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Herbert Smith Freehills is advising Transport for NSW (TfNSW) on Sydney’s Circular Quay Renewal (CQR), which includes new ferry wharves, an upgraded train station, improved public spaces and a new tourism, cultural and retail offering.  

The project will be delivered in partnership with the private sector, with the two shortlisted consortia recently announced by TfNSW to participate in an ‘early consortia involvement’ (ECI) process. The early stage design work in this ECI process will inform TfNSW’s selection of a planning and design partner.

The project is a complex multi-use development, requiring expertise from across Herbert Smith Freehills, including strategic procurement, market engagement, construction, real estate, financing, environment, planning and heritage issues.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team is led by partners Nicholas Carney and Peter Briggs with support from a range of subject matter experts from across the firm, including real estate partner Julie Couch, finance partner Erin Wakelin, corporate special counsel Amalia Stone, and senior associates Joseph Varghese, Daniel Webster and Japonica Sheridan.

Herbert Smith Freehills partner and infrastructure specialist Nicholas Carney said, ‘We are delighted to be advising Transport for NSW on the redevelopment of such an iconic location in Sydney. TfNSW should be commended for developing an innovative procurement process for such a unique project. The early contractor involvement process will significantly de-risk the project.’

The Head of the firm’s Australian Environment and Planning team, Peter Briggs said, ‘We are pleased to be part of this evolution of Sydney’s original gateway. Infrastructure which puts people first and respects the Indigenous and European history and the site’s unique qualities will make this project transformative.’

This project is another example of Herbert Smith Freehills’ market-leading work in the development of innovative, multi-use precincts. Other recent examples include:

  • advising the Western Parkland City Authority on all aspects of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Parklands developments
  • advising the Darling Harbour Live Partnership on the redevelopment of the Sydney Entertainment Centre and Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Precinct.