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 to provide more space for people and opportunities for businesses. We’re also providing night markets, events and grant funding to help activate the area.
We’ve extended the pedestrian boulevard of George Street to Central and are prioritising public domain improvements in Dixon Street, Hay Street, Ultimo Road, Thomas Street.
We recently sought feedback from the community on what they find special about Chinatown and what can be done to improve the area. This feedback will help inform our proposal for Dixon Street, and other projects.
We’re also working with the community on an overarching vision and long-term outcomes for the future of the area.
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
- Wed10Aug
What’s On
Chinatown 'Bites and Culture' treasure hunt experienceThink 'The Amazing Race' + outdoor escape room + a walking tour with an adrenaline rushChinatown - Wed10Aug
What’s On
Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Wed10Aug
What’s On
Maker time: Regular makerspace sessionsGain practical makerspace skills and experience in this regular 3-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Wed10Aug
- Thu11Aug
- Thu11Aug
What’s On
Darling Harbour Winter FestivalLive acts, fireworks, a winter foodie market, giant ice slide and harbourside ice rinkHaymarket - Fri12Aug
- Sat13Aug
What’s On
An introduction to Wikidata: How worlds of Wikimedia linkJoin Wikimedians Toby Hudson and Annie Reynolds who’ll guide you through the basics of WikidataDarling Square Library - Sat13Aug
What’s On
Auslan and English storytime @ Darling Square LibraryFun sessions of storytelling for pre-school aged deaf and hearing childrenDarling Square Library - Sat13Aug
What’s On
Laser cutting the hidden farmLaser cut a key ring or bag tag from the microscopic world of Sydney City FarmDarling Square Library - Sun14Aug
What’s On
Kids kung fu classThe martial tradition of the Shaolin temple adapted for kids to reach their full potential in a fun environmentHaymarket - Sun14Aug
- Sun14Aug
What’s On
Aussie Chinatown – stories, snacks and secrets food tourSample a range of regional Chinese snacks while hearing stories of Chinese-Australians and the secrets of ChinatownChinatown - Sun14Aug
What’s On
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalEnter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and gloryCapitol Theatre - Tue16Aug
What’s On
Storytime @ Darling Square, 3-5 years Entertainment and literacy education for babies and toddlersDarling Square Library - Tue16Aug
What’s On
Rhymetime at Darling Square Library: 0-2 yearsEntertainment and literacy education for babies and toddlersDarling Square Library - Wed17Aug
What’s On
Protest: Sydney Town Hall as Temple of DemocracyLearn more about how the landmark has played a role in marking major asocial movements in Australian historyDarling Square Library - Thu18Aug
What’s On
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 - Tue23Aug
What’s On
Metaverse Sydney meetup With Start Beyond, Blaze Games, Polynize, Givetree & ZebrarHaymarket - Tue23Aug
What’s On
Australian South Sea Islander embroidery workshop A free workshop for beginner to advanced stitchers led by Australian South Sea Islanders and artist Helen Fraser.Darling Square Library - Tue23Aug
What’s On
Laser cut jewelleryCreate your own laser cut jewellery in this 3-hour interactive workshopDarling Square Library - Sat3Sep
What’s On
Hands on history: an introduction to WikipediaJoin Wikimedians Toby Hudson and Annie Reynolds to learn basics of editing the websiteDarling Square Library - Thu8Sep
What’s On
Caccini Circle Concerts Two free lunchtime recitals starring Australia's best classical musiciansHaymarket - Thu8Sep
What’s On
Laser cut jewellery from the Archives Create your own laser cut jewellery using images from the City of Sydney Archive in this 3-hour interactive workshop.Darling Square Library - Sat10Sep
What’s On
Jennifer Wong presents FEASTAn afternoon of evocative food stories told by Sydney’s hungriest and funniest food-loving writers and comediansDarling Square Library - Thu15Sep
What’s On
Laser cut printmaking from the ArchivesCreate your own laser cut print from images in the City Archive in this 3-hour interactive workshop.Darling Square Library - Tue20Sep
What’s On
Maker Time – for familiesGain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this intergenerational 3-hour session.Darling Square Library - Sat11Feb
What’s On
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatIn the Australian Premiere production of Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatCapitol Theatre
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 or host live entertainment in city centre outdoor dining areas.Guides
Businesses and waste servicesHere’s everything businesses in the local area need to know about recycling services and reducing waste.Published 31 May 2022
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Make your mark on the Sydney Lunar FestivalShare your creative ideas for the internationally renowned celebrations.13 August 2021News
Piece together these iconic Sydney moments with 8 online jigsaw puzzlesTake a trip through time with these City of Sydney Archives snaps from 1916 to 202015 July 2021News
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The Garden of Cloud and Stone wins top architecture prizeOur Chinatown project was recognised at the National Landscape and Architecture Awards.20 October 2020News
A local’s guide to Haymarket and surroundsPeople in the know share their go-to spots.14 February 2020
