Light rail

George Street transforms

The City of Sydney welcomed the NSW Government's announcement that work will soon begin on a $1.6 billion light rail line, connecting Randwick to Circular Quay.

George Street will undergo one of the biggest transformations ever seen in Sydney with the extension of the light rail line through the strip. The City has committed $180 million to the link and it will work closely with the State Government on the project.

Modern trams on the line will run every 2 minutes during peak hour and make connections to buses and trains. Thousands of people will be moved every hour without the noise and delays of current transport infrastructure.

The main strip will be pedestrianised between Hunter and Bathurst Streets and footpaths will be widened. Existing driveway access for buildings on the strip will be maintained while roads travelling east and west will remain open to vehicles.

Delivery vehicles and taxis servicing the Hilton will travel along George Street as normal.

Greater space created for pedestrians means local cafés and restaurants on the street can introduce outdoor dining areas.

The revamped George Street will become an easy way to travel between key attractions, from The Rocks and Circular Quay to the city centre’s retail heart and on to Chinatown. Light rail will also link hotels to the planned new Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Draft George Street concept design

The draft concept design sets out the principles intended to guide behind the new George Street plan. It includes the City’s preferred options relating to street trees, paving, public art, public domain furniture, lighting and signage.

The concept design was endorsed by Council in December 2012.

Customs House hosted a temporary exhibition display Next Stop: 21st Century George Street between 4 April to 3 May 2013. The exhibition featured large display walls, image panels, banners, models and digital displays to showcase the City's vision for George Street. The feedback gathered from the exhibition will be reported to Council and provided to Transport for NSW.