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There was a time, not too long ago, when George Street was one of Sydney’s least loveable streets. Now the Light Rail is up and running and the number of trees (and tables) lining the pavements are growing, it’s a pretty damn lovely place to be, and it's about to get even more pedestrian-friendly. According to the NSW Government, the final stage of the George Street transformation is set to extend all the way into The Rocks. The planned upgrade will cover the northern stretch between Essex Street and Jack Mundey Place, completing the 2.5-kilometre pedestrian-friendly corridor that now runs from Central Station towards Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood.
So, what’s actually changing? Between Essex and Alfred streets, the eastern side of George Street will be closed to traffic and turned into a wide pedestrian “boulevard”, with new seating, trees, lighting and paving alongside the light rail tracks. The NSW Government says a single southbound vehicle lane will remain on the western side.
Then, between Alfred Street and Jack Mundey Place, the temporary road closure introduced during the pandemic to allow for more outdoor dining will become permanent. One southbound traffic lane will remain, and the other will be repurposed for pedestrians, outdoor dining and public space. That means more room for restaurants and bars to spill outdoors, plus space for people to sit and take in The Rocks without having to compete with a full road of traffic.
And there’s already some evidence that the outdoor dining setup is working. According to government stats, The Rocks attracted 14.3 million visitors last financial year, and hospo venues in the precinct have reported that outdoor dining can account for up to 35 per cent of their annual turnover.
The works are expected to cost $15.8 million, with construction slated to begin in 2027, subject to approvals, and finish by late 2028. Before then, locals have a chance to weigh in on the City of Sydney’s plans. Feedback on the Essex Street to Alfred Street section is open until 5pm on Monday, October 26 over here.
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