Back in February, the potential designs were revealed for an ambitious redevelopment in the centre of Sydney's CBD – a plan to create a huge new public square in front of Sydney Town Hall. After some debate over whether the project would (or even could) go ahead, City for Sydney has confirmed that the project has been given the official green light – with construction due to start in 2028.
The idea for a big public square in front of Sydney’s historic Town Hall isn’t new. Way back in 1982, Sydney Council passed a proposal to acquire properties surrounding Town Hall on George and Park Streets and create a public square; a plan that was developed over the past few decades with the intention of purchasing buildings in a wider circumference, and creating a 'Town Hall Precinct'.
Led by Lord Mayor Clover Moore, the City of Sydney has continued to buy buildings in the area when they went on the market – making the possibility more achievable. In a meeting last week, the Council unanimously passed a motion to explore how the Town Hall Square project can be brought forward, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore explaining that “the City remains committed to the long-term vision for a Town Hall Square opposite the Town Hall.”
The “vision” has evolved over the years, and although final designs haven’t been confirmed, we have an idea of what to expect. In line with the recent revitalisation of George Street, the development will focus on improving public outdoor space in the centre of the city: with trees, seating areas and improved wayfinding thanks to lighting and footpaths.
For context, the City of Sydney’s work on the George Street area has involved the planting of 100 extra trees, the addition of new wide, granite-paved footpaths and new modern street furniture (as well as the completion of the light rail). In her speech to the Council last week, Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained that, once complete, the pedestrianisation of George Street “will have reclaimed over 26,000 square metres of space” – with the creation of Town Hall Square a continuation of this mission.
As a heritage-listed building, Town Hall already requires investment from the City of Sydney for maintenance, with $72 million invested over the past 11 years to "bring life to this important civic building for another 100 years". Now that a large part of the restoration work has been done, the City of Sydney has agreed to commit funds to “accelerating the delivery of Town Hall Square”, with the project set to be one of the biggest projects ever carried out by the City of Sydney.
The official design for the new square is set to be developed over the next year, with City for Sydney explaining that this is the first of three new public squares they plan to create in the city (with the other two being at Circular Quay and Central Station).
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO describes the vision for Town Hall Square to become “the city’s living room, a central, public square… the heart of the city”.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.