Haymarket is a unique and distinctive part of Sydney. It has a special urban character that’s lively, diverse and ever changing, characterised by dining and shopping, and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The precinct has historic links with Chinese culture and communities. A growing influence of other Asian cultures and communities adds to an increasing diversity of shops and restaurants.
Plans to revitalise Haymarket
A long-term plan to breathe new life into Haymarket and Chinatown is underway. The multimillion-dollar vision sees key projects focus on activating and improving streets and public spaces, shopfronts, parks and lighting.
In December 2023, Council endorsed the Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy and Haymarket and Chinatown public domain plan after extensive consultation with the community.
Priority projects underway
Priority projects completed
- Supporting Asia Live, a 16 day celebration of arts, culture and community in Haymarket with live performances, lighting installations, street pop-ups and immersive experiences in April 2026
- Supporting Neon Playground’s return to Haymarket with a precinct activation grant. The popular 3-week festival lit up Dixon Street and surrounds with light, music, art and entertainment from March to April 2025
- Updating planning rules to protect and enhance Haymarket’s unique character
- Restoring and heritage listing the Chinatown ceremonial gates
- Waiving outdoor dining fees
- Supporting the precinct’s branding and activations, funded by the NSW Government’s uptown accelerator grant
- Supporting Chinatown’s Purple Flag accreditation by NSW Government
- Funding the new Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) with grant funding
- Heritage listing the Kwong War Chong building at 82-84 Dixon Street
- Heritage listing of 3 buildings in Chinatown
Haymarket project updates
Stay up-to-date on projects and initiatives in the area.
LoonFoon, Dixon Street, Haymarket. Image: Abril Felman
City of Sydney News
News
Where to see lion dances during Sydney Lunar FestivalThey bring good luck and chase away evil spirits for the year ahead.3 February 2026News
Create the visual identity system for Sydney Lunar FestivalHelp us create a new look for one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia.30 September 2025News
Haymarket’s cultural heart begins its next revitalisation phaseThe latest upgrades to Dixon Street are under way, with design that honours culture and community.13 May 2026News
What to do and where to eat during Sydney Lunar FestivalFabulous feasts, spectacular shows and magnificent artworks – it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Horse.3 February 2026News
A new era for Haymarket unfolds with urban renewalDiscover the changes shaping the heart of Chinatown's future: heritage upgrades, street improvements and cultural events.13 May 2026News
How to get involved in Sydney StreetsMake the most of our popular street events this summer - bring your trading or dining outdoors, apply for event space, host a pop-up stall and more.16 January 2025News
New Dixon Street improvement grants now openLandowners and businesses can apply to receive funding to improve shop or building frontages.5 August 2024News
By George, dragons! Experience the magic of Sydney Lunar FestivalThe roarsome dragons and lanterns making George Street shine for Sydney Lunar Festival.25 June 2024News
Get your business involved in Vivid SydneyLearn how you can be part of the world's largest festival of light, music, food and ideas27 March 2024News
Dixon Street transformation revealedOur proposed designs will bring vibrancy back to the heart of Chinatown with creative lighting, improved flow and traditional cultural features.21 August 2025
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 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art and the Museum of Chinese in Australia, help define the precinct as a cultural hub.
What’s On
- Sun30Aug
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Disney's The Lion KingThe world’s #1 musical is now playing at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.Capitol Theatre - Sun30Aug
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Euro Summer at Hay StEuro feast trail and live entertainment, no passport requiredHaymarket - Sun30Aug
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Free badminton comes to Market CityBadminton take over at Market City — pro players, para-athletes, and a record attemptHaymarket - Sun30Aug
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Kids kung fu classesThe martial tradition of the Shaolin temple adapted for kids to reach their full potential in a fun environmentHaymarket - Sun30Aug
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Tabletop games afternoon, 16 years +Play fun contemporary favourites with fellow gamers in the cityDarling Square Library - Tue1Sep
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Rhymetime at Darling Square Library, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and storiesDarling Square Library - Tue1Sep
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FREE Tai Chi Tuesdays at Market CityEnjoy FREE Tai Chi every Tuesday at Market City. Improve balance, flexibility and wellbeing. Everyone welcome.Haymarket - Tue1Sep
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Maker & Creator 8-12yrsPlay and create with the latest makerspace kits and electronic gadgetsDarling Square Library - Tue1Sep
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Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Tue1Sep
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Storytime at Darling Square, 3 to 5 yearsA fun storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singingDarling Square Library - Tue1Sep
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Tango course (6 weeks) with Club De TangoFor all levels with Sydney's most experienced and successful teachers.Haymarket - Wed2Sep
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Bilingual storytime at Darling Square Library, 3 to 5 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Wed2Sep
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Bilingual rhymetime at Darling Square, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and storiesDarling Square Library - Wed2Sep
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Homeschool Makertime: 3D Printing 8-12yrsOur September session offers a guided CAD activity designed to spark curiosity and build foundational 3D design skillsDarling Square Library - Thu3Sep
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Come and get techie: Darling Square LibraryGot a burning tech question? Get 1:1 tech help at the LibraryDarling Square Library - Fri4Sep
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Recycling and lids sorting volunteer sessionLet’s turn small actions into big impact — one lid at a timeHaymarket - Sat5Sep
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Maker time for families 8-12 yearsGet hands-on experience with our maker kits, microscopes, marble-run, wind-tube, electronics and robotics kitsDarling Square Library - Sat5Sep
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Moon Paw-ty at IIKO MazesobaA dog-friendly Moon Festival lunch with "Tsukimi" themed food, tea, pup treats, live illustrations and fundraisingHaymarket - Tue8Sep
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History Week: Laser cut printmaking from the archives 16+yrsAn introduction to laser cutting and printmaking using the City of Sydney's photographic archivesDarling Square Library - Tue8Sep
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How will AI change creative cultures?Join us for a thought-provoking talk exploring how AI could reshape the creative industries.Darling Square Library
Planning and development
Haymarket is continuously changing with major developments nearby such as universities in Ultimo, 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.
Chinatown is designated a Special Character Area, with planning rules in place to retain and enhance the unique character of the area. The Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy proposes a review of planning rules to allow more freedom and cultural expression in building signs and lighting, and to encourage renewal of smaller buildings as a point of difference from other areas of the city. A new grant program will incentivise improvements to buildings and shopfronts on Dixon Street south.
The Haymarket and Chinatown public domain plan recommends priority projects to improve the streets and parks, including the Dixon Street upgrade and restoration of the Chinatown Ceremonial Gates.
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 more development in these areas.
