Media releases

New outdoor events space for Green Square

Published 19 April 2016

An open-air plaza in the heart of Green Square could become Sydney’s newest outdoor events space, hosting everything from Australia Day celebrations and international sports broadcasts to live music and fashion shows.

Under the City of Sydney proposal, events for up to 4,000 people will be held in the plaza up to six times a year – creating a new venue for major celebrations like New Year’s Eve, Lunar New Year and Australia Day.

The plaza, which will sit above the celebrated underground library being built in the Green Square Town Centre, will also host smaller events including concerts, markets, art exhibitions and video screenings throughout the year.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the fast-growing Green Square community needed new locations for events, public gatherings and celebrations.

“With an expected population of more than 7,500 people by 2030, the Green Square Town Centre is well on its way to becoming one of the most exciting and dynamic new neighbourhoods in NSW,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We need to match this growth with high-quality community facilities and open spaces that local residents and visitors can enjoy.

“We’ve run international competitions to develop fantastic designs for Green Square’s new library and aquatic centre, and the town centre will also be home to a childcare centre, creative arts hub, tree-lined boulevards and three new parks.

“This new plaza will become the heart of the area and provide a welcoming place for the community to come together for cultural events and celebrations both large and small.”

The City will lodge a development application for the proposal in coming weeks. If approved, events will begin when the library and plaza open in early 2018.

A statement of environmental effects and event management plan, which outline how the City and event organisers will manage any potential impacts on nearby residential areas and businesses, will be part of the process.

Karen Levin, Executive Manager and Treasurer of the South Sydney Business Chamber, said: “South Sydney Business Chamber is more than excited at the prospects and opportunities that will arise from the opening of the Green Square Town Centre.

“Green Square is evolving into one of the most multicultural areas in NSW. The opportunity to hold celebrations and events at the Green Square plaza will provide a platform to enhance cultural intelligence and the interaction of the local community, as well as showcasing this vibrant and diverse area to the rest of Sydney.”

The 278-hectare Green Square development area includes the suburbs of Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo.

The area will eventually have 30,500 new dwellings, including about 10,000 now under assessment or construction. When fully completed, Green Square will have a population of up to 61,000 people, and provide around 21,000 permanent jobs – many of which will be in the new town centre.

For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Keeley Irvin. Phone 0448 005 718 or email kirvin@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson. Phone 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au