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
- Plans to renew Belmore Park
- Proposed heritage listing of 3 buildings in Chinatown
- Dixon street upgrade works
- Working with Dixon Street businesses to better manage waste
- Grant program for Dixon Street improvements to shop and building frontages
- Revitalising the area with the staging of regular major events such as Sydney Lunar Festival
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
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
- Tue19May
What’s On
Rhymetime at Darling Square Library, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and storiesDarling Square Library - Tue19May
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Merchants of Haymarket: Building Chinatown and BeyondDiscover the Chinese merchants who built Sydney’s Chinatown and shaped Haymarket’s history.Haymarket - Tue19May
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Qigong classesGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Tue19May
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Storytime at Darling Square, 3 to 5 yearsA fun storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singingDarling Square Library - Wed20May
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Disney's The Lion KingThe world’s #1 musical is now playing at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.Capitol Theatre - Wed20May
What’s On
Bilingual storytime at Darling Square Library, 3 to 5 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Wed20May
What’s On
Bilingual rhymetime at Darling Square, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and storiesDarling Square Library - Wed20May
What’s On
Salsa Wednesdays at Hay StTurn your midweek into a dance floor with Salsa Wednesdays at Hay St Market — lesson, DJ and live Latin music.Haymarket - Wed20May
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Songs & PlayFree music & play group for families with infants and pre-school-aged childrenHaymarket - Thu21May
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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 - Fri22May
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Tumbalong Nights at Vivid SydneyTumbalong Park will come alive with 23 nights of free music during Vivid Sydney.Haymarket - Fri22May
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Recycling and lids sorting volunteer sessionLet’s turn small actions into big impact — one lid at a timeHaymarket - Sat23May
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Travel Journal Workshop: Japan Escape EditionJoin our gentle Japan-themed travel journaling social. Fold paper pockets, use punches/stamps & find your flow.Haymarket - Sun24May
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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 - Mon25May
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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 - Tue26May
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Makertime: open access 16+yrsGet hands-on experience at the Darling Square Library MakerspaceDarling Square Library - Sun31May
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Tabletop games afternoon, 16 years +Play fun contemporary favourites with fellow gamers in the cityDarling Square Library - Wed3Jun
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Celebrate World Bicycle Day: Vivid Night RideCelebrate world bicycle day by exploring Vivid by bikeHaymarket - Wed3Jun
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Mabo Day films at Darling Square LibraryCelebrate the life and legacy of Eddie Koiki MaboDarling Square Library - Fri5Jun
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Book Launch: Sinophone AustraliaJoin us for the book launch of Sinophone Australia at the Museum of Chinese In Australia.Haymarket
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.
