Sydney will get a new public library designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma as part of the $3.4 billion redevelopment of Darling Harbour, is his first project in Australia.
The City of Sydney has signed a deal with developer Lendlease to take two floors, covering 2,225 square metres, of the six storey building for a new library space to replace the existing Haymarket library, which is just a quarter of the size of the new site.
The building, which has yet to be approved, is designed as a community and retail centre, and will include a commercially-run childcare centre, as well as restaurants and bars, a fresh food market and an area for creative startups.
If approved, the Darling Exchange is expected to open in 2018. The redeveloped Darling Harbour precinct is expected to become home to 4,200 residents, 2,500 workers and 2,500 students.