Delivered in partnership with Placemaking New South Wales (NSW), the Pyrmont Bridge East Amenities Refurbishment reimagines an ageing public toilet block within the high-traffic Darling Harbour precinct through adaptive reuse and considered architectural renewal. The design is shaped by the site’s heritage sensitivities, with a restrained material palette drawn from the robustness and industrial character of the adjacent Pyrmont Bridge and surrounding infrastructure.

Prioritising accessibility, comfort and durability, the project elevates essential public infrastructure while minimising waste to deliver a pragmatic, user-centred refurbishment that brings clarity, dignity and longevity to a high-use urban setting.

Adaptive Reuse and Longevity

Rather than rebuilding, the project retains the existing structure and services layout to significantly reduce embodied carbon, construction waste and operational disruption. This low-impact approach extends the life of a modest public asset and demonstrates how thoughtful renewal can deliver durable infrastructure that continues to serve the community for decades.

Heritage and Sense of Place

The interior design draws inspiration from the industrial heritage and existing material palette of Pyrmont Bridge. A terracotta-based palette, balanced against the existing sandstone façade, and subtle tonal variations echo the bridge’s natural patina. These elements establish a clear dialogue between old and new, reinforcing a strong sense of place rooted in Pyrmont’s industrial character.

Clarity, Safety and User Experience

The removal of the redundant monorail structure unlocks spatial clarity and improves circulation across the compact footprint. Integrated security screens, controlled lighting, intuitive wayfinding, and carefully considered layouts enhance legibility and perceived safety. Together, these elements create an environment that feels open, welcoming, and easy to navigate, accommodating a diverse, high-volume public audience, from families during the day to large event crowds and night-time users. 

Inclusive and Dignified Design

Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the project’s design approach. Contemporary accessible amenities, multiple baby-change facilities and a dedicated child/carer cubicle support a wide range of users. By elevating the quality of an everyday public amenity, the refurbishment demonstrates how small, considered interventions can deliver meaningful social value.

Pragmatic Sustainability

Sustainability is embedded through practical, replicable strategies. Long-life, robust finishes withstand heavy use and reduce replacement cycles, while responsibly sourced, low-VOC materials support healthier indoor environments. Water-efficient fixtures, energy-efficient lighting and natural ventilation reduce operational demand and enhance user comfort with minimal reliance on mechanical systems.

Small Scale, High Impact

The project demonstrates how small-scale projects can achieve outsized impact. Through adaptive reuse, heritage sensitivity, inclusive planning and pragmatic sustainability, the project elevates essential public infrastructure to create a resilient, dignified and environmentally responsible public space in a precinct welcoming more than 26.4 million visitors annually.