

[@PINEx2]

@@galaxyfarrahway oh i understand, the area has changed though. for the better.

[@childrensorg856]

​@@PINEx2 for the worst.

[@Squato]

Not a bad video! But I think there is one element that you didn't discuss that I think is worth covering. Namely that the area used to be called "The Hungry Mile". You touched on it when you pointed out the history of the area by citing that the space used to be given over to cargo port stuff (before the switch to cruise ships). Thing is, this part of the story, if pointed out, REALLY highlights the whole reason for the name. So the first thing to note is that back in the day, and this goes back to when The Rocks area was a working port for cargo ships, you used to have different companies who owned the warehouses and other spots on the harbour used to manage the flow of goods between the city and the world at large. Most of these would be independent operatiors who managed their own space. Some might be linked to a company or other group, but generally speaking, these warehouses would be more there for whatever goods happened to come in and needed a space to go. This plays into the name, since with rare exceptions, most of the workers would be people hired as jobs came in and not otherwise working full time for the business. There is a number of reasons for this, but the big reason is the business tended to rarely value the need for full time staff beyond their basic level (foreman, someone watching the place at night, etc), since they didn't feel the need to worry about paying for people during lean times when the warehouse may not get any business. Reality, it meant they could hire people on the cheap and not care about them at the end of the day. This meant that generally speaking, most places had a fairly basic hiring system in place for the staff they needed. At the start of the day, there would be a crowd of people outside ready and waiting to work and earn a bob for doing what needed to be done. The Foreman, or someone else, would work out how many people they needed and picked them from the crowd. Those people signed their name down and got offered the chance to work a full day of work if they didn't do anything wrong. At the end of the day they got their pay, then largely would be forgotten unless they built up a good enough rep with the people in charge that they would be picked more days in a row. Hence the point of the name. The Hungry Mile was the name given to those who didn't get a job that day. No work, meant no pay, and that meant no food (or a chance to hit up the pub). This was a thing which was fairly common on jobs like this all over the place, not just Sydney. It only largely went away at some point during at least the 60's (maybe 70's) when workplace reforms and laws meant that it became more cost effective for a business to hire a highly trained staff member full time than it was to yank some rando off the street who would be cheap. So, why bring this all up? Because the name The Hungry Mile was coined after this part of Sydney became a main cargo port area for the city, or at least, became fairly common for the area at least some point during the depression. It was a name which stuck with the area long after things moved away from the old style of ownership for the warehouses that used to be there. Hence when it was clear the space was going to be redeveloped into a new playground for the city, there was calls from different groups who wanted the area named after The Hungry Mile in some manner. The push largely went nowhere, since the new Coalition governmeny of Barry O'Farrell, or at least the minister in charge, refused to even discuss the name. Even then, the name wasn't looking that likely to be the name for the place, but the former Labor government did announce that a section of Hickson Road from the Munn Street overbridge and the Napoleon Street intersection would named in honour of this part of the cities history. However, this, and the old Harbour control tower, seem to have not gone far beyond the announcement stage. Almost as if the rich elites whom wanted to make this space a playground for themselves (aka when the push for higher towers happened, see the episode of Utopia about Kuttabul for a good standin) wanted to keep the unwashed masses out of their private little club house. At least until they had to open the doors.

[@artichokekaleidoscope8471]

Very interesting. Thanks for the background.

[@graemeottey]

Saying ‘affordable housing’ and ‘Sydney harbour’ in the same sentence in an oxymoron. I kinda wish the kept the old control tower as a lookout,I always remember seeing it going over the bridge when I was younger.

[@brandonrichards6300]

I think Barangaroo has been a great addition to Sydney - more public spaces and precincts to explore and amazing views to boot! The newly opened public pool has made it even better

[@childrensorg856]

No, the Sydney of 40 years ago was much better.

[@glencoe1266]

Only people (asians and Indians) who have landed in sydney in the past 10 years love all the cheesy over the top modernity that has engulfed sydney. Sydney was amazing 30 years ago when it wasnt full and had a truly unqique idenity. Even Parramatta was good as opposed to what it has become.

