Widening the Streets

Streetscapes

Before the Council commenced the demolition and widening of Oxford Street, it photographed all the effected buildings on the north side of the street. Not all the photographs are dated (and some were clearly taken on different days) but the majority seem to have been taken during 1910. Using digital technology we have recreated the 1910 streetscape between Oxford Square (Riley Street) and Crown Street as a photomontage. A similar exercise was undertaken in 2003 by the City as part of the "Gateways" project. This allows a comparision of the "old" and "new" streetscapes.

Oxford Street 1910

Step back in time and admire the streetscape of 1910 (click on the photomontage to enter). It’s a diverting stroll with plenty to capture our attention in the windows. There are stationers, booksellers and launderers, no less than four banks, a butcher, a chemist and a café, a billiard saloon and, of course, a hotel at the end where we can quench our thirst. (images: City of Sydney Archives, CRS 51)

Oxford Street 2003

This is the same block between Oxford Square and Crown Street in 2003. It shows the shops built after the widening of Oxford Street. Click on the photomontage to enter Oxford Street 2003. (images: City of Sydney; photographer: Brett Boardman)