Great news for book lovers, nature enthusiasts and culture frothers: the State Library of NSW’s dreary forecourt is set to be completely revitalised, thanks to the government’s $27 million proposal, now given the green light by the City of Sydney.
The forecourt, found at the front of the oldest continuously operating library in Australia, will be transformed into a 3,000-square-metre public and vibrant domain – doubling its current size – complete with native trees and plants, a lush grassy plaza and improved pedestrian access. With added seating, lighting and a new kiosk, the new space will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 people for cultural and community events. This comes as the State Library of NSW, founded in 1826, prepares to celebrate its bicentenary in 2026. Talk about a birthday present.
The revitalisation is part of the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a lively arts and culture destination while paying respect to the precinct’s history, for both locals and visitors.
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As well as a reimagined plaza, the plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers, as well as improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain, creating a vibrant inner-city hub.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said: “For almost 200 years the State Library has been a central place of learning and ideas in our city – a home to the state’s readers, writers, and researchers.
The ambition to reimagine the forecourt looks ahead to the next 200 years for the library and its precinct. The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain, or Art Gallery of NSW easier and more welcoming.”
State librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon added: “The State Library of New South Wales is one of the great libraries of the world. Greatly loved, it is a hive of reading, research and creativity for over a million visitors who walk through our doors each year to use our collection, explore our galleries and enjoy our cultural and learning programs.
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The new public forecourt will further elevate the library as both a cultural destination and a welcoming and magnificent setting for discovery for everyone, every day of the week,” Butler-Bowdon said.
While the exact start date for the transformation of the State Library of New South Wales’ forecourt hasn’t been announced yet, here’s hoping it’s complete for its 200th birthday. We’ll keep you posted.
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