Sydney’s CBD is set for a major urban transformation after the City of Sydney unveiled designs for a new public square opposite Sydney Town Hall. The proposed civic space is intended to create a landmark destination where residents, workers and visitors can gather, relax and participate in events while adding more open space to one of the city’s busiest areas.
The planned square will feature a contemporary layout incorporating circular paving patterns, water elements and a curved grove of native Australian trees. Extensive seating and shaded areas are expected to create a comfortable environment for everyday use, while the flexible design will allow the precinct to accommodate large gatherings, festivals, markets, concerts and sporting event screenings.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO said the project represents a significant investment in the city’s cultural and economic future. With Sydney’s population and visitor numbers expected to continue increasing, she said additional civic space would become increasingly important for supporting a vibrant and accessible city centre.
The project is also being positioned as an extension of the pedestrian-focused improvements already delivered along George Street. Council said the new square would provide additional room for people moving between buses, trains, metro and light rail, particularly around a transport precinct that sees almost 200,000 commuters pass through each day.
Architecture and design firms JPW and ASPECT Studios are leading the project, with JPW responsible for architecture and ASPECT Studios overseeing landscape design. The concept incorporates features intended to respond to Sydney’s climate, including a substantial native tree canopy for shade, seating areas for visitors and moving water designed to provide cooling and visual interest.
The space is expected to serve different purposes throughout the year. Shaded areas will provide relief during warmer months, while sections exposed to sunlight will offer more comfortable spaces during cooler periods. Lighting integrated into the tree canopy is also planned to contribute to the atmosphere after dark and help create a welcoming environment for evening activities.
The proposed development could also strengthen Sydney’s visitor economy. Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond said a distinctive civic destination in the city centre could encourage visitors to spend more time in the precinct, potentially benefiting surrounding businesses and attracting additional investment.
The City of Sydney has committed $150 million towards the design, demolition and construction of the project. Council said the financial commitment, including expenses associated with existing leases and the acquisition of remaining property, has been incorporated into its long-term financial planning. The project is intended to be delivered without borrowing, supported by the council’s financial position.
An important cultural element will also be incorporated into the future square. Council has committed to giving the space a First Nations name using a local Aboriginal word, consistent with its naming policy. Plans also include opportunities to recognise and support First Nations culture and practices within the precinct.
The redevelopment will extend beyond the proposed square, with the City of Sydney planning an upgrade to the area connecting Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew’s Cathedral. Improvements are expected to include new paving, seating and lighting, creating a more cohesive public environment around the wider precinct.
A development application is expected to be submitted in the coming months, after which the community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal. Demolition is currently anticipated to begin in 2028, with construction scheduled to continue towards a planned completion in 2031. If delivered as proposed, the new square could become one of Sydney’s major civic gathering places.
