Haymarket precinct news
Stay up-to-date on projects and initiatives in the area.
Haymarket is a unique and distinctive part of Sydney. It has a special urban character that is lively, diverse and ever changing, characterised by dining and shopping, and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Haymarket has historic links with Chinese culture and community. The growing influence of other Asian cultures and communities adds to an increasing diversity of shops and restaurants throughout the area.
Plans to revitalise Haymarket
A long-term plan to breathe new life into Haymarket and Chinatown is underway. The multi-million-dollar vision sees key projects focus on activating and improving streets and public spaces, shopfronts, parks and lighting.
We invited feedback on our proposed Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy and Haymarket public domain plan from 22 August to 25 September 2023. Your feedback will help shape future projects and actions.
Priority projects complete or underway
- Preparing designs for Dixon Street's update
- Restoring and heritage listing the Chinatown ceremonial gates
- Transforming George Street south
- Improving Thomas, Hay and Barlow streets and Ultimo Road
- Waiving outdoor dining fees until 2025
- Revitalising the area with major events like Sydney Lunar New Year and Sydney Streets
- Heritage listing the Kwong War Chong building at 82-84 Dixon Street in 2020
- Supporting the precinct's branding, funded by the NSW Government's Uptown Accelerator Grant
- Supporting the new Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) with grant funding
- Sponsoring SXSW Sydney, a week-long tech, innovation and culture event in Darling Harbour and Haymarket in October 2023.
Planning and development
Haymarket is a rapidly changing part of Sydney given the major developments of neighbouring universities, Darling Harbour and potential development at Central Precinct, part of the NSW Government’s innovation precinct, Tech Central. Our plans for a new public place at Central, described in the city south public domain plan, are part of our vision for this area.
Our Central Sydney planning strategy identifies areas to the north and south of Haymarket as key areas for employment growth. Changes to planning rules are supporting sensitive development in these areas.
Chinatown is designated a Special Character Area, with planning rules in place to retain and enhance the unique character of the area. The draft Haymarket public domain plan recommends priority projects, including the Dixon Street upgrade and restoration of the Dixon Street gates.
Precinct mapPDF · 1015.49 KB · Last modified
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News
5 fun-filled activities to shake up your night outSwitch up your routine with something other than your same old Saturday night.27 August 2023News
Revitalising Haymarket and Chinatown through a multi-million dollar transformationWe’d love to hear what you think about breathing new life into the district with vibrant streets, dazzling lights and cultural celebrations.23 August 2023News
Bunny bounty: Discover the 36 rabbits created by Sydney’s youngest artistsA key feature of the Sydney Lunar Festival, the shortlisted artworks by children aged 6 to 12 years old were selected from more than 600 entries.12 January 2023News
What to do and where to eat during Sydney Lunar Festival 2023Fabulous feasts, spectacular shows and magnificent artworks – it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.6 January 2023News
Vivid Sydney local business programLearn how your business can get involved with the Vivid Sydney local business program.13 October 2022News
Spring awakening: Eat, shop and play at Sydney Streets7 local neighbourhoods transformed into traffic-free destinations.16 September 2022News
How your business can get involved in Sydney StreetsThe popular outdoor street events are back this spring.22 August 2022News
Locals invited to shape the future of HaymarketResidents and businesses across Haymarket and Chinatown and visitors to the area are invited to share their ideas for its future.10 August 2022News
Historic Haymarket landmark returned to its former glory Learn more about the restoration of the heritage-listed Corporation Building and how it serviced Sydney’s markets.5 August 2022News
20 unique tours for a day out in Sydney Savour delicious food, absorb fascinating info, meet new friends and make the most of the city.13 April 2022
Markets, events and activations
Sydney Lunar Festival is the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside mainland China – with a street festival in Haymarket, daily lion dancing performances, delicious food and over 60 events in January and February.
The famous Friday Night Markets on Dixon Street are one of Sydney’s most popular late-night shopping hotspots. Showcasing local designers, delicious Asian street food and unique products.
The restaurants, cafes and bars provide theatre goers at Capitol Theatre, tourists staying in surrounding hotels and backpackers hostels, city residents and workers late-night food and entertainment options. Arts and cultural organisations such as Gallery 4A and the Museum of Chinese in Australia, help define the precinct as a cultural hub.
