Better streets and spaces

Walk the rainbow: George Street north Pride flag to be extended

Work comes a step closer to our long-term vision of a world-class boulevard.

GeorgeStRainbowMural January 20, 2023 WebRes AbrilFelman 09264

The next part of our long-term vision for George Street north comes to life with the giant LGBTIQA+ Pride flag set to reach as far as Essex Street.

This installation is part of plans to activate the area as we continue the next stage in works to fully pedestrianise George Street, linking 3 future town squares: Central, Town Hall and Circular Quay.

High-quality road marking paint has turned grey into red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, black, brown, white and pink, with the first part of the installation completed in February, as part of the WorldPride celebrations.

Additional colour-coordinated seating will also be put in place and follows the 2020 transformation of George Street south, which is now a stunning pedestrian boulevard that has given city space back to visitors, business owners and residents.

The project will extend the boulevard along George Street north from Wynyard to Essex Street, creating an extra 5,900 sqm of new space for people walking and socialising.

George St shines (Photo by Abril Felman/City of Sydney
George St shines (Photo by Abril Felman/City of Sydney

Road closures

The extension of the works mean George Street between Essex and Bridge streets will be closed from 7 July.

New traffic rules will be introduced that include:

  • no access for vehicles along George Street between Essex and Bridge streets
  • the George Street intersection at Dalley Street will be closed
  • no left or right turns from Grosvenor and Bridge streets into George Street
  • removal of the restriction to the no right turn on Grosvenor Street at Harrington Street
  • removal of the no right turn restriction and new right turn only restriction on George Street (southbound) at Essex Street
  • new left turn only restrictions on Essex Street (eastbound) to George Street.

We’re working with businesses and residents in the area to ensure the impact and disruption is minimised.

Find out more about the George Street road closures.

The George Street Pride flag project is part of the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces program.

Published 10 January 2023, updated 7 July 2023