Impact of Urban Renewal on the Sydney Suburb of Pyrmont

1210 Words3 Pages

Analyse the impact of urban renewal on the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont.

The suburb of Pyrmont on the shores of Sydney Harbour has been transformed by the processes of urban renewal into a thriving cosmopolitan residential area, an efficient and sophisticated business centre, and a popular recreational and tourist hub. Through my own observation of the Pyrmont area, I have seen how the painstaking urban planning efforts for the area have come to fruition, and a focal point of the Harbour foreshore created as a result of this.

Pyrmont was established as a suburb of the city of Sydney in 1806, and since then has undergone several periods of dramatic change, in a boom-bust cycle of construction and destruction that has gone on for the past two hundred years. The area began its life as a part of Sydney’s working Harbour, with the development of the Sydney docklands, which turned Pyrmont into an international shipping terminal and centre for maritime trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1857 the first Pyrmont Bridge was built1 as a means of transporting goods between the docks, city and inner west of Sydney. The bridge then became a much needed utility, with the subdivision of much of Ultimo and Pyrmont in 18602 paving the way for hundreds of new sandstone cottages and terraces to be built over the next decade. This created the first major residential development of the area, which in itself helped to stimulate the economic and industrial growth, and was a part of the first urbanisation of the area.

These cottages accommodated thousands of men and women who were employed during the boom in industry in Pyrmont, with the establishment of primary and secondary industry, such as the CSR Sugar Refinery in 1875, th...

... middle of paper ...

... attractions. The area is also serviced by the Sydney Buses system, with a 5 minute route taking passengers to Circular Quay or Wynyard, to join the Ferry and Train networks also. We experienced this efficient service when several class members were able to catch a bus from the centre of Pyrmont back to Wynyard for their return journey to Brookvale.

Pyrmont has been affected by urban renewal in a positive way, equipping the area with a new lease on life and a complete transformation from the wreck of urban decay it had become. It has been updated for the 21st century, with as dynamic user interface that will allow for much further use and innovation into the future. The decade-long overhaul has created a harmonious environment for residents, tourists and people employed in the area, with attractive buildings, large recreational areas, and a healthy café atmosphere.

Open Document