In 2005 the State Government of New South Wales held an urban design competition to renew the former dock site now known as East Darling Harbour.

Nordon Jago's scheme sought to reconfigure the water’s edge into a series of irregular wharves. The wharves provided for public, private and light-commercial moorings, and consisted of low-rise, north-facing residential and hotel accommodation. A public plaza was proposed to the south of the site connecting an existing entertainment precinct with the overseas passenger ferry terminal.

Traffic was re-routed in the scheme to connect pedestrian and cycle circuits, and a light-rail was proposed resulting in the redevelopment of Hickson Road from an industrial thoroughfare to a civic avenue. To the north of the site, a recreational domain was proposed. This domain was striated, locating sporting activities in a band connecting the cliff face with the harbour while reserving the northern expanse for passive recreation.

Environmentally sustainable principles were employed throughout the design, maximising the exchange of energy through natural systems and geometric optimisation.

Nordon Jago’s scheme for stage 1 was publicly exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in August 2005.