After years of planning, City of Sydney is accelerating its transformation of the CBD with the creation of a major new public space—Town Hall Square. But while that project has attracted significant attention, just next door a quieter but similarly transformative urban renewal project is also taking shape thanks to a collaboration between Council and Sydney Anglican Property (SAP): the revitalisation of Sydney Square.
Nestled between the historic St Andrew’s Cathedral and the iconic Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Square is one of the most historic, symbolic and well-used sites in the Diocese. Now, together with the newly pedestrianised George Street and the proposed Town Hall Square, this collection of civic spaces will form nearly 17,000 square metres of open, public realm. A new civic heart for Sydney that Council is affectionately calling “Sydney’s Living Room”.
Images sourced from City of Sydney’s Town Hall Precinct Public Domain Plan available at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategies-action-plans/town-hall-precinct-public-domain-plan
A generational transformation
The Sydney Square Renewal Project, set to begin construction in late 2026, is a generational upgrade to one of Sydney’s most important privately-owned public places. Planned improvements include:
✅ Brand new paving to replace the aged pebblecrete.
✅ Stylish and functional outdoor furniture.
✅ Upgraded lighting for a safer, more inviting atmosphere.
✅ Clear and welcoming wayfinding signage.
✅ Thoughtful landscaping to retain mature trees and add new greenery, including a community garden to be generously provided by the Cathedral on the corner of George and Bathurst Streets.
Beneath the surface, essential repairs will also be carried out on Town Hall Arcade, ensuring the retail space remains fit-for-purpose for years to come.
Loving our neighbours together
The Sydney Square project is the fruit of strong collaboration between the SAP team and City of Sydney. When it comes to delivering a place for the people of Sydney that supports human connection, opportunity for calm and a rich civic life, SAP and Council have found common ground in Sydney Square.
This partnership was recently on show when SAP’s Senior Manager, Strategy & Development, Tim Green, alongside the Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sandy Grant, were invited to address a City of Sydney committee in relation to the project. Their remarks emphasised the opportunity this project represents for Sydney Anglicans to maintain an active presence in the city and to demonstrate love of our neighbours.
“We’ll be delighted to see a refreshed Square that respects our city’s spiritual heritage, supports community engagement, and encourages good neighbourly relations,” Dean Grant told the Council.
The remarks were received with appreciation from the Lord Mayor and several Council staff also expressed thanks for the collaborative spirit on display. “Revitalising Sydney Square is yet another solid step in our quest to put public space at the heart of our city,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
A space for all Sydney
The renewed Sydney Square along with its neighbour, Town Hall Square, are more than just urban construction projects, they’re part of a broader vision of Sydney as a city designed for people.
From weekday lunches to weekend festivals, accommodating state funerals and tourist groups, and delivering welfare services, these spaces need to provide for a range of uses as diverse as the city they serve.
The city centre is being reshaped as a place where a rich cultural, civic and public life thrives, and that’s something SAP is proud to support.
We’re incredibly proud of the collaborative effort that has brought the Sydney Square project to this point. It’s a powerful example of how we can partner with civic leaders for the common good of the city, honouring our heritage, enhancing community life, and making space for connection in the heart of Sydney.
We’re especially thankful for the leadership of our own Tim Green and Council’s partnership throughout the process. As construction approaches, we look forward to seeing Sydney Square renewed as a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects our commitment to this part of the city and to loving our neighbours through the shared life of our city.
[Below some iconic images from the recent history of Sydney Square.]
