Key facts
- Sydney has unveiled designs for a new 4,500 sq metre public plaza.
- The project, first conceived in 1982, aims to unify the CBD.
- Acquisition of seven buildings is finalized, with demolition set for 2028.
- The estimated cost for the plaza's development is $150 million.
- Completion is targeted for 2031.
- Business leaders have raised concerns about potential disruption to the CBD.
Sydney has released new designs for a public plaza opposite Town Hall, a project that has been in planning for over 40 years. The 4,500 square meter space is intended to unify the central business district and create a central hub for city life.
The City of Sydney has finalized discussions with owners of the seven buildings that need to be acquired and demolished to make way for the plaza. The design, by JPW and Aspect Studios, features a water feature, native trees, and ample seating, aiming to provide a cooling effect and shade.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore described the plaza as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to create a space as grand as those in Vienna or Rome, but with a distinctly Sydney and Australian character. She emphasized its role in drawing together the surrounding Victorian sandstone buildings and serving as a gathering place for both small groups and large civic celebrations.
However, Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou voiced concerns about the "unwanted disruption" caused by demolishing seven buildings in the heart of the recovering CBD. Moore acknowledged these consequences but stressed the necessity of such large-scale city projects for the public good, stating the council would assist affected businesses.