[@childrensorg856]

@@glencoe1266 totally agree. I miss the Sydney of back in the day when centre point tower opened in 1981. On the weekend it was lovely to go for a walk and seemed like a peaceful place. Over gentrification has ruined it. Nowadays you can't even see centre point tower it's hidden behind the new eyesore buildings.

[@jonathanliondis]

Mate well done, this is maybe your best video yet. Extremely balanced, informative, and engaging the whole way through. Love it!

[@johngore8096]

Couldn't agree more. It is refreshing to watch something which is extremely balanced and well informed. Congratulations!! You have a great future.

[@colinlanglo8043]

Thanks for the acknowledgement,👍🖤💛❤️💯

[@Low760]

Friendly jordies is shouting you out now, in his style of talking on the pod it seems like he likes your videos and the content even if it sounds like a small rib. Keep this up! I am learning about Sydney in ways I never thought I would.

[@jerryyan9456]

They are doing the same sort of thign in darling harbour now and over the past few years, but instead of developing a dockyards, they removed a lot of beautiful architecture and spaces made and designed for people from '89. Its being built into a copy of barangaroo and other cbd sites, more repetitive identical, UNSW-style concrete and glass tall buildings of course, built by lendlease. Very little of the original darling harbour plans remains, only thing I can think of is chinese gardens is still here. Removed a totally fine convention centre to replace it with another one, no more imax, monorail, removed old parks to replace with new parks, replaced old fountains with new weird fountains and most recently harbourside to become more apartments. Only thing that survived of course is the star casino

[@PINEx2]

darling harbour is a much nicer place to be with all the new public places and buildings, im not sure what the argument against this is besides you dont like the new buildings style. Plus the imax is re opening in the same spot in the new office building soon.

[@gavreynolds2689]

Great video mate and to tell you truth I live in SW Sydney and actually never paid any attention to what has resulted there at Bangaroo but now seeing it for the 1st time I think they have done a fine job and totally agree with your points of view about building heights. Really liking your channel as I have a niece who has studied and is now working in town planning and I'm getting a better understanding of good city/transport design from you.

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

Good video. Yes I tried walking from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay via Barangaroo early January, and the reserve is BIG. Aerial views make it look smaller than it really is by foot.

[@woohooboy]

As a Sydney sider, Banagaroo is "mostly" good. The majority of it is well designed and is quite pleasing to visit with open public spaces, restaurants and shops. It's modern, clean, spacious and overall an enjoyable place The downside unfortunately is the Crown tower which is not only grossly oversized but hugely overpriced to the point that most people can't afford to go there. It literally stands as monument of corporate interest and greed. A much smaller version of it would have been acceptable but not the final result we ended up with.

[@OldDavo1950]

I remember in the 70s Darling harbour was the rail goods despatch yard. Used to go there everyday with freight to go all over. Some wagons would only be once a week. So one had a book of despatch days. The receivers on the rail wagon docks, where called knockers. Who stamped your rail consignment notes. Have heard stories of knockers who fell asleep in wagons, and found themselves taking a ride into the country.

[@nolesy34]

Ah yes the old sleeperoo and wake up in Goulburn chestnut, doesnt work now but wow what a thrill

[@MrJewripper]

This long format video is great. As someone who has lived in that area and seen Barangaroo in the early 2000s to what it is now and how much it has changed. Its kinda amazing. To where I've seen hundreds of cars parked there, to where it hosted the World Youth Day the transformation is astonishing. Just like this video you managed to put together. I always enjoy every upload and your well researched videos.

[@eddaines237]

Well done. One of the most balanced collection of thoughts on Barangaroo out there.

