The $3.4 billion, 20-hectare redevelopment of Darling Harbour has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.
The redevelopment includes Darling Square, the International Convention Centre Sydney and the ICC Hotel.
According to Lendlease managing director, urban regeneration Jonathan Emery, the development symbolises “forward-thinking investment” by the NSW Government, which he said was trying to position itself as a global, progressive city.
“Cities across the globe are competing in areas such as capital, economic activity, tourism, culture and education to be ‘the world’s most liveable city’,” he said. “The transformation of Darling Harbour epitomises the evolution that’s happening in the city right now.”
Sustainability initiatives that helped with the rating included what will be “Australia’s largest electric car charging facilities” on the ICC Sydney Exhibition car park, and the first community-funded solar project.
All works are due for completion in 2019. The Darling Harbour transformation will become home to more than 4200 residents, 3000 workers and more than 60 retail outlets. Close to 40 per cent of the precinct will be open public space.