Sydney CBD could soon look very different with the construction of a new Stadsplein that is followed quickly.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the demolition for the project would start by 2028.
“For more than three decades, the city of Sydney has gradually acquired properties opposite the town hall under successive Lord Mayors,” she said.
Mrs. Moore said that many of the 50-year-old buildings became too expensive to maintain and instead of throwing more money at them, accelerating the Sydney Square project was a more cost-effective option.
She added that the buildings also did not yield considerable income, since the vacancy in older office blocks remained high.
This is because 'post-covid' tenants preferred newer 'blue ribbon' offices, she said.
The Town Square project would be a continuation of the work that George Street has transformed into a pedestrian boulevard with a light rail.
'In May 2023, the Council unanimously decided to develop a draft design for Sydney Square between our historic town hall and the Cathedral of St. Andrew as the next phase in the transformation of Central Sydney and as an expansion of the work of the public domain in George Street, “Mrs. Moore,” Mrs. Moore, “Mrs. Moore said.
An artist interpreting the billion dollar Sydney Square, which starts in 2028, is depicted
Sydney's CBD will undergo a large transformation, because a new city square has been followed quickly
The Sydney Square would be an extension of the transformation of George Street in a pedestrians and light rail boulevard (photo)
Mrs. Moore said that $ 35 million had already been assigned to Sydney Square.
The funds will be used to upgrade approximately 6500 m² of public country, with the exact scope of works that will be determined later this year.
The widespread upgrades to the city were presented in 2007 by Danish architect and urbanist Jen Gehl who had three public squares in mind in Sydney – on Circular Quay, Town Hall and Central Station – connected by a pedestrian boulevard.
“When they are completed, the pedestrian George Street and adjacent streets have recovered more than 26,000 square meters of the city for people,” said Mrs. Moore.
'We have planted 100 trees, wide, granite-pudding footpaths, modern street furniture and lighting. This has attracted $ 8 billion in private investments and especially there are people everywhere on our seats, conversations, on their devices, or just by passers-by. '
Mrs. Moore said the construction would be supplemented with other projects such as the Metro Rail Line and a renewed pressure to increase the buzz in the city in the dark.
'More people have returned to the city for work and to visit. The nightlife has increased and is planned to grow even further among us proposed special entertainment area, including areas in the town hall, “she said.
The next step in the Sydney Square project is the allocation of more funds in the budget of 2025-26 for a project size with costs.
