Transforming George Street

George Street will be the centrepiece of the NSW Government’s mass transport light rail network in Central Sydney – connecting Randwick in the east, and Dulwich Hill in the West, to Central Station and onwards to Circular Quay.

The City’s bold design of George Street will reclaim tens of thousands of square metres of road space, transforming George Street from a noisy, congested and polluted traffic corridor into Sydney’s premier street – a destination in its own right.

The City of Sydney is working closely with Transport for NSW to ensure our vision of a 21st Century George Street is realised.

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News

George Street Transformation - Next Steps

The Public Exhibition of Next Stop: 21st Century George Street has now closed. Thanks to everyone who visited Customs House or submitted feedback during the exhibition. In total, we received over 500 comments!

We will now wrap up all the feedback received and report the findings to Council. The consultation report will then be handed over to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) along with the final version of the City's George Street Concept Design.

TfNSW has recently started on the Environmental Assessment, which is expected to be on public exhibition in the second half of 2013.

We will be updating this page regularly to keep you informed on everything George Street and light rail related. The Question and Answer section on this page will remain open, so please feel free to ask questions about light rail.

by Project Coordinator 9 May 2013, 2:20pm

Next Stop: 21st Century George Street (free exhibition at Customs House)

The City of Sydney has a vision to transform George Street into a vibrant, world-class public space – featuring light rail, more trees, and more space for people.

Working closely with Transport for NSW, the City has developed a detailed plan for the entire length of George Street. Wider footpaths and dedicated pedestrian zones will allow for more seating, tree planting and new outdoor dining areas.

The City is hosting a free public exhibition at Customs House, Circular Quay which will be open from 4 April to 3 May 2013 (closed Anzac Day). The purpose of the exhibition is to present the City’s vision of George Street in an interactive and engaging environment and gather feedback on the strategies, concepts and features envisaged for George Street as proposed in the draft George Street Concept Design.

The exhibition will be staffed between 12:30pm and 1:30pm weekdays and between 5pm and 6pm every Thursday evening until 3 May 2013 (except Anzac Day).

You can make an enquiry or written submission by completing our feedback form or by email: GeorgeStreet@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

by Project Coordinator 28 Mar 2013, 11:02am

On Exhibition - Draft George Street Concept Design

Artist impression - Town Hall

As Australia’s global city, Sydney deserves a world-class main street. The City is working with the NSW State Government to bring light rail to George Street, including introducing pedestrianised sections between Bathurst Street and Hunter Street.

The Draft George Street Concept Design sets out the principles that are intended to guide the detailed design of George Street. It includes the City’s preferred options relating to types and configuration of street trees, paving, public art, public domain furniture, lighting and signage. The concept design will be subject to further development and coordination with Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

The Draft George Street Concept Design was endorsed by Council in December 2012. Due to the holiday season, the public exhibition will be extended into early 2013 and will be phased to include an exhibition display during April 2013.

Click here to view the Concept Design.

You can make an enquiry or written submission by email: GeorgeStreet@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Click here if you require more information on how to make a submission.

by Project Coordinator 29 Nov 2012, 1:25pm

City Conversation, The Big Decision - How to fix Sydney's transport

Thanks to the 700 people who attended the City Conversation on 19 November in Sydney Town Hall. Check out the podcast of the night - featuring transport experts and a panel discussion on what can be done to get Sydney back on track.

The City of Sydney has a plan for transport in our city which supports much of the NSW Government’s Draft Long Term Transport Master Plan.

The NSW Government is also considering proposals put forward by Infrastructure NSW, which include a tunnel for buses beneath George Street with just two stops and exhaust stacks.

The City’s plan would turn George Street into a pedestrian and public transport boulevard to replace buses with light rail, ease congestion and support business.

by Project Coordinator 2 Nov 2012, 2:01pm

Light rail given the go-ahead!

On 13 December 2012, the NSW Government gave the go-ahead for a $1.6 billion light rail system between Circular Quay and Randwick, via Central Station. Following the announcement, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, reaffirmed the City of Sydney's commitment to invest $180 million in to project to improve George Street. Read the latest media release here.

More information about the NSW Government plans visit: www.transportmasterplan.nsw.gov.au

by Project Coordinator 17 Sep 2012, 2:07pm

Pedestrian-friendly George Street - Martin Place shows how

Back in the late 1960s, detractors predicted the downfall of Martin Place when the City of Sydney championed the close-off to traffic and a pedestrian-friendly plaza.

There was outcry from government, banks and other private investors that lined George and Pitt Streets that such a “revolution” would come to no good. This was despite constant calls for a traffic-free space in the city centre and frequent complaints from workers and shoppers about congestion and pollution.

The City, as part of a broad strategic plan for the city’s long-term development and growth, resolved to install, in stages, a scheme “for traffic free pedestrian movement throughout the City, incorporating widened footpaths, boulevards, colonnades, arcades, subways, bridges, railway station concourses, malls, plazas and parks into an integrated system”.

by Project Coordinator 5 Sep 2012, 1:08pm

Sydney’s senior leaders back City plan to fix George Street

Sydney's most senior leaders have thrown their weight behind the City of Sydney's plan to pedestrianise George Street (between Bathurst and Hunter Streets) as part of the introduction of light rail.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, The Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) and The Committee for Sydney - whose members represent significant organisations across all sectors - all support the partnership between the NSW Government and the City of Sydney to ensure Sydney kept in step with other global cities such as London, New York and Paris.

by Project Coordinator 18 May 2012, 10:30am