Few places in Sydney are as busy as the precinct surrounding Town Hall, with streams of commuters, shoppers, office workers and tourists passing through every day. Despite sitting at the heart of one of the city’s busiest pedestrian hubs, the area opposite Sydney Town Hall has remained largely unchanged for decades, occupied by a mix of ageing buildings and under-utilised spaces. Now, after more than 40 years of planning and discussion, a long-awaited vision for the site is finally beginning to take shape. The City of Sydney is moving ahead with plans for a major new public square that promises to transform this busy corner of the CBD into a greener and more inviting civic destination. Here’s what we know so far.
What’s planned for Sydney’s new Town Hall Square?
The proposed square will occupy the block bounded by George, Pitt and Park streets directly opposite Sydney Town Hall, creating a significant new civic space in the heart of the CBD. Once complete, the precinct will better connect Town Hall, Sydney Square and George Street, improving pedestrian movement and creating a more welcoming public domain.
Early plans for the square include new trees and landscaped greenery, public seating, upgraded lighting and extensive new paving throughout the precinct. The space is also being designed to accommodate markets, festivals and community events, allowing it to function as both a local gathering spot and a venue for major celebrations and cultural activities.
The project also aims to transform what is currently a collection of ageing buildings into a greener and more inviting civic destination. To make way for the transformation, seven existing buildings occupying the site will eventually be demolished as part of the long-term redevelopment plans.
What happens next?
The City of Sydney is now moving ahead with the concept design phase of the project, with the first designs for the square expected to be released later this year for community feedback. A development application is slated to be lodged in late 2026, while demolition and construction are currently expected to begin in 2028.
Find the latest updates on the City of Sydney website.
