Sydney CBD’s western shoreline has been revitalised and returned to the people in the city’s largest urban renewal project since the 2000 Olympic Games. The 22-hectare site had been used as a wharf since the 1820s, but was abandoned in the late 20th century when changes to shipping technology rendered its role as a commercial container terminal unsustainable.

In 2003, the NSW Government decided to transform the wharves into a new urban precinct known as Barangaroo. The $6 billion project separates the area into three sections for development. Barangaroo Reserve features 6 hectares of parkland planted with 75,000 Sydney natives to replicate the vegetation when inhabited by traditional owners, the Gadigal people. Barangaroo South and Central Barangaroo include a vibrant financial and commercial business hub, over 80 retail outlets, waterfront apartments, a dining precinct and a 6-star hotel.

After being closed off to the public for generations, there has been a conscious effort to create public spaces and sustainable options. The Barangaroo Delivery Authority aim to be the first precinct of its size in the world to be climate positive. They will accomplish this by generating and exporting more water than Barangaroo uses; delivering zero waste to landfill, achieving carbon neutrality by generating renewable energy and enhancing the wellbeing of the community.

Much of the activity has focused on Barangaroo South where the dominant landmark is International Towers Sydney (ITS) which comprises of three skyscrapers simply named Towers 1, 2 and 3. They rise 217m (49 floors), 178m (43 floors) and 168m (39 floors) into the air and collectively offer 280,000 sqm of office space.

Designed by acclaimed architects - Lord Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour from Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, all three towers have been awarded 6-Star Green Star ratings. Inside large adaptable floor plans, generous ceiling heights and abundant light help create a sense of spaciousness. Outside there is 6,000m2 of solar panels at Barangaroo South and a 1,200m3 rainwater tank below the underground carpark at Barangaroo Reserve.

AG Coombs was the mechanical contractor for Towers 1 and 2. Project Manager Adam Ewers said the biggest challenge was managing the logistics of delivering equipment to a busy site in a central city location. “Fantech supplied a range of fans including in-line axial supply and exhaust fans, kitchen exhaust and essential services fans. We have worked with Fantech for many years and built a solid working relationship. It’s not just their product integrity and knowledge that keeps us coming back, but their strong customer service and reliability to deliver a quality product by the due date.”

Mr Ewers said construction on ITS began in late 2010, and opened progressively from July 2015 to December 2016. “It’s a fantastic central location with commanding views over the city and its waterways,” he said. “The development has attracted major tenants and will house up to 23,000 workers when fully let.”

Barangaroo South is due to be completed in 2022, with the remainder of the site finished two years later.