[@charlielloyd1080]

The tragedy of Barangaroo is what it could have been, should have been. It is far more attractive than Darling Harbour but that is the lowest level of praise. The public benefit is real but politicians have enabled private developers to take $billions out of this public asset. That stinks, almost no affordable housing, none for those evicted to make way. The park is nice but really it is just a green cover for a car park. 'Carbon Neutral' what a fraud. Compare Barangaroo reserve with the Domain and Gardens on the east of CBD. If 1% of Barangaroo office workers went to the reserve for lunch there would be no sitting room left. What about transport? The pedestrian ways are 'bustling'. It is already crowded to capacity before the central area is in use. Gale force winds generated by the towers whip through blasting the rain everywhere. Worst of all no safe access for people on bikes. That is negligent transport planning. This area should provide a safe level link from the Quay, City East and the Bridge to Darling Harbour, City South and Inner West. Every other world class city I can think of is successfully doubling or quadrupling cycle use, usually well linked to public transport systems.

[@aussiejohn5835]

I think this is by far your best video, but I could be biased because I grew up in Balmain and have a special interest in the area. I always loved the ferries of Sydney and would use them as often as I could from a young age. I remember when Sydney was a working port and the sight and smell of oil was sometimes overpowering òn the water. I have watched the slow transformation of the harbour foreshore from a bustling and crowded shipping precinct to what you have shown us in this video. I have been critical about the development of this area and that of Darling Harbour and Pyrmont. I must agree it is far more family-friendly now with the open spaces and fresh clean air. I don't like the height of the buildings, but it is so much nicer than it was, especially seeing it from above.

[@maxmelser35]

It's towers are bland, it's public space is compromised. The casino breaks the flow of the foreshore and truncates the foreshore in a way no urban planner would ever do - it's not sound public space design, just driven by profit. The fact is we shouldn't just be happy with the scraps the politicians and developers leave to us, this was supposed to be a great new 'connected' public foreshore, the headland (one of the few elements left from the original scheme) is great but disconnected from the city proper due to the casino and the rest is a congested mess.

[@christinarose3002]

I really like your Chanel. Please don’t miss understand me. Ever since I watched this I have been thinking about how to convey my thoughts. Video on Barangaroo without talking about the negative social impacts of a casino in an already saturated market in the gambling capital of the world is a little disheartening. Let alone the corruption??

[@christinarose3002]

Ps I really like your Chanel. Please keep it up!

[@DeaneSueOrgan]

Having visited Barangaroo recently from Adelaide, my wife and I found it great. We stayed at Darling Harbour so access was easy. The open space was most welcome and we enjoyed the magnificent harbour views. However, the prices at eating places gave us a surprise as they are much more than we are used to. We used the toilets at the Crown building and they were excellent. We had lunch at Circular quay instead. But, Barangaroo is fantastic regardless. Well done Sydney.

[@jourdaintennent5915]

I have to say working at Barangaroo it has been quiet the turn around from where it was 10 years ago. The headland is even that nice I proposed to my fiancé in the park. Gets my tick of approval.

[@TheGadgetPanda]

It's been a long time since I was home in Sydney. So long, in fact, that Barangaroo was not yet even a twinkle in the eye of planners. I remember seeing a pic of the tower on Reddit and asking where it was, and being told it was in Barangaroo. And then having to ask where the hell Barangaroo was. So thanks for the catchup!

[@robinsandell427]

Excellent video Sharath! Yes, Sydney didn’t need another casino and yes, the cut away should definitely become an indigenous cultural centre, but apart from those failings I think Barangaroo is just fine. One of the strengths of the reserve is its elevation. Keating did have a valid point in saying the Thalis design did look a bit like gum trees on a concrete slab. Another strong point is the maintenance regime which keeps the whole area immaculately clean, unlike Circular Quay which is not well maintained at all.

