Improving streets & public spaces

Renewing Sydney Square

Related to A new square opposite Sydney Town Hall
City centreTown Hall

Planned

The design is being finalised for planning approval in 2026. Works are expected to begin in 2027.

Why we’re doing this

Sydney Square is the open public space between Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew’s Cathedral. It was built in the 1970s as part of the Town Hall House development. Today it’s an important place in the city where people can sit, relax, meet and attend events away from busy George Street. The square also connects nearby shops, cafes, streets and civic buildings, making it easy for people to move through the area.

The square’s original paving, lighting and furniture now over 50 years old, are nearing the end of their life and need replacing. The current paving has deteriorated and is out of place with the high-quality granite along George Street.

Renewing Sydney Square will make it more comfortable, accessible and easier to use for everyone. The improvements will better suit the landmark heritage buildings around it and help connect the square with nearby pedestrian areas and the future Town Hall square.

This project, along with the new square opposite Sydney Town Hall, is a key part of the Town Hall precinct public domain plan and the next stage in the transformation of Central Sydney.

What we’re doing

Renewing Sydney Square is planned to be completed before construction starts on the Town Hall square in 2028. The works will include installing new paving, lighting, furniture and planting.

The City of Sydney is managing this project. We’re working with St Andrew’s Cathedral, St Andrew’s House Corporation and St Andrew’s Cathedral School to develop the plan for the square’s renewal. Throughout the project, we’ll keep neighbouring property owners and tenants informed and will work with them to minimise construction impacts and keep the precinct accessible.

Sydney Square through the decades

A large historic building faces an open square with scattered tables, planters, and trees. A few people walk or sit; modern high-rise buildings are visible in the background.
Aerial view of a city block with historic buildings, streets, parked cars, trees, and junctions, likely in an urban city centre area.
Aerial view of a city block with a church, surrounding buildings, streets, and a dashed white line running diagonally across the area.
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