The process of upgrading Sydney’s historic – but aged – Circular Quay ferry wharves and adjacent waterfront land will soon start to accelerate.

The so-called Circular Quay Precinct Renewal program, being led by Transport for NSW, has begun sounding out designers, builders and financiers to participate in the scheme.

The proposed upgrade means buildings could go as high as the Cahill Expressway. Credit:James Alcock

The process has the broad support of the City of Sydney Council, which said it supports the intention of trying to improve the public space around Circular Quay, which it dubbed “Sydney’s front door”, and the “international gateway to Australia” for many.

Under the framework distributed to potential private sector participants at a briefing last week, the scheme reflects the dual intentions of upgrading the ferry wharves – largely built in the 1940s – and linking that upgrade to a remodelling of the surrounding waterfront area.