[@Michael-yb2uk]

Great vid! Very informative and great shots of the area. I'm so exited to see you grow

[@laurafergs88]

As a Victorian uni student doing a due diligence assignment on Baragaroo, this was a great summary of the development. I visited in 2018 and was surprised by how easy it was to access from Wynyard Station. I had an interview in tower 3 and was blown away by the compact nature of the business precinct and the extensive public open space surrounds. I also found the international towers a little too soulless (but I think that's a function of anything corporate) but that was ameliorated by the small scale urban form of the laneways/food and cafe areas and the easy opening out onto the foreshore promenade and green space. I'm not sure if I'd have reason to go there if I lived in Sydney, but if I worked in the area I would certainly have reason to linger and enjoy the space outside of the 9-5. And I agree that there needs to be a First Nations Cultural presence in Barangaroo.

[@istp1967]

I like everything; except those four hideous skyscraper monstrosities - they're an eyesore!!

[@Hovzlozki]

I like Barangaroo in its current state, I love walking around the reserve down to south Barangaroo, and I can’t wait for central Barangaroo to open! Also just wanted to say I love your videos, they keep getting better one after another and I love learning about the concrete jungle I’ve been living in for the past 5 years

[@happyhappyaus2128]

Brilliant video mate, can see a lot of effort was put into creating it. Thank you!

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

I am of the firm belief we need to keep pushing for higher levels of public space, like the critics, in order to achieve results like this, or better. Compromise isn't a target or an inherent outcome. My main problem with high end retail/housing is that the owners are usually exempt from the "free market" if they can't turn a profit due to lack of customers by writing off their losses, and it seems like that's all the urbanism we're getting in the developed world

[@rondeez84]

Used to do lunch jogs up and down that concrete slab. Loved watching this unfold from overseas (now live in NZ) and enjoy coming back to see how much the place has changed. Love and appreciate your videos, keep up the awesome work!

[@dmr8914]

I finally walked around Barangaroo a couple of weeks ago. Ok, i'm a Sydneysider.....but i was stunned by what they have achieved. As others say, its such a different space to the rest of the CBD. The walk to the reserve from Wynyard was so easy and the views spectacular. I have to agree with your comments on the buildings but, considering how much public space has been opened up i think the compromise was worth it. The 3 International towers are quite brutal and the residential towers are so close to the casino. Controversially, i like the Crown tower. Its way better than the original design that called for a skeletal shell built out over the harbour itself. It will be better when the trees grow up as i found a lack of usable shade on the very hot day i went.

[@trevormichell558]

Well presented and well argued. I like the majority love Barangaroo. Maybe it could have been even more but like the old Darling Harbour, a large part of Barangaroo is now a usable public space. ❤

[@jacksons622]

22:40 this argument completely misses the point of what disappointed me about Barangaroo. I have no issues with cafes, restaurants and retail, I do take issue with the casino, a building that actively goes against the public benefit and destroys lives while contributing basically nothing back. I guess if anything having the largest building in a public focused area dedicated to gambling is very on brand for NSW.

[@PINEx2]

You realise only like 2 levels of it are casino? The rest is a hotel and then lots of private apartments. Both benefit the community especially having a high class hotel. Think rich guests injecting money into the local economy + jobs. This isnt your local RSL destroying the lives of your average joe. Whats wrong with attracting a few millionaires to the city to loose some money in the casino? They spend big while they are here and the government gets some revenue out of them that goes back into our services. Plus we get arguably Sydneys best looking skyscraper. It doesnt impact your physical enjoyment of the precinct in any way if there is a casino there or not.

[@alimfuzzy]

I always take whatever clover Moore says with a grain of salt... she is a mouth piece for her ultra rich friends. remember, she paid $1M for an art piece that no one could see and then was demolished a month later.

[@debbieoconnor7054]

Great video. We used to live in Sydney for many years. Left before the big project around Barangaroo, It's been great to see how it has turned out. We are new subscribers and look forward to watching your other videos. You do an excellent job.

