The $44 million revitalization of Sydney’s Haymarket precinct, including Chinatown on Dixon Street, has been given the green light, following a unanimous decision by City of Sydney council members.
Concept plans designed by Aspect Studios, with Sibling Architecture, Electrolight, and Studio Yu and Mei, were released in October 2023.
The enlivened Chinatown will feature an ever-changing light canopy, new public seating, paving inserts with inlaid traditional Chinese symbols, and the planting of additional trees to increase access to shade.
The design team has made a conscious effort to be sympathetic to the already existing heritage and character of Chinatown through the preservation of the cherished Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, as well as several mature fig trees.
The project involved one of the largest multilingual consultations in the history of the City of Sydney, with more than 1,150 residents, businesses and community members taking part in discussion over the early plans and 350 responses to the public exhibition. Consultations revealed a desire for a hub that is diverse, friendly, safe, easily navigable, has a wider variety of dining experiences, and is respectful of culture.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the community warmly welcomed the plan’s expanded space for pedestrians and sitting and dining outdoors, as well as the creative lighting, support for business and celebration of culture.
“Haymarket is one of Sydney’s most iconic urban villages and has long been recognized as a focal point for Asian food, cultures, and communities both locally and internationally. But the last few years have been incredibly challenging for the area,” Moore said.
“This is a perfect time for a new overarching plan for the area, and our communities have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with us to celebrate the important precinct’s past and help safeguard its future.”
As part of the project, a series of works have been proposed to enhance the surrounding areas, including a reconfiguration of Sussex Street to encourage walking and cycling, streetscape improvements to Thai Town, revamp of Belmore Park, as well as public domain upgrades at Harbour, Goulburn, Ultimo, Quay and Hay Streets.
“Our plans include a long-term upgrade of public space, with more trees, seats, lighting and integrated public art, as well as a proposed review of planning controls to support vibrant building signage and renewal of smaller buildings as a point of difference from the city centre,” Moore said.
“The community told us clearly that our first priority should be the heart of Chinatown, Dixon Street, so that work is already underway, and we will be restoring the iconic Ceremonial Gates next year.”
Since 2010, the Haymarket area has undergone a significant transformation through projects such as the $43.5 million pedestrianization of George Street south, new public space at Thomas Street, as well as upgrades to local streets such as Kimber Lane.
“The new plans take this work to another level while continuing our focus on bringing together different cultural groups to celebrate the area’s heritage, history and features,” Moore said. “The City of Sydney will invest millions of dollars over the next ten years to upgrade Goulburn, Sussex, Harbour, Quay and Thomas streets, to complete public domain improvements and reinstate light catenaries on Dixon Street, and upgrade Belmore Park.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
