Haymarket and Chinatown are set for a $44 million facelift, with ambitious plans for the area endorsed unanimously by the City of Sydney Council last night.
The Haymarket and Chinatown Revitalisation Strategy and Public Domain Plan were shaped by 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.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the community warmly welcomed the City’s commitment to more space for people walking, sitting and dining outdoors, creative lighting, support for business and recognition of Asian culture.
“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,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“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.
“Through our extensive consultation we heard the community’s desire for a diverse, friendly and safe area that’s easy to navigate, with a range of food options and a streetscape that respects and celebrates the social and cultural history of the area.
“Our 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 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 will now explore 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. Innovative ways to improve maintenance and waste management in the area will also feature in the final strategy.
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
Collaboration and partnership central to the success of the project
“This holistic vison requires partnership with business, other levels of government, tenants, landowners and those with strong ties to the area, one which we are committed to continuing throughout the revitalisation process,” the Lord 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.”
For more details on the City of Sydney’s projects and events in Haymarket and support for business, go to cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/haymarket-precinct.
