Central Sydney Laneways

The City of Sydney is breathing life back into our laneways by reactivating these hidden, under-used city spaces. We are making changes to these unique spaces so they can be the setting for small bars, cafes, retail spaces and cultural activities, and contribute to a more lively, engaging city centre.

Laneway improvement projects will bring significant economic benefits to the central Sydney including increased local patronage and tourism into some of our most unique yet under-used spaces.

To comment on new designs and to keep up-to-date with all things relating to Central Sydney Laneways, register with Sydney Your Say and stayed tuned to this page.

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News

News

Central Sydney Laneways

The City of Sydney is revitalising some of our key laneways in central Sydney. The strategy includes a range of initiatives including: (following the hyperlinks for more information)

Streetscape improvements such as paving and lighting upgrades
Traffic changes and shared zones to make them safer for pedestrians
Permanent and temporary art installations (take the City Art tour here)
Cultural and historical interpretation
Business incentives and mentoring to encourage small businesses such as cafes and bars featuring live music, specialist retail, fashion outlets and galleries.

by Project Coordinator 23 Jan 2013, 4:18pm

We want your feedback on our plans for improvements to Lees Court

The upgrade of Lees Court aims to improve the look and character of the laneway and highlight the historic elements. We want to make it more interesting for pedestrians and provide better access between King Street and the MLC Centre and improve connections with the Theatre Royal and ‘Money Bank’ Building.

The Lees Court Concept Design is now available for feedback.

by Project Coordinator 27 Nov 2012, 3:55pm

Have your say on planned improvements to Hosking Place & Penfold Lane

We want your feedback on our plans for improvements to Hosking Place and Penfold Lane. We are working to create a more interesting and attractive city centre, with unique spaces for cafés, shops, small bars and cultural activities.

The upgrade of Hosking Place and Penfold Lane aims to improve the look and character of the laneways and make them safer and more interesting for pedestrians with better access between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street.

by Project Coordinator 27 Nov 2012, 3:55pm

Bridge Lane, Tank Stream Way & Abercrombie Lane

Bridge Lane, Tank Stream Way and Abercrombie Lane form a network of laneways between George Street, Pitt Street, Bridge Street and Bond Street.

These laneways are increasingly popular - buzzing with an eclectic mix of people sampling one of the many delights in the area. The laneways are also very important for local deliveries and vehicle access during the mornings delivering to the many food and beverage outlets adjoining the laneways