Council puts out the chairs

Candy-striped deck chairs have popped up in the city’s centre in a bid by local government to encourage people to enjoy a relaxing sit and perhaps a bit of friendly chat.

The plan was put into action last Tuesday by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP as chairs were placed in Barrack St Wynyard and Sydney Square next to Town Hall. For the next month 100 chairs and 25 tables and deck chairs will be made available to the public along with free Wi-Fi at Sydney Square.

The trial was inspired by New York City’s Department of Transportation’s transformation of Times Square and Herald Square into pedestrian malls, the brainchild of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

Ms Moore sat and chatted with passersby who opted for sunshine over seclusion to pass their lunch breaks. Some opted for a book or newspaper while others interacted with perfect strangers.

“These candy-striped deck chairs are a classic relaxation icon,” Ms Moore said. “I encourage people to take a moment from their busy day to enjoy some sunshine and relax in a deck chair, right in the heart of the city.”

Ms Moore said that she chose both locations because of their lack of use by the public for anything other than thoroughfares. She said it was council’s aim to “breathe new life” into the areas.

“Through our Sustainable Sydney 2030 program we’re creating a more lively, vibrant and energetic city centre that everyone can take the time to enjoy,” she said. “We’re creating a taste of Sydney in the future, a City buzzing with many more interesting places for people to meet and mingle.”

Liberal candidate for the seat of Sydney Adrian Bartels questioned Ms Moore’s ability to throw out deck chairs when it took business owners months to gain approval for outdoor seating.

“Small businesses pay thousands in rent for outdoor seating and wait months and months for approval but Clover, five weeks out from the state election, is able to just plonk chairs out. Where is her DA?” Mr Bartels asked. “After so many years with her choker on Sydney Clover now wants to ‘wake up Sydney’, I hope Sydney wakes up to her.”

The chairs will be set up from Sundays at 7am to Thursdays at 10pm for 24 hours a day, and 7am to 10pm on a Friday and Saturday in Sydney Square. Barrack Street will be open from 11am to 3pm weekdays. The Wi-Fi at Sydney Square is SydneyCityWiFi and requires no password.