[@dexterplameras3249]

Your seeing historical reasons for development through the lens of modern eyes. Sydney's population between 1960s-1990s wanted to live in suburbs with a 1/2 acre blocks because it was cheap. No one wanted to live in Darling Harbour or Barangaroo because no one wanted to live in apartments and it was working dock. It was only with the advent of Seinfeld were people saw New Yorkers living in apartments and mass migration from Southeast Asia, starting with the transfer of Hong Kong back to China that appartments started to pop up in Business Centers. The city was just for work and for going out on weekends and nights. People hardly ate out most people brought lunch from home, made by wives/mothers. This was before women entered the workforce. Unlike today, there were few food courts, very few cafes, few restaurants which were only for special occasions for mostly the nights and weekends. Today most people buy lunch instead of making it. In the 90s cafes, restaurants eateries started to spring up everywhere, everyone started buying lunches, many started to go out after work, more people started living in apartments.

[@Slick01703]

Great video! You’re so informative, yet so entertaining at the same time!

[@buda3d2007]

Its love hate from me, the casino I do not like for all the reasons you stated, but I love the sand stone paved park with a great coastal walk and the new water hole for people to dip into on hot summer days.

[@YUSSEB8E]

Great video. I’m from the UK, lived in Oz 14-17 and worked in the Macquarie building , they were building those 3 skyscrapers next to it at the time. I’m actually shocked how they allowed so much of that development ( which there is loads of) go that high!! Completely takes views of harbour away for many. That Crown building is nice but man that’s some corruption right there ey?

[@JosieCote]

As a resident of the Sydney CBD, I absolutely love my weekly walks along the shore and around the Barangaroo reserve. I’m so grateful for what it has become, compared to the unused and ugly space it used to be. I agree with your opinion on every point you mentioned, you were spot on!

[@drewshoto9450]

I love Sydney and I'm so happy that Barangaroo is looking much better compared to that concrete slab . To be honest i love tall skyscrapers but not lots of them in one area though .Tall building's are important for busy growing areas . love your videos .

[@grahamfrench9874]

As usual a top production….in fact one of your best. The reserve is stunning, while the rest I can take it or leave it

[@traindude1949]

Barangaroo is magnificent! And don't complain about it being too pricey, Australia has some of the highest costs in the world and yet the other day it was nearly impossible to get a table at most eating places. Crown Towers is an iconic design and will be, if it isn't already, a major global identifier for Sydney. I place it in a similar status to The Shard in London

[@ShDog78]

I used to live in Sydney from 2010 to 2014 and recently came here again and I need to say I am very impressed with what they turned the barangaroo into. This is I would say the coziest spot in Sydney now. Well done!

[@JeenRsHeart]

Having worked at Barangaroo for over 5 years, I can honestly say it has to be one of the worst places to go if you want some decent dining.

[@raysieelmo]

Hey Sharath! I'd be super keen to see a video on how the recent Labour party win now changes the outlook of Sydney's infrastructure, both positively and negatively.

[@grahambaker6664]

Barangaroo is yet another example of poor priorities. In regional areas it is becoming more and more obvious that NSW is seen as Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong by politicians and their supporting elites and not longer as New South Wales. Outside those cities there is next to no public transport, our farms can be taken and turned into open-cut coal mines or coalseam gas fields, our roads are broken up by interstate registered, overloaded road trains and B-doubles, water security west of the Great Dividing Range is not a consideration because it is more important to appease the NRL by refurbishing stadiums for the ever decreasing NRL attendances, and the list goes on and on. Yet it is outside Sydney where the real economy of NSW is to be found. Please hop on one of the trains that still run to a regional area of NSW so you can get an appreciation of the cost impact that Sydney's development is having on the rest of the state.

[@Approvedhalalmemes]

Fun fact: The renewal was done so year 12 had something to study.

[@jack2453]

I weep because when you say it is Sydney's most successful urban renewal project, you are probably right.

[@Avatar711Wizard]

Oh wow. This is quite possibly your best work yet dear brother. Absolutely brilliant.

[@mastersingleton]

Now the only place missing a planned Metro Station is East Circular Quay to make it easier to access the Sydney Opera House.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

Barangaroo herself would probably think the reserve vaguely reminded her of everything she loved, and the rest would confirm everything she feared. I would be happy if the reserve, the metro and the central area retain her name; but let's call the towered area something else. The multiple towers of babel represent all the worst things about our imported ostentation. I hope the architecture of Bradfield and its environs reflects the spirit of more authentic people who are genuinely at home with where they call home.

