George Street in Sydney is up for a complete rejuvenation starting next year, with works to pedestrianise the northern part of the street to begin in January.
The New South Wales Government has been working with the City of Sydney to create about 6,000-SQM of additional public space from Hunter Street in Wynyard to Essex Street.
“Every city needs a central spine and George Street has been transformed from being choked by cars and buses to a place for people to truly enjoy.
“The billions invested on CBD Light Rail was the catalyst to reimagine George Street, starting with the pedestrianisation of the southern end to now, working with the City of Sydney to trial the same approach at George Street north,” Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said.
In January 2023, works to temporary pedestrianise George Street north – between Hunter Street and Bridge Street – will get underway. Transport for NSW and City of Sydney will work together in obtaining relevant approvals as well as coordinate traffic plans to ensure the transition will go as smoothly as possible.
Community consultation is now ongoing for the proposed permanent pedestrianisation of George Street north in late 2023. Interested parties can have their say or get more information on the proposed project here.
Public consultation will run until 10 November 2022.
The proposed pedestrianisation of George Street north will include:
Once this project is completed, George Street is going to be fully pedestrianised from Circular Quay to Central, with more than 20,000-SQM of road reclaimed for community use.
“The $3 million commitment for this project is in addition to our ongoing work to create two new public squares at Central and Circular Quay – bookending George Street to create one of the world’s great boulevards.
“This will change the way people move around our city, bringing more foot traffic for businesses and allowing more venues to open their doors for outdoor dining,” Minister Stokes said.
Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; City of Sydney; The Sydney Morning Herald; Inside Local Government