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
- Tue29Nov
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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 - Tue29Nov
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Moulin Rouge! The MusicalFinal Performances on Sale Now! Must Close 28 JanuaryCapitol Theatre - Tue29Nov
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Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Tue29Nov
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Rhymetime at Darling Square Library: 0-2 yearsEntertainment and literacy education for babies and toddlersDarling Square Library - Tue29Nov
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Storytime @ Darling Square, 3-5 years Entertainment and literacy education for babies and toddlersDarling Square Library - Thu1Dec
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Bilingual Rhyme time @ Darling Square, 0-2 yearsCome along to our animated sing-a-long session for babies and toddlersDarling Square Library - Thu1Dec
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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 - Thu1Dec
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Bilingual storytime @ Darling Square LibrarySupport your child’s literacy and Mandarin knowledge with storytimeDarling Square Library - Sat3Dec
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Mindful Makers (16+)Focus your mind and soothe your soul with our crafty team.Darling Square Library - Sat3Dec
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IDPwD 2022 Panel: Visible behind and in front of the cameraDiscuss disability representation on screen, behind the camera and in writers’ roomsDarling Square Library - Sun4Dec
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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 - Sun4Dec
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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 - Sun4Dec
- Tue6Dec
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Maker Time: for familiesGain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this intergenerational 3-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Wed7Dec
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Watercolour basics in the Makerspace (16+yrs)Explore the beautifully fluid medium of watercolour in the Darling Square MakerspaceDarling Square Library - Thu8Dec
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Maker time: Regular makerspace sessionsGain practical makerspace skills and experience in this regular 3-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Sat17Dec
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Festive Maker Time – for families Gain practical creative makerspace skills and experience in this festive themed intergenerational 3-hour sessionDarling Square Library - Tue17Jan
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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 - Wed18Jan
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School holidays: Laser cut jewellery (13–16 years)Create your own laser cut jewellery in this 3-hour interactive workshop for ages 13-16Darling Square Library - Fri20Jan
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Make your own laser cut flower press (12-15 years)Laser cut a personalized flower press and press your first plantsDarling Square Library - Sat21Jan
- Sat21Jan
- Fri3Feb
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Haymarket Chamber of Commerce 2023 Chinese New Year Banquet HCC 2023 Year of the Rabbit Chinese New Year BanquetHaymarket - Sat4Feb
- 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 5 October 2022
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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 Lunar Festival and Mardi Gras call for celebration – see our picks for February in Sydney.27 January 2022News
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
What to do in Sydney this winterIt’s cold outside, but here are 13 great reasons to rug up and head out to the city.7 June 2021
