Pier Pavillion opens to a fanfare of Praise

Opened to the public in April 2025, Sydney’s waterfront has welcomed a striking new addition with the opening of the award-winning Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo.

With its blend of architecture, ecology, and public space, Pier Pavilion sets a new benchmark for waterfront design in Sydney – and promises to be a favourite for both locals and visitors alike.

Perched on Waterman’s Cove, the pavilion has already captured public imagination with its bold design, sweeping harbour views, and inviting 18-metre seating area – making it a must-visit destination to relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the precinct.

Chosen from more than 170 entries in a national design competition, the winning concept by Besley and Spresser pays homage to the land, sky and sea of Barangaroo. The pavilion’s most distinctive features include 85 sculptural columns soaring over seven metres high, a façade crafted from terrazzo embedded with more than 450,000 recycled Sydney rock oyster shells, and a native roof garden. The garden, designed with sustainability in mind, incorporates 2,500 drought-resistant native plants, sandstone boulders, and hollow logs to provide habitat for local birds and insects.

Commissioned by Infrastructure NSW and led by Besley and Spresser, SDA Structures are delighted to have been a key member of the design and construction team that included Stephen Edwards Construction, which was recognised for its visionary design and use of sustainable materials by the Concrete Institute of Australia, winning the NSW State Award for Excellence – Commercial Buildings. Read more at the Concrete Institute of Australia https://concreteinstitute.com.au/pier-pavilion-above-par/

 All photos courtesy of Rory Gardiner.