The City of Sydney has approved an accelerated proposal for, and committed $150 million towards, a new public square opposite the city’s Town Hall. Construction on the new square is set to start in 2028.
In a media release, the City of Sydney argues that “the square is central to the City of Sydney’s long-term vision of a city centre with plenty of space for people and public life.”
Framed by George, Pitt and Park Streets, the new Town Hall Square is envisioned by Lord Mayor Clover Moore as the “city’s living room, […] the heart of the city.”
“With ample trees and seats, it will be a place to sit on a weekday lunch break, home to large-scale events and gatherings like festivals, markets, celebrations and protests, and a meeting spot as iconic as the Town Hall steps,” she said.
Moore noted that plans for a square outside Town Hall have been underway for more than 40 years, in what has been one of the biggest projects ever initiated by the City of Sydney.
“For more than three decades, the City of Sydney has been progressively acquiring properties opposite Town Hall to create space for a future Town Hall Square and we’re excited to be in a position to deliver this incredible community asset,” she said.
The site is currently occupied by an assortment of commercial buildings. Council has acquired six of the seven lots and has voted to pursue compulsory acquisition of the remaining building at 542-544 George Street in order to accelerate the plan.
The proposal for the new Town Hall Square builds upon the transformation of George Street into a pedestrianised precinct, which was initiated by the Lord Mayor following a vision from Danish urbanist Jan Gehl. “The extra public space along George Street has transformed the city centre and this square will take our work creating a city for people even further,” Moore said.
The City of Sydney envisions the new square as part of a broader transformation of the CBD, which includes two other squares – one at Circular Quay and another at Central Station – all linked together by George Street.
Council notes in their communique that, as part of a revitalisation of the Town Hall precinct, they are also planning a paving, furniture and lighting upgrade of the area between St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Sydney Town Hall in 2027, the scope of which will be determined later this month.
The design for the square will be developed over the next year, with the opportunity for the community to provide feedback on a draft concept in 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
