Image: Harbour Street Artist Impression, supplied by City of Sydney
by GRACE JOHNSON
Plans for a $44 million upgrade to Sydney’s Haymarket and Chinatown were unanimously endorsed by City of Sydney council on Monday night.
The plans include a long-term upgrade of public space, with more trees, seats, lighting and integrated public art, as well as a proposed review of planning controls to support vibrant building signage and renewal of smaller buildings as a point of difference from the city centre.
The Haymarket and Chinatown Revitalisation Strategy and Public Domain Plan were born out of the City’s engagement with the community from August to September 2022, which created the initial A Community Vision for Haymarket 2022.
The strategy and plan for Haymarket and Chinatown is one of the largest multilingual consultations in the City’s history, with more than 1,150 residents, businesses and community members taking part in discussion over the early plans and 350 responses to the formal public exhibition of the draft plans.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said, “Haymarket is one of Sydney’s most iconic urban villages and has long been recognised as a focal point for Asian food, cultures, and communities both locally and internationally. But the last few years have been incredibly challenging for the area.”
“This is a perfect time for a new overarching plan for the area, and our communities have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with us to celebrate the important precinct’s past and help safeguard its future.”
In the City’s plans, there will be more space for people to walk, sit, and dine outdoors, as well as more creative lighting, support for business and recognition of Asian culture.
Emphasising the diversity of the area, the mayor said, “There is nowhere else in the world with the broad spectrum of Asian communities that exists within the streets that make up Haymarket.
“By collaborating closely with residents and businesses in the area we will bring together this unique community to create a world class destination, economic and cultural precinct.”
The council’s work will begin with the Ceremonial Gates, with the mayor saying, “The Community told us clearly that our first priority should be the heart of Chinatown, Dixon Street, so that work is already underway, and we will be restoring the iconic Ceremonial Gates next year.”
“We will also begin public domain improvements to strengthen the identity of Thai Town on Campbell Street.”
The City is now exploring opportunities to boost community space in the area and increase cultural activities, as well as encourage landowners to upgrade rundown buildings and ensure vacant space is occupied. The final strategy will explore innovative ways to improve maintenance and waste management in the area.
Since 2010, the City of Sydney has initiated numerous public place investments in the historic precinct, with a large-scale transformation of the Haymarket area through the $43.5 million pedestrianisation of George Street south, new public space at Thomas Street, public art projects and upgrades to local streets like Kimber Lane.
“The new plans take this work to another level while continuing our focus on bringing together different cultural groups to celebrate the area’s heritage, history and features,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The City of Sydney will invest millions of dollars over the next 10 years to upgrade Goulburn, Sussex, Harbour, Quay and Thomas streets, to complete public domain improvements and reinstate light catenaries on Dixon Street, and upgrade Belmore Park.”
Key features of the plan:
- The renewal of Dixon Street, the heart of Chinatown
- Streetscape improvements to highlight the cultural significance of Thai Town
- A reconfiguration on Sussex Street to encourage walking, cycling and greening
- The revitalisation of Belmore Park to help realise its potential as a green oasis
- A creative lighting master plan that will celebrate the cultural features of different streets
- Public domain upgrades at Harbour, Goulburn, Ultimo, Quay and Hay streets
- Greater support for precinct events and activations
- Amendments to planning controls to make it easier for building owners to reflect the cultural heritage of the area and allow for more vibrant building signs and renewal of smaller buildings
