Sydney’s CBD is about to lose seven buildings and gain its biggest new public square in decades. The City of Sydney has released design renders for a 4,500 sq metre plaza opposite Sydney Town Hall, with demolition expected to start in 2028 and the finished square due to open in 2031, according to The Guardian.

The $150 million project has been in the works since council began acquiring land in 1982. Lead designer JPW and landscape architects Aspect Studios have drawn up a semi-circular open space featuring a water and misting fountain, movable tables and chairs, and a native tree grove expected to shade about half the site in summer.

Lord mayor Clover Moore called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”, saying the square would “draw together the disjointed public places” around the Town Hall precinct. JPW director Matthew Morel said the space was designed to work for two people sharing lunch or thousands gathering for a civic event.

Not everyone is sold on the timing. Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said demolishing seven CBD buildings would create “unwanted disruption” while the city centre is still recovering from the post-Covid slump in foot traffic. Moore acknowledged the tension, saying businesses would be helped to find alternative premises but that “other people have to accommodate themselves to changed circumstances”.

For construction trades, this is a substantial pipeline: seven demolitions, civil construction, landscaping, and public domain fitout across a central city site over roughly three years. The council is still finalising acquisition of the last of the seven buildings, so contracts are some way off. Tradies watching the Sydney commercial market should monitor City of Sydney tender notices as the project moves toward its 2028 demolition start.

Frequently asked questions

When will construction on the Sydney Town Hall plaza start?

Demolition of the seven CBD buildings is expected to begin in 2028. The finished plaza is due to open in 2031.

How much will the Sydney Town Hall plaza cost?

The project has a budget of $150 million.

How big is the new Sydney Town Hall plaza?

The plaza will cover 4,500 square metres opposite Sydney Town Hall, with a native tree grove expected to shade about half the site in summer.

When will construction contracts be advertised?

The City of Sydney is still finalising acquisition of the last of the seven buildings, so contracts are some way off. Tradies should monitor City of Sydney tender notices as the 2028 demolition start approaches.

Sourced from The Guardian. Original article.