Several decades since the City of Sydney Council first proposed a new public square opposite Sydney Town Hall, the project has finally moved forward with the acquisition of properties almost completed, and construction to begin in 2028. The City of Sydney has committed more than $150m to the new Town Hall Square.

Bounded by George, Pitt and Park streets, the proposed square forms part of the continued transformation of Central Sydney, and is a pivotal element in the City’s long-term strategy to create a city centre abundant in public spaces and opportunities for community interaction.

This initiative is part of a broader transformation of Sydney, with the Town Hall Square envisioned as one of three major public squares alongside Circular Quay and Central Station, connected by the newly pedestrianised George Street.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore highlighted the significance of the project, noting that plans for a square outside Town Hall have been underway for more than 40 years and will be one of the biggest projects ever initiated by the City of Sydney.

“Like other major cities around the world, we need large, lively, welcoming civic spaces for the growing number of people living in and visiting Sydney,” the Lord Mayor says. “Described as the city’s living room, a central, public square will be the heart of the city.”

According to the Lord Mayor, the City has been progressively acquiring properties opposite Town Hall for more than three decades to create space for a future Town Hall Square and be able to deliver “this incredible community asset”.

“With ample trees and seats, it will be a place to sit on a weekday lunch break, home to large scale events and gatherings like festivals, markets, celebrations and protests, and a meeting spot as iconic as the Town Hall steps,” she says.

“The extra public space along George Street has transformed the city centre and this square will take our work creating a city for people even further.”

The project also includes revitalisation of the area between St Andrew’s Cathedral and Sydney Town Hall, with upgrades such as new paving, furniture, and lighting scheduled for 2027.

Following Council approval on 12 May, the design process will unfold over the next year, with opportunities for community feedback on a draft concept anticipated in 2026.

Image Credit: Concept by Gehl with the City of Sydney

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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