New dining options, spectacular harbour views and educational tours celebrating the heritage of this unique site will soon be available for the whole community to enjoy, as part of the NSW Government's plan to revitalise Fort Denison.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the up to 25 year lease to operate a restaurant, manage functions and conduct tours on the Sydney Harbour island was awarded to Fort Denison Dining, part of The Point Group, following a competitive tender process.
"Fort Denison has long been the forgotten jewel in our spectacular Sydney Harbour crown," Mr Kean said.
"We wanted to right that wrong, and deliver a state-of-the-art visitor experience for the whole community to enjoy, that celebrates the unique heritage and environmental values of this iconic site.
"The proposal put forward by the Fort Denison Dining team delivers on all of those fronts, and I look forward to seeing Fort Denison reach its potential and become a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike."
The Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said the re-imagined Fort Denison will be a place for everyone – for families, visitors and tourists.
"We want to make the world take notice – it's not just the Opera House and Harbour Bridge that are landmarks in Sydney Harbour. We want to recognise that Fort Denison is a key part of a trilogy of iconic landmarks," Mr Robinson said.
"Our Fort Denison team has worked for more than 2 years to develop an extraordinary design that respects and celebrates the shared history and heritage of the island. We look forward to making an important contribution to the revitalisation of the tourism and hospitality industries in Sydney."
Fort Denison Dining has obtained all necessary environmental and heritage approvals ahead of commencing construction works in the coming months.
In addition to the works that will be undertaken by the lessee, National Parks and Wildlife Services has commenced significant conservation works of the original buildings and the sea wall and is replacing the wharf to allow access for the whole community.
The lease will officially commence once works are complete and the site opens to the public, in late 2022.