[@shinnaay]

Can’t wait for Barangaroo to become the go-to place to meet up instead of the CBD once the Metro is done! Fantastic video as always!

[@RGC198]

Thanks for sharing this most interesting video. When I was living in Sydney prior to moving in mid 1981, I had never heard of Barangaroo. It is absolutely amazing how far it has progressed since then. It is a pity that the tall skyscrapers and casino were added, as neither were really essential. The parkland certainly looks quite good. The place has definitely improved greatly since the 1960s.

[@thisismissem]

Did Pitt Street become pedestrianised with a tram on it? I'm sure that's new since I was last in Sydney (2011)

[@JonathanMaddox]

That's George Street, believe it or not! No through traffic any more. Pitt Street has been pedestrianised for one block only for 30 years now, no trams.

[@Divadosaurus]

Dude, you sound like a real estate agent. "Breathtaking" "Beautiful" "Visually stunning" "Grand upcoming station". I mean, it's nice, but it's not nirvana. In terms of parks, I'd much rather spend time in the Botanic Gardens, although with the metro station, accessibility is a plus. Saying all that, I like Barangaroo for the most part. I have two main criticisms. Firstly, Crown Tower (which I'll refer to as Packer's Pecker), whilst being attractive, is too damn close to the water. The taller the building, the further set back they should be, otherwise the shoreline becomes crowded. This building and the ribbon at end of Darling Harbour really loom large over the promenade. The other tall buildings I kinda like, with good use of colour on the buildings, including the International Towers, where the red and yellow dividers add much needed colour and interest to the skyline. The second criticism is the overtly corrupt process and scope-creep that was played out on nightly television, yet people didn't seem to give a toss. Packer's Pecker is a symbol for greed and corruption. I'm not sure I'd agree that building port facilities in Sydney was "questionable and short sighted" during this time. I mean it was a flat piece of concrete - pretty much the epitome of use it now and we won't have to knock down much later to repurpose it. The first of two Port Botany container freight terminal was only completed in 1979, as was the bulk liquid terminal. Darling Harbour freight yard was still operating at this time, so it probably made sense to use this area until proper container terminals were built elsewhere, along with the new infrastructure to move that freight. (edit) Oh, and another criticism, is the missed opportunity for bike infrastructure.

[@daveg2104]

At least 1 of the original proposals for the building that became Packer's Pecker was going to be ON the harbour, you can't get more waterfront than that. As for the other tall buildings, I don't mind them. It is still the CBD, with good access to Wynyard and soon the Metro. And the 3 Sisters (International Towers) have been there long enough that people probably don't even think about them. The only issue I have heard about is a wind tunnel effect, probably not too bad in summer, but not nice in winter. More people might take issue with the towers that are going to be built as part of the Darling Harbour redevelopment. Certainly there is a group in Sydney that seem to take issue with just about any development.

[@daveacbickford]

Another spectacular video mate, well done, keep it up!!

[@adam_nathan]

I think the thing that's frustrating about Barangaroo isn't what it actually is, it's what it *could* have been. I don't think it's wrong for people to be offended by it even if they are in the minority because having a group of people who are galvanised against private co-opting of what should have been purely public spaces is important to help prevent this kind of thing from happening again. I also think the strong opposition could maybe help to improve Barangaroo in future whenever it needs to be redeveloped again as all areas of the inner-city usually are (maybe get rid of the casino at least). The journalist you quoted from the Sydney Morning Herald has had some... unfortunate opinions in the past and it's hard for me to see take his writing seriously because he's written about other subjects so poorly.

[@TheManwithafan]

Goddamn I love your vids man, they're so full of rich information delivered so smoothly. Keep it up!!

