Background
Pier 2/3 is one of several historic wharves located at Walsh Bay.
They were built in the early 20th century (circa 1913-1920) and named after the chief engineer of the Sydney Harbour Trust and designer of the wharves, Henry Walsh.
The wharves had a number of uses including the storage and export of wool, distribution of general cargo and goods and docking of cruise-liners.
However by the 1980s the Walsh Bay wharves were locked up, no longer fit for purpose.
Wharf 4/5 was renovated in the mid 1980s and became the home of the Sydney Theatre Company and other dance and choir organisations.
Pier 2/3 had to wait a lot longer and was not fully renovated until late 2021. The pier opened to the public in March 2022.
Wharves 4/5 and 2/3 now make up what is known as the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
Brief comments on a few features
The vision for Pier 2/3 included the creation of rehearsal rooms, performance spaces and offices for the Australian Theatre for Young People, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Bell Shakespeare, plus 1800 square metres of event and commercial space.
The changes were required to maintain the heritage character of the wharf.
In interviews architect, Peter Tonkin, referred to the separate venues as boxes, in view of the need to ensure soundproofing of each venue.
Some of the new walls built within the wharf to accommodate these separate venues have had their impact reduced by floor to ceiling mirrors.
The idea was to make the walls disappear and the mirrors have the added benefit of making the entrance area appear larger.
To access the venues take the stairs or lift. Upon reaching the next level you will encounter a good sized area dedicated to socialising before and after a performance, with a bar available for refreshments. An essential!
It is a pleasure to walk on timber floors and see chunky hardwood support posts and exposed timber beams, which are used as a feature in various locations. Look above the stairs as you walk down to the entrance area.
Ceiling heights have been subtly raised in different areas of the pier to accommodate lighting, sound and services equipment.
Outside features
The west facing side of Pier 2/3 has four separate fire stairs. It is a timber building!
Three of the four staircases lead to a viewing platform, which has been described as a contemporary interpretation of a gantry. Grand harbour views are available from the platforms.
If you look up as you approach the entrance way to Pier 2/3 from the east facing side you may observe a wharf artefact on display, being part of a hydraulic hoist or ram.
Muscular mooring bollards have been retained on the wharf particularly near the water edge but make sure you don’t kick one as they are heavy duty.
Youth theatre
The Australian Theatre for Young People has been named the Rebel Theatre in recognition of the extraordinary generosity of actor, Rebel Wilson.
Rebel provided a crucial piece of the funding puzzle by donating $1M to the youth theatre from a court case settlement.
A rebel with a cause!
Australian Chamber Orchestra performing area
This is a beautiful room that has attractive timber paneling, groovy entrance doors, a ceiling full of technology (mostly lights) and the ability to adapt to the audience’s size by allowing additional rows of seats to be introduced as required.
Final comments
The refurbishment of Pier 2/3 has created some fantastic new performing arts venues for Sydney.
The painstaking and extensive work undertaken has maintained the industrial ambience of the wharf and it is delightful to see a heritage wharf brought sympathetically back to life.
welcome to Pier 2/3
double crossed at the bathroom
wharf artefact is a part from a hydraulic hoist
stairs, gantry, ocean harvesters and the building is bird friendly (no spikes)
mirror mirage - how long is that corridor?
name in neon
take a seat and enjoy a chamber orchestra
