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.
Current projects
We’re upgrading local streets in line with the Chinatown public domain plan to provide more space for people and opportunities for businesses. We’ve also extended the pedestrian boulevard of George Street to Central. Planning control changes are also proposed for 757-763 George Street, Haymarket.
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.
Look out for our brightly coloured tables and chairs, as Chairs in Squares pops up in Dixon Street this month.
What’s On
- Mon20Mar
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Urritjara by Tim Georgeson at Passage GalleryTim Georgeson’s Urritjara is now on view at Passage 24/7 in the Prince Trade Centre.Haymarket - Mon20Mar
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatThe Australian Premiere production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd WebberCapitol Theatre - Mon20Mar
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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 - Tue21Mar
- Tue21Mar
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Maker and creator workshops for kids aged 8 to 12 Harness all things inspirational and inventive with our sensational series of creative workshops for kidsDarling Square Library - Tue21Mar
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Rhymetime at Darling Square Library: 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Tue21Mar
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Storytime @ Darling Square, 3 to 5 years.A fun storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Tue21Mar
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Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Thu23Mar
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Drawing @ the Makerspace: Perfect Portraits 16+yrsA fun workshop for beginners to learn portrait drawing techniquesDarling Square Library - Thu23Mar
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Special Bilingual Rhymetime & Storytime at Darling SquareCelebrating Harmony Day 2023. Come along to our animated sing-a-long session for babies and toddlers.Darling Square Library - Thu23Mar
- Thu23Mar
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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 - Thu23Mar
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Bilingual Rhymetime @ Darling Square, 0-2 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Fri24Mar
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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 - Sat25Mar
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FBi Radio presents Race Matters live Imagination as Practice: artists and community builders on how creativity can shape social changeDarling Square Library - Sat25Mar
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City Art walking tour: Chinatown at nightA free guided walking tour of public art in ChinatownHaymarket - Sat25Mar
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Beginner painting at the Makerspace (16+yrs)Learn painting introductory skills in this 6-week course at Darling Square Library MakerspaceDarling Square Library - Sat25Mar
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Beginner Drawing at the Makerspace (16+ yrs)A fun beginner class to learn introductory drawing skills at the Darling Square Library makerspaceDarling Square Library - Sun26Mar
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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 - Tue28Mar
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Maker Time: for familiesGain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this intergenerational 2-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Thu30Mar
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Drawing @ the Makerspace: Still life for beginners 16+ yrsUnlock the secrets of drawing from a still life in this fun introductory workshopDarling Square Library - Tue4Apr
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What can electronics do for my brain?Associate Professor Omid Kavehei, University of SydneyShades - Tue4Apr
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Hydrogen: a brighter future for energyProfessor Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou, University of SydneyBancho - Tue4Apr
- Tue4Apr
- Tue11Apr
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School holidays: maker and creator (8-12 years)Harness all things inspirational and inventive with this sensational 2-hour creative workshop for kidsDarling Square Library - Thu13Apr
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School holidays: Kinetic maker & creator (8-12 years)Gain practical creative makerspace skills and experienceDarling Square Library - Fri21Apr
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School holidays: Manga workshop at the Makerspace (13-17yrs)Celebrate Youth Week and learn how to make your own comics in this introductory sessionDarling Square Library - Fri28Apr
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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 - Sat6May
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Mother’s Day workshop: Make laser-cut jewellery (12+ years)Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator to create a badge, pendant or earrings in this intergenerational sessionDarling Square Library - Sat20May
What’s On
Beginner painting at the Makerspace (16+yrs)Learn painting introductory skills in this 4-week course at Darling Square Library MakerspaceDarling Square Library - Sat20May
What’s On
Beginner drawing at the Makerspace (16+)A fun beginner class to learn introductory drawing skills at the Darling Square Library makerspaceDarling Square Library
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 Chinatown 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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Business permits, approvals & tenders
Apply for outdoor dining approvalGet permission to serve food and drink outdoors.Guides
Businesses and waste servicesHere’s everything businesses in the local area need to know about recycling services and reducing waste.Published 11 January 2023
City of Sydney News
News
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
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
21 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 2022News
Apply to run a community market in Dixon Street MallWe’re looking for applicants who can show innovation and diversity in the community.8 April 2022News
What to do in Sydney this FebruaryWarm nights, Sydney WorldPride and summer events call for celebration. See our top picks for the month.27 January 2022News
Make your mark on the Sydney Lunar FestivalShare your creative ideas for the internationally renowned celebrations.13 August 2021