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- Sat30Sep
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Sydney Streets in Haymarket We’re stopping traffic for a day of fun in HaymarketHaymarket - Sat30Sep
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Festive Fun at Market City during Sydney Streets Haymarket!Captivating installations, cultural performances, traditional workshops, festive mooncakes, celebratory meals + moreHaymarket - Sat30Sep
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Moon Festival – Thrilling Live Family Events in HaymarketMust see spectacular high-pole lion dance. Free breathtaking performances by the troupes at Jin Wu Koon plus moreHaymarket - Sat30Sep
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Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Sat30Sep
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Chinatown 'Bites and Culture' treasure hunt experienceThink 'The Amazing Race', outdoor escape room and a walking tour with an adrenaline rushChinatown - Sun1Oct
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ParkoursomeUnleash your child's adventurous spirit with free spring parkour classes at Darling Harbour.Haymarket - Sun1Oct
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Chinatown – Street food & stories guided food tourSample a range of regional Chinese snacks while hearing stories of Chinese-Australians and stories of ChinatownHaymarket - Sun1Oct
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Kids kung fu classThe martial tradition of the Shaolin temple adapted for kids to reach their full potential in a fun environmentHaymarket - Wed4Oct
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School Holidays: Laser cut stickers and stamps, 9-12 yrsDesign and create street art iconography with laser cut stickers and stamps in this three-hour beginner workshopDarling Square Library - Thu5Oct
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Bird Week craft at Darling Square Library (8+ years)A creative, hands-on workshop for people 8+ years to create a handmade paper bird craftDarling Square Library - Fri6Oct
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In conversation with manga creator Queenie ChanHere about the professional journey of acclaimed artist and writer Queenie ChanDarling Square Library - Fri6Oct
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School holidays: manga masterclass comic workshop, 13-17yrsUnleash your storytelling potential and craft your own manga story from start to finishDarling Square Library - Sun8Oct
- Tue10Oct
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Storytime at Darling Square: 3 to 5 yearsA fun storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Tue10Oct
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Rhymetime at Darling Square Library: 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Tue10Oct
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Maker and creator workshop, 8-12 yrsHarness all things inspirational and inventive with our sensational series of creative workshops for kidsDarling Square Library - Wed11Oct
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Scaling Up Acceleration Workshop Sydney For Founders/CEOs and leaders seeking a structured approach to accelerating performance and business growth.Haymarket - Thu12Oct
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Bilingual Rhymetime @ Darling Square, 0 to 2 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Thu12Oct
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Bilingual Storytime @ Darling Square Library, 3 to 5 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Thu12Oct
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First 5 Years: Improving childhood development using tech Dr Haley LaMonica explores how a child’s development in early years can impact their health and wellbeing in adulthood.Darling Square Library - Sat14Oct
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Weekend maker time for familiesGain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this intergenerational 2-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Wed18Oct
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Maker time for families, 8-12 yrsGain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this intergenerational 2-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Sat21Oct
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Laser cut printmaking from the archives 16+yrsAn introduction to laser cutting and printmaking using the City of Sydney's photographic archivesDarling Square Library - Fri27Oct
- Sat28Oct
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Caroline Davis’ Alula + NuovoMondo SymphoniesSydney International Women’s Jazz FestHaymarket - Sat28Oct
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Shannon Barnett Quartet + Tessie Overmyer TrioExperience the cutting-edge brilliance of contemporary jazz in the enchanting stained glassed acoustic splendour of a church.Haymarket - Sun29Oct
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Tabletop Games Afternoon (16+)Play fun contemporary favourites with fellow gamers in the cityDarling Square Library - Tue7Nov
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Four-Course Melbourne Cup LunchGet set for a sensational Melbourne Cup lunch at Bar Morris.Haymarket - Sat11Nov
- Sat18Nov
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Let’s Talk: An in-conversation about conversationsDevelop your conversational skills to the next level with Sydney’s finest raconteursDarling Square Library - Sun31Dec
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Four-Course New Year's Eve DinnerSay arrivederci to 2023 and raise a glass to New Year’s Eve at Bar Morris.Haymarket - Mon1Jan
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Five-course Whisky pairing dinnerImmerse yourself in the rich aromas of Morris Australian single malt whisky paired with delectable dishesHaymarket - Sun24Mar
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GreaseThe no. 1 party musical Grease returns to the Australian stage in a new, multi-million-dollar live productionCapitol Theatre - Mon1Jan
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Read To Me presents: This Must Be The Place #3Hear and see stories by local graphic storytellersDarling Square Library - Mon1Jan
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Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney 2023The Australian Hi-Fi Show 2023 is returning giving audiophiles the opportunity to see and hear the greatest kits.Haymarket