[@chickenfrisbee]

great video! informative and balanced and incredibly well researched. I bought one of your train metro maps , cant wait to hang it up at home :))

[@Jack.Lonnon]

Great insightful video as always, for a future vid suggestion could you look at the history of Darling Habour, through all its urban renewal.

[@lori8501]

It’s good to see many here embrace Barangaroo. I’ve haven’t seen the area yet as I am from Melbourne but will visit in 2 months. This video interested me as I draw parallels to a controversial plan for our Preston Market here in the North of Melbourne to be redeveloped. The community (brainwashed by the Socialists in the area) and Govt is very against the new plans proposed by the owner for all reasons mentioned in this video: too higher buildings, not enough public free spaces in their view, against “luxury” residential living when they want social housing on the land, fear of retail or too many restaurants, against modern design (because everyone’s an expert). They are so hell bent on retaining the current structure, not caring about the Traders who are the heart and soul. It’s all about the building and the public spaces. Mind you, it’s a shed. But another time for that mess that’s been dragging on for years. Yet judging by this, when all is said and done and it’s open to the public, you have welcomed it for the most part into your city bringing a positive economical and environmental impact. There will always be people who disagree but looks like it seems to be enjoyed by many. I’ll judge for myself when I visit. The social justice warriors out there complain when things are expensive yet demand Sustainability Initiatives of businesses and projects. Anything with that label is EXPENSIVE, the money has to come from somewhere.

[@Skybar23]

I really need to get out to this area one day and have a look. I always drive pass it heading over the bridge but had no idea so much development had been completed in front of the towers

[@ulrikezachmann7596]

We visited Barangaroo from a walk through the back of the Rocks and found while nice, it had no disabled access to walk along the water. The only other access we knew about was via a very long walk from Darling Harbour and that is too far for some people. Darling Harbour has become ugly and no one wants to go there anymore except to pass through or catch a Ferry. There may be other access routes but we haven’t found them yet. All they had was these very steep stairs only for very fit people. A lot of Sydney is designed very badly for people with with varying abilities including small children, elderly, people with prams, people with shopping and bags. Oh and can someone stop designing seating that makes you slid off at bus stations and such? This is vindictive. The person who designed Central Bus Station on George St side should be impaled on that ugly Steele pointed sculpture on the corner.

[@thedude9024]

Love the Millers Point/Barangaroo area of Sydney. The rolling hills and inclines, stairwells and small pubs and beautiful HOUSES! The Gazebo outside the Observatory is also a nice spot to get photos of the Harbour Bridge. If I had the $ I would happily live there.

[@castcrus]

Many thanks for video! This type of content is ideal for people like us who's new to the city. Much appreciated!

[@galaxyfarrahway]

and they could have done it without kicking out an entire community of people. My aunt was kicked out of her home in High st aged 80 and it killed her.

[@PINEx2]

Those houses were not a part of the redevelopment. As a responsible government it is their job to reallocate assets and funds for the greater good. It is not feasible to house people in multi million dollar inner city houses when there are people crying out for affordable housing all over the city.

[@galaxyfarrahway]

@@PINEx2 you are absolutely, unequivocally incorrect.

[@rararasputin4917]

If the government creates more urban renewal hubs like this in the outer Sydney areas, it’d be an absolute dream *more of the original proposal laid out

[@Nebs1]

I don’t live in Sydney but I remember randomly going to this area back in 2009. I thought it was a weird location so it’s good to finally found out it’s history.

[@dylannelson94]

Never realised the Barangaroo plans went back to the mid 2000s! Great video as always!

[@aperinich]

did you think they just decided after the fact, whilst building?

[@grahameastwood9763]

Hi, you have done a great summary of this development. I agree with your view of the precinct and very much like the park areas. After watching your video I am flying down from Noosa to have a good look as I grew up in Sydney. Keep up the great work, I watch all your videos!

[@handyandyaus]

Sharath - your videos are great. To call what has resulted at Barangaroo an urban oasis is a travesty. It could and should have been so much more than what we are now stuck with.

