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The state government said the park would provide a natural retreat in the heart of the city,honouring the long and deep history of the Gadigal people through First Nations design.Credit:NSW government

Acting NSW Premier Prue Car said the release of the winning design represented a massive milestone for the waterfront park on the western edge of Sydney’s central business district.

“Harbour Park is on the traditional lands of the Gadigal,who have been the custodians of the land and waterways for millennia. The park continues the precinct’s commitment to honouring the role of First Nations people,the history of the site and its wider context.”

It’s the latest chapter in the development of the $2.5 billion Central Barangaroo project,which has been frustrated by ahigh-stakes legal battle over harbour views andbacklash over building heights.

The design for the park features trees,waterways and ponds set along winding footpaths;nature play areas including shallow pools and interactive water features;public artworks;and a kiosk.

A large lawn at the northern end is designed to host community and cultural events for up to 6000 people.

Central Barangaroo was intended as a mid-rise precinct,half of which would be for public recreation,creating a bridge between the naturalistic headland at the northern end and the gleaming office towers of the commercial district to the south.

A jury chaired by former prime minister Paul Keating selected the winning designers from a shortlist of five teams.

The First Nations-led AKIN team comprises Yerrabingin,Architectus,Jacob Nash Studio,Studio Chris Fox and Flying Fish Blue,with Arup as engineering consultants.

The park will include a lawn for events accommodating thousands of people.Credit:NSW government

AKIN spokesman Christian Hampson,who is co-founder of Indigenous design firm Yerrabingin,said the “defining” public project would weave together the threads of landscape,art and architecture.

“For us,this is much more than a park – it’s a place for us to celebrate an enduring culture and to move with Country,acknowledging and experiencing our collective past and present while dreaming of our future,” Hampson said.

He said the park’s design represented a “new chapter connected to the most ancient of stories,carved in the Sydney sandstone:the story of Country and of us,its people”.

Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper praised the design’s connection to the water.

Work continues on plans to develop Central Barangaroo. An underground metro station is due to open in 2024.Credit:James Brickwood

“The new park is envisaged as a family-friendly and inclusive place,with experiences for all ages and abilities and includes a winding network of pathways to encourage exploration,play and discovery.

“The community had a major influence on many of the park’s features and activities,and we will continue to bring the community on the journey as the design features are finalised and brought to fruition.”

Meanwhile,new plans are being drawn up for the remaining half of Central Barangaroo.

The former Coalition government last yearordered Infrastructure NSW and developer Aqualand to reduce the scale of development at the rear half of the site afterplans to build a 21-storey residential tower attracted widespread condemnation.

Kamper said Infrastructure NSW,on behalf of Aqualand,was expected to submit a revised concept plan to the Department of Planning and Environment by the end of the year.

The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans.

“The delivery of Central Barangaroo,even if at a lower scale,delivers considerable public amenity as well as economic benefits to the community and the state,” Kamper said.

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