Spotlight on Sydney’s Future: Town Hall Square Set to Begin in 2025-26

The site for Town Hall Square currently

For more than three decades, the City of Sydney has been acquiring properties opposite Town Hall with a vision to create a world-class civic space. Now, under the leadership of Lord Mayor Clover Moore, that vision is closer to becoming reality, with plans to accelerate the development of Town Hall Square in 2025-26.

Sydney, as Australia’s global city, continues to evolve to meet the needs of its growing residential and working populations, as well as millions of visitors each year. Like other major metropolitan hubs around the world, it requires expansive, welcoming spaces where people can gather, connect, and experience the city in a more open and accessible way.

A Long-Term Vision Taking Shape

Since 2004, under the leadership of an Independent team, the City of Sydney has been committed to public transport and urban renewal. A major step in this transformation was the commissioning of renowned urban designer Jan Gehl, who introduced the idea of three interconnected city squares—at Circular Quay, Town Hall, and Railway Square—linked by light rail and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

The transformation of George Street has been central to this vision. Since 2015, over $300 million has been invested in reclaiming 26,000 square metres of pedestrian space. With the addition of 100 trees, wide granite footpaths, and modern street furniture, this project has revitalized central Sydney, attracting $8 billion in private investment and bringing life back to the city’s heart.

Sydney Square: The Next Step

Building on the success of George Street’s revitalization, the City of Sydney has committed to upgrading Sydney Square—the space between Town Hall and St Andrew’s Cathedral. In May 2023, Council allocated $35 million for staged improvements, ensuring the space aligns with the high-quality upgrades already completed nearby.

However, the broader vision for Town Hall Square—a much larger civic plaza opposite Town Hall—has remained on hold. Although successive councils have continued acquiring buildings to make way for the project, financial challenges, including the impacts of the pandemic, led to delays.

Accelerating Town Hall Square

The new Town Hall Square?

Recognizing the importance of progressing this long-awaited project, Clover Moore has proposed accelerating the delivery of Town Hall Square, starting with demolition as part of the 2025-26 budget. The aging buildings on the site, now over 50 years old, require increasing maintenance and upgrades to meet modern standards, making their continued operation financially unviable. Instead, the focus is shifting toward making way for a new public square that will enhance Sydney’s cityscape.

With more people returning to the city for work and leisure, the timing is ideal. Sydney’s nightlife is expanding through initiatives like the Special Entertainment Precincts, while the new Gadigal Metro Station on Park Street is set to bring thousands of additional commuters into the area. The need for a dynamic, well-designed civic space has never been greater.

A Place for People

Jan Gehl once said, “Cultures and climates differ all over the world, but people are the same. They will gather in public if you give them a good place to do it.” Town Hall Square represents a significant step toward creating such a place—a space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy Sydney’s evolving urban environment.

With plans now in motion to fast-track this ambitious project, Sydney is on track to deliver a world-class civic square, ensuring that its city centre remains vibrant, accessible, and ready for the future.