Key Facts
- The New South Wales government has spent approximately $190 million on planning for the Circular Quay redevelopment, with no construction approved.
- Nearly one-third of the funds ($60 million) went to a project team, consultants, legal fees, and approval costs.
- Additional spending included $15 million on site investigations and $10 million on initial architectural and engineering concepts.
- The project has stalled due to lack of future funding; the Minns government has not committed to a construction timeline.
- The redevelopment was a $716 million election promise, but has faced delays, funding uncertainty, and political disputes.
- Since Labor took office in 2023, $108 million has been spent on planning, though spending slowed dramatically to $1.8 million in 2025.
- The current government plans a scaled-back redevelopment focusing on ferry wharves and the promenade, bypassing the proposed Cahill Expressway highline.
- Infrastructure Australia reported that Circular Quay's infrastructure has deteriorated, with wharves and promenade near end of life, and accessibility and safety concerns.
- The federal government has pledged $220 million, conditional on a matching contribution from the state.
Background
"The previous government's approach prioritized headlines over substance."
Planning for the Circular Quay redevelopment began under previous Coalition governments from 2016, with concept designs that included a New York-style highline on the Cahill Expressway. The Minns government scrapped the highline element post-election.
A consortium including Capella Capital, Lendlease, and BESIX Watpac was selected in 2022; $21 million was spent on early consortium involvement and bid costs.
Current Status
Transport Minister John Graham characterized the previous government's approach as prioritizing headlines over substance. Graham stated the government would focus on essential upgrades rather than the highline.
Project timelines on the Department of Infrastructure website are listed as "TBC". Basic maintenance on existing wharves continues pending funding for full replacement.
"The government plans a scaled-back redevelopment focusing on ferry wharves and the promenade."