Designing for everyone: changing construction culture

Bank Street Park is not just creating a new waterfront destination for Sydney, it is also reshaping how construction sites are designed for the people who build them.

Delivered by Infrastructure NSW in partnership with head contractor BESIX Watpac, the project is also showing how inclusive design can reshape the experience of construction for the workforce on site.

As a NSW Government Women in Construction pilot project, Bank Street Park is targeting up to 50% female participation across the project lifecycle, a significant increase on the industry average of around 12%. With a workforce expected to peak at about 100 people, the project is testing how the right environment can support a more diverse team.

At the centre of this approach is a simple idea: if a site is inclusive and welcoming, more people will feel comfortable working there.

This starts with the everyday experience on site. Instead of standard facilities, the project has introduced modern, inclusive amenities. Equal toilet facilities for men and women are complemented by gender neutral and accessible options, while change rooms include full length mirrors, privacy curtains and seating. Access to personal hygiene products helps remove small but important barriers that can make some sites feel unwelcoming.

“It’s clear a lot of consideration has gone into the setup, and it genuinely makes a difference day to day.” one construction worker said.

The site also includes features not typically associated with construction. Kitchens, on-site laundry and storage make long days more manageable, while a dedicated multi-purpose wellbeing room provides a private space for rest, prayer, lactation or quiet time.

For many workers, this has reshaped expectations. One senior supervisor described it as “the best site I’ve worked on,” while another said it “feels more like a normal corporate office than a construction site.”

These improvements sit alongside broader initiatives to support women in construction, helping remove barriers and create a workplace where more people want to work. It will deliver not just a new public space, but a lasting example of how inclusive amenities can help build a stronger, more diverse construction industry.

The public park will be the first green space delivered in the revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay, an exciting urban renewal opportunity that will transform over 10 hectares of industrial land into a sustainable a world-class harbourfront destination.