Sydney’s Long-Planned Town Hall Square Takes Next Step Forward

The City of Sydney has endorsed the next stage of its long-planned Town Hall Square project, with detailed design work now set to begin ahead of community consultation next year and construction targeted for 2028.

The proposed square, opposite Sydney Town Hall and bounded by George, Pitt and Park streets, is part of the council’s broader “one spine, 3 squares” strategy for central Sydney. The City has committed $150 million to the project, which would create a large civic plaza in the CBD.

In February, council voted to endorse the project scope and progress the proposal to concept design, planning approvals and construction documentation. The motion passed 9–0.

According to council documents, the City began developing the project scope in July 2025 with advice from a subcommittee of its Design Advisory Panel.

The City of Sydney says the community will be invited to provide feedback on the square’s design during 2026.

The project has been under discussion for decades, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore previously describing the square as a future “living room” for the city.

However, the proposal has also faced opposition and uncertainty over the future of buildings on the site. An ABC report published in May 2025 detailed concerns surrounding the possible demolition of a row of council-owned properties, including businesses that have operated in the area for decades.

The ABC reported that questions remained over whether retailers, including nearby Woolworths operations, could be affected by future redevelopment plans connected to the square.

Some business owners have publicly criticised the proposal, arguing it could disrupt long-running traders in the precinct. More recently, opponents have also questioned the cost and timing of the redevelopment.

Independent councillor Yvonne Weldon has opposed the project based on  its steep cost, saying that the 4200-square-metre plaza would “come at the cost of other projects and programs”.

“I’m all about improving and expanding our public spaces, but to me, this just doesn’t stack up.

Despite the criticism, the City of Sydney has continued advancing the project. Planning documents released this year describe Town Hall Square as central to the city’s long-term vision for a more connected public domain across central Sydney.