Our vision for a more people-friendly city is a step closer to reality with a $1 million government contribution to help pedestrianise George Street.
The contribution will help us create an extra 9,000m2 of space for people walking in the city and help stimulate local economic recovery.
The work will extend and permanently convert pedestrian areas at the southern end of George Street, changing how we get around and experience the city.
It will mean more opportunities for passing trade for businesses and more space for people to gather responsibly while physical distancing.
This is all part of our long held vision to provide a calmer, more appealing environment for workers, visitors and residents and help us generate a 24-hour city economy.
“The CBD and South East light rail has changed not just how we get around the city, but how we experience the city. It has created more space for pedestrians and provided a calmer, more appealing environment for workers, visitors and residents,” the Lord Mayor said.
“By creating people-friendly spaces along and around the light rail corridor, we’re delivering our long-held vision of a world-class civic spine in the city centre, while also assisting with Covid-19 recovery.
“As people cautiously return to the city while seeking to maintain physical distancing, wider footpaths and more space will be critical. These new spaces will help businesses operate, attract visitors back into the city centre and ensure everyone can move around the city safely.
“The southern end of the city and Chinatown have always been lively areas, and an expanded and engaging public realm will help to stimulate the local economy. Extending public space will also encourage walking through the city, which contributes to a healthy community and neighbourhood.”
The project will extend the current pedestrianisation of George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets, to the southern end of the city between Bathurst Street and Rawson Place.
Further open space improvements will be made along George Street from Rawson Place to Pitt Street, Hay Street, Thomas Street and Ultimo Road in the city centre and Devonshire Street in Surry Hills.
We expect to start works to permanently close these sections of George Street in February 2021.
The designs will be open for feedback and we’ll work with our communities to build on this vision for our future city.
Published 25 September 2020, updated 3 October 2020
