The announcement of Government assistance to the Fish Market redevelopment has prompted the Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC) to wonder what is happening with the adjacent Blackwattle Bay wharves.

Some time ago NSW Maritime sought registrations of interest in the development of sites known as B1 and B2 – the derelict coal bunker and the wharves from there up to, but not including, the concrete batch plant.

Last year saw an announcement that a company that runs harbour cruises was the preferred candidate to develop the wharves.  No details were released, but an artist’s impression given to the media suggested that the planned development was inconsistent with the planning parameters announced for the site.

Nothing has been heard publicly since.

The decision to designate a preferred developer on this site was seen as undermining the work of the CRG and almost led to a walk out of community groups. As it appears the Government intends to proceed with this development, (as it did with Bailey’s refuelling depot and the Cruise Passenger Termin al at White bay) the CRG members will now focus on ensuring any development is consistent with the CRG Principles for the Bays Precinct as well as the existing master Plan.

BCC believes planning for these two sites should be integrated with the rest of the precinct, and in particular with the concrete batch plant site and the Glebe and Pyrmont foreshores of Blackwattle Bay, and should take into account the site’s relationship to Wentworth Park.

– Bruce Davis and Lesley Lynch, 2010