Sydney Harbour Bridge Northern Access Cycleway | Collins and Turner with Design 5 architects, Aspect Studios, Eckersley O’Callaghan

Sydney Harbour Bridge Northern Access Cycleway | Collins and Turner with Design 5 architects, Aspect Studios, Eckersley O'Callaghan | Photographer: Brett Boardman

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Sydney Harbour Bridge Northern Access Cycleway | Collins and Turner with Design 5 architects, Aspect Studios, Eckersley O’Callaghan

Traditional Land Owners

Cammeraygal

Year
2026
Chapter

New South Wales

Category
Heritage
Builder
Arenco
Photographer
Brett Boardman
Ruth Gold
Media summary

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway Ramp delivers a long-awaited, step-free link between the central city and North Sydney. The 170-metre ramp,  removes a major barrier at Bradfield Park, where cyclists previously had to negotiate 55 steps. Carefully integrated into Bradfield Park and the Milsons Point Station forecourt, the ramp preserves openness, sightlines, and pedestrian movement while respecting the heritage of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Developed in close collaboration with Heritage NSW and Indigenous stakeholders, the design combines advanced engineering with traditional craft. A continuous bronze balustrade, patinated to complement the bridge’s industrial character, runs along the cycleway, while a relocated section of the original 1932 parapet marks its start. First Nations cultural heritage is acknowledged through public artwork and interpretive plaques, telling the stories of Country and the bridge’s history. The cycleway is a landmark addition to Sydney’s living heritage, enhancing accessibility, safety, and cultural connection across the harbour.

The success of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway is a result of close collaboration between expert industry-leading design specialists in architecture, urban design; industrial and structural professionals and Transport for NSW, underpinned by a Design Excellence Strategy developed by Transport with input from the Government Architect and Heritage NSW.  

Combined with extensive stakeholder, user and community testing and engagement, the collaborative design process resulted in an outstanding example of civic infrastructure that is elegant, sculptural, site responsive, celebrates Country, and enables everyone, regardless of age, ability or gender, to comfortably access and experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its surrounds.

 

Project Practice Team

Huw Turner, Design Architect
Penelope collins, Design Director
Giles Gibbins, Project Architect
Megan Ryan, Graduate of Architecture

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Design 5 Architects, Heritage Consultant
Aspect Studios, Landscape Consultant
Eckersley O’Callaghan, Structural Engineer
Eckersley O’Callaghan, Industrial Design Consultant
Stantec, Civil Consultant
Stantec, Structural Engineer
Stantec, Services Consultant
Electrolight, Electrical Consultant
Yerrabingin, First Nations Consultant
Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing, Artist

Connect with Collins and Turner with Design 5 architects, Aspect Studios, Eckersley O'Callaghan

This form is now closed.