Sydney’s New Town Hall Square Is Finally Moving Forward—Here’s What To Expect

Oh, Town Hall Square. Fondly known as the home of pigeons, loitering teenagers, and those questionable red plastic benches that could probably be declared a biohazard. While it may have once been an impressive patch of civic design, these days it mostly reeks of neglect — but not for much longer.

After more than 40 years of planning, property acquisitions and community consultation, the City of Sydney is moving ahead with a brand-new public square in the heart of the CBD. The project will create a major civic space linking Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Square and George Street, transforming one of the busiest corners of the city into a greener, more people-focused destination.

Here's everything you need to know.

In a hurry? Skip to:

• Why Sydney Is Building A New Town Hall Square
• What The New Town Hall Square Will Look Like
• When Will Construction Start?
• What Happens Next?

Why Sydney Is Building A New Town Hall Square

The idea of creating a civic square opposite Sydney Town Hall isn't new. In fact, proposals for a public square in the area date back to the 19th century. The current project has been more than four decades in the making, with the City of Sydney first purchasing properties on the site in 1985 as part of a long-term vision to expand Sydney Square and create a major public gathering space.

The site sits on Gadigal Country near the historic catchment of the Tank Stream and has long been a place of movement, gathering and civic activity. Sydney Town Hall itself was built between 1869 and 1889 on the site of the former Sydney Burial Ground and has served as one of the city's most important meeting places ever since.

The new square forms part of the City of Sydney's long-term Sustainable Sydney 2030–2050 vision, which aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly city centre connected by high-quality public spaces.

What The New Town Hall Square Will Look Like

The new public square will occupy the block bounded by George, Pitt and Park Streets directly opposite Sydney Town Hall.

Once complete, the space will feature:

• New trees and landscaped greenery
• Public seating areas
• Upgraded lighting
• New paving throughout the precinct
• Infrastructure to support markets, festivals and community events
• Improved pedestrian connections between Town Hall, Sydney Square and George Street

The square is being designed to function as both an everyday public space and a venue for major civic gatherings, celebrations and cultural events.

Creating the new precinct will require the demolition of seven existing buildings currently occupying the site.

The City of Sydney is also exploring a potential Aboriginal name for the square as part of the project's development.

When Will Construction Start?

The project is now moving into the concept design stage.

Current timelines include:

• Early to mid-2026: Concept design development
• Late 2026: Development application lodged
• 2028: Demolition and construction begins
• 2031: Project completion

The City of Sydney formally resolved to proceed with the design and construction of the square in February 2026.

What Happens Next?

The next major milestone will be the release of concept designs later this year, giving Sydneysiders a clearer picture of how the space will look and function.

Further community consultation is expected as the project progresses through planning and approvals.

For a city that has spent decades talking about creating a true civic square opposite Town Hall, this is the closest the vision has ever been to becoming reality.

Main image credit: City of Sydney | Supplied