A new square opposite Sydney Town Hall
We’re creating a new public space in the heart of the city opposite Sydney Town Hall.
Planned
- Early 2026 to mid-2026: concept design development
- Late 2026: development application lodged
- 2028: demolition and construction begins
- 2031: all works completed
Why we’re doing this
This new square is the next step in making Central Sydney a city designed for people. It will be a welcoming place where people can sit, relax, meet friends and take part in community events and major gatherings.
The project has been more than 40 years in the making. It’s part of our long-term strategic plan Sustainable Sydney 2030–2050 Continuing the Vision. By linking Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Square, George Street and the surrounding heritage buildings, the new public space will continue to transform the heart of our city.
What we’re doing
We’re creating a new public square in Central Sydney, opposite Sydney Town Hall. The large open space, bounded by George, Pitt and Park streets, will feature new trees, seating, lighting and paving.
The square will be designed for everyday use as well as for civic events and community gatherings, with the right infrastructure to support these activities. The project involves removing 7 buildings on the site.
We’re exploring a name for the square using a Sydney Aboriginal word, following the principles in our naming policy.
Map showing the location of the new Town Hall square, linking Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Square and George Street.
Town Hall square aerial photographPDF · 2.24 MB · Last modified
Town Hall square location mapPDF · 1.3 MB · Last modified
Project and site history
The new public square is located on Gadigal Country, near the catchment of the Tank Stream. For thousands of years, Gadigal people used walking tracks in this area to move between important places such as the freshwater stream, Warrane/Sydney Cove, campsites and ceremonial places. George Street is believed to follow one of these original tracks, with another crossing nearby along what are now Druitt and Park streets.
Sydney Town Hall was built between 1869 and 1889 on the site of the old Sydney Burial Ground. As the city grew, the town hall became an important civic meeting place for public meetings, celebrations, protests and cultural expression, often extending onto the street. The original covered area for horse carriages was replaced with the front steps in 1934, which have remained a popular meeting place ever since.
Ideas for a civic square near Sydney Town Hall go back to the 19th century, with several possible locations considered over time. In 1982, Council supported a proposal to buy properties to extend Sydney Square and create a new square opposite Sydney Town Hall. The first property on the site was purchased in 1985.
The block where the site sits has changed significantly over the past 100 years. This includes demolishing buildings to widen Park Street in the 1920s and building Town Hall railway station in the 1930s.
After extensive community consultation in 2007 as part of our long term strategic plan, 3 public squares linked by a pedestrian-friendly George Street was one of the project ideas we adopted. The new public square is also a key part of the Town Hall precinct public domain plan. The City of Sydney resolved to move ahead with the design and construction of the new square in February 2026.
Related projects
Improving streets & public spaces
Extending the pedestrian boulevard on George Street, SydneyIn progress · Sydney
