Better streets and spaces

A little corner of Circular Quay transforms

Loftus Street’s facelift will see it blossom with extra space for alfresco dining and retail therapy.

Loftus Street looking south artist impression

Located outside Customs House, Loftus Street will soon be enhanced with extra space for outdoor dining, trading and markets as part of a push to improve Sydney’s premier gateway, Circular Quay.

We’ve appointed a design and construction company to start the work between Customs House and Jessie Street Gardens, with building to start mid next year.

The $8m upgrade will create an extra 1,200 square metres of accessible footpaths and public space for people walking, with 50 trees to be planted in the area.

Alfred Street to Reiby Place, already a quiet no-through road, will be closed from 11am to midnight, while still allowing access for services and deliveries for businesses outside these times.

“The northern CBD precinct is transforming rapidly, with commercial and residential development as well as major state government infrastructure, including 2 Metro stops,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

“Increased residential and employment floor space and pedestrian numbers puts increased demand on the public domain, so we’re accelerating our plans to create a more connected and walkable city, with increased greenery and great new public spaces.

“Loftus Street is an important connection between the city north and Circular Quay. With less through traffic and bus use due to the introduction of light rail, we have a fantastic opportunity to create more space for people to spill out from neighbouring buildings for coffee, lunch or events.”

The upgrade is part of the city north public domain plan.

Find out more about the upgrade of Loftus Street.

Published 4 December 2023