The City of Sydney has released designs for a new public square located opposite Sydney Town Hall.

The new contemporary plaza is set to transform the city, encompassing a curved grove of distinctly Australian trees.

Clover Moore, lord mayor of Sydney, says the plan is to create a magnet for people in the city centre, which is an investment in Sydney’s economic and cultural life. He comments:

“The design is tailored to our environment and culture and will be a uniquely Sydney square – a contemporary public space, with circular paving patterns and water elements that connect seamlessly with adjacent historic buildings and George Street.”

Four decades since the council purchased the first building to enable a square at the town hall, the space is set for a full transformation. The council has allocated AU$150m to the project’s design, demolition and construction.

Visitors will be invited to stop and linger, while the space will feature multiple seating areas. Moore adds:

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform a major space in the heart of the city and deliver a generous, welcoming place destined to become the city’s living room and an iconic place to gather.”

As Sydney is expected to attract double the number of visitors by 2050, the square proved essential to support growth.

JPW is the lead design consultant and architect for the project, working alongside ASPECT Studios as landscape architects.

Sacha Coles, global design director at ASPECT Studios, comments:

“A grove of native trees will provide shade and softness in a warming climate, generous seating will invite people to linger, and cool moving water brings movement and a sense of delight. The tree canopy will light up and ensure the square is safe and welcoming.”

Demolition is expected to start in 2028 and the square is expected to be complete in 2031.