Circular Quay is probably Australia’s most recognised place, attracting 17 million visitors each year. It provides critical transport interchange with over 58 million trips to and from the area per year. The number of visitors is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming decades.

Circular Quay’s role as the gateway to Sydney, its interchange and public spaces have seen limited investment or accessibility improvements for a long time. Visitors to Circular Quay treat the space largely as a thoroughfare rather than a place to stay and enjoy.

Some assets are nearing the end of their design life, with significant maintenance costs that are expected to increase exponentially as assets continue to age and deteriorate. Research shows that the amenity of Circular Quay contributes to poor visitor experience through confusing wayfinding, limited visual connections between landmark locations and underutilised space. Much like Sydney generally, there is a disjointed approach to design, wayfinding and the public domain.

In 2015, the government announced that $200 million would be reserved to upgrade Circular Quay ferry wharves and promenade in recognition of the need to provide renewed transport assets. In 2016, the renewal of the transport assets was integrated with public domain and commercial opportunities so the renewal of Circular Quay could be undertaken as a precinct-wide approach.

Circular Quay Station is owned by the Transport Asset Holding Entity, while the surrounding area is largely owned and managed by Place Management NSW.