Sydney Wharf has officially been named Australia’s Best Residential Development at the fourth annual Property Council of Australia Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards. The landmark harbourside project took home the Metro Strata Award for Residential Development during a gala ceremony held at Star City in Sydney, cementing its place as one of the nation’s most exceptional examples of contemporary urban living.

A Milestone for Pyrmont’s Urban Renewal

The redevelopment of Sydney Wharf marks a major chapter in Pyrmont’s ongoing transformation from an industrial port precinct into a vibrant, integrated urban community. According to Peter Verwer, CEO of the Property Council of Australia, the project represents “a major milestone in Pyrmont’s urban renewal vision.”

“The redevelopment of Sydney Wharf has seen not only a physical transformation, but also a reversal of the closed, privatised nature of the site’s former maritime use,” Verwer said. “Sydney Wharf now provides residents, visitors, and the wider community with access to this picturesque harbourside location. Sydney Wharf has achieved something extraordinary.”

Luxury Living Meets Public Access

Delivered through a collaboration between Charter Hall, AMP Capital Investors, and Babcock and Brown, Sydney Wharf sets a new benchmark for mixed-use residential developments in Australia. The project includes 104 luxury apartments across two contemporary buildings, complemented by a 54-berth private marina offering direct access to Sydney Harbour.

But perhaps the project’s most impressive achievement lies in its integration with the public realm. More than one hectare of publicly accessible boardwalks and landscaped parkland now connect Pyrmont to Darling Harbour, unlocking what was once a closed-off stretch of waterfront. These timber promenades provide continuous pedestrian access, encouraging a sense of openness, connection, and community along one of Sydney’s most scenic harbourfronts.

Design Excellence and Environmental Sensitivity

The architecture of Sydney Wharf celebrates Sydney’s maritime heritage while embracing modern design principles of light, space, and sustainability. The residences were crafted to maximise harbour views, cross-ventilation, and natural light, integrating seamlessly with their waterfront setting. Timber, glass, and steel materials reflect the area’s working port history while presenting a refined, contemporary aesthetic.

The landscaping strategy prioritised native plantings, low-maintenance vegetation, and minimal disruption to existing shoreline conditions. The project’s environmental design also supports reduced energy consumption and stormwater management—a reflection of Sydney’s growing commitment to sustainable waterfront development.

Exceptional Urban Outcomes for the Community

According to Stephen Mee, Director at Rider Levett Bucknall Sydney, Sydney Wharf demonstrates what’s possible when development teams collaborate with the community in mind. “The general public is now able to enjoy the spectacular city and harbour views offered from the site as they stroll around the perimeter boardwalks which complete the Pyrmont to Darling Harbour foreshore link,” he said. “It’s an outstanding example of balancing private luxury with public benefit.”

The redevelopment not only elevated the lifestyle offering for residents but also created shared value—improving accessibility, walkability, and amenity for the broader Pyrmont neighbourhood.

Setting a New Benchmark in Strata-Integrated Living

Sydney Wharf represents more than just design excellence; it’s a blueprint for the future of strata-integrated living in Australia. The development demonstrates how premium residential projects can coexist with vibrant public spaces, benefiting both owners and the wider city.

As Sydney continues to evolve into a denser, more dynamic urban centre, Sydney Wharf stands as a shining example of thoughtful planning, architectural quality, and community-minded development.

Metro Strata is proud to support award-winning developments like Sydney Wharf—where visionary design meets world-class management for the benefit of all residents and stakeholders.