First look at designs for new Town Hall Square 'in the heart' of Sydney

The design for a new public square, Town Hall Square, adjacent to Sydney Town Hall in Sydney's CBD has been unveiled. The square, which is scheduled to be completed by 2031, aims to serve as a community gathering space for markets, festivals, and music events. Lord Mayor Clover Moore of Sydney describes the finished square as possessing the grandeur of a European square while maintaining Australian charm, featuring beautiful gum trees instead of European columns.

The proposed square will encompass over 4,500 square meters of accessible open space, with fixed and movable seating arrangements. The planned demolition of the Woolworths block and six other buildings opposite Town Hall will create the space necessary for the new square. City of Sydney Council expects most business tenants to relocate to alternative premises.

Cr Moore reassures Sydneysiders that none of the buildings slated for removal hold heritage value. She adds that once these buildings are gone, residents will have unobstructed views of iconic heritage buildings such as the Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building, St Andrew's Cathedral, and Pitt Street Church. The square's ultimate purpose is to serve as a community gathering point and a venue for various events, including markets, festivals, cultural activities, live music performances, and sports viewing.

The concept of public squares has been part of Sydney's CBD vision since the early 19th century, with successive lord mayors acquiring land on George and Park streets for the project since the 1980s. Extensive community consultation took place in 2007 as part of the council's long-term strategic plan, with strong support for the concept of public squares.

In February, the council unanimously decided to fast-track the demolition process and start construction of Town Hall Square, with a budget of $150 million allocated in the city's long-term financial plan. Demolition is set to begin in 2028, and completion is projected by 2031.

Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, anticipates the square will attract visitors and transform the experience of this part of the city, drawing more visitors who will stay longer and spend more, subsequently attracting more investment into the surrounding precinct. The council intends to give the square a First Nations name, and a development application will be lodged in the coming months, allowing Sydneysiders to provide feedback on the design.