[@spaceengineer1452]

I've lived in Millers Point since 2018. This was v interesting, thanks. Especially that giant cement block, now a grass and trees covered hill ! Gotta say, kinda empty feeling in Millers Point and surrounds.

[@electro_sykes]

Barangaroo is quickly Transforming. I believe that one day, it will be an important Transit interchange between the Ferries, Buses and the Metro just like how Circular Quay is an important interchange between the city the circle and the Ferries & Light Rail.

[@neeleshparavastu8464]

This channel feeds my soul ❤❤

[@nolesy34]

I like it

[@FallOfTheLiving]

Elders either are past or present there is no emerging. They will be elders if they ever become one but until then they are not elders

[@djesky1]

I used to go to the Powerhouse Productions Raves in the old warehouses there. Best use of this site ever

[@metricstormtrooper]

When I first worked at pyrmont starting on the 13th of September 1976 all the way from Glebe point all the way around Rozelle bay to CSR at Pyrmont Point then past the Pyrmont power station and to the darling harbour freight rail yards then on to paddy's markets and a plethora of little workshops up York street then down Hickson road all the way to pier one was all either manufacturing or freight related, so that huge concrete wasn't out of place. Pyrmont, Haymarket and glebe point were far more vibrant if only from the sheer number of workers streaming I each weekday. 😊

[@J3553_X]

I agree with your summary. I was there a few days ago, and it really is the best place in the city to visit nowadays.

[@marcp108]

I remember volunteering at Sydney Open years ago. It was just sign boards with photos and the ground was marked out ( in the proposed design) with chalk. What a long this area has come!

[@TheWolfHowling]

The Southern section does seem to have a touch of the Hudson Yards going on, with its skyscrapers and luxury retail & real estate. However, that Reserve looks perfect to find a shaded bench, eat lunch and simply watch the world pass by.

[@Christopher8827]

I think those skyscrapers are so ugly next to the harbour. They should have built way back from the shoreline. The towers look cool from a distance, but up close - they are a massive monolithic monstrosity that blocks out sunlight and makes the alleyways feel sterile. Barangaroo is windy AF and is pretty bland.

[@MC_MMV]

This was a great video

[@badllama4554]

Is there any social housing or requirement to pay for some elsewhere? Those residential apartments are getting a pretty major price hike from location/accessibility. Hope they aren't just money laundering sites for oligarchs.

[@CSM393]

Love walking around here during my lunch break. I was a sceptic at first, and sure, it’s not perfect, but the sandstone and plants make it worth the walk. The reserve is wonderful. And you can swim now.

[@thechief9209]

meanwhile in western Sydney ,20yrs later , still waiting for a footpath to the train station!! LOL

[@baalbektrilithon]

Great video. I love Barangaroo and Crown is simply magnificent! The best tower in the country by the mile and a new icon for the city. Thank god Packer stepped in and stopped the horrendous Big Red from being built in the middle of the harbour. If going by the book produces a dreadful outcome, then I'm all for someone with vision coming in with a different proposal. As for the ridiculous notion it's a casino, there's only one floor out of 71 dedicated to gaming. It's like saying you live in a toilet because one tiny part of your house has a toilet in it. It's a resort and apartment complex. I firmly believe if the original Thalis plan went ahead it would have been even worse than the old Darling Harbour, every square inch of which we're rebuilding to get a desirable urban environment. The new plans for the Cutaway look superb and as a flexible space for the nearby Walsh Bay entities to use, it is a far better use than an Aboriginal centre. They've just been given Goat Island directly opposite and a natural island is a far larger, more appropriate place to display Aboriginal culture. If they can nail the Sydney Steps, and produce a decent outcome for the rest of Central Barangaroo, then I think the whole thing will be a raging success. I can see this being the third most visited attraction in the city after the Opera House and the new Fish Markets.

[@jimmeng2802]

Thank you the video, we walked from circular Quay to darling Harbour via Barangaroo many times, it's super cool. Looking forward to seeing new fish market and the redevelopment of the current fish market site

[@SOBIESKI_freedom]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.