Sydney's Darling Harbour will get a $2 billion facelift after works officially began to unlock more retail, commercial and living space.
The Harbourside project will open more than 10,000 square metres of public space surrounded by a sparkling waterfront featuring restaurants, bars, national and international retailers and a new park.
The space will be filled out with a sprawling 87,000 square metre redevelopment which includes commercial space and 265 luxury apartments across 43 levels.
The project will connect Darling Harbour to the inner-city suburb of Pyrmont, creating a network of new public spaces.
The precinct is part of Australian property group Mirvac and the NSW government's Darling Harbour $2 billion revitalising project which began in 2016 and is slated for completion in 2026.
Planning Minister Paul Scully joined Australian property developer Mirvac chief executive Stuart Penklis to mark the occasion by turning the first sod onsite on Thursday.
Mr Penklis said the redevelopment is inspired by international group Snohetta and Hassell's vision of the natural landforms of Sydney Harbour.
"Sites like this are incredibly rare when you consider the proximity to the CBD, the existing and future pedestrian linkages, access to public transport and other critical infrastructure," Mr Penklis said.
Mr Scully said the redevelopment project will offer housing choice and diversity on the fringe of the CBD, and make Darling Harbour a more attractive and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
The upgraded mixed-use precinct will complement Sydney's $15 billion Western Harbour rejuvenation that has been underway since the completion of the International Convention Centre.
The project still requires final approval from planning authorities before the vision can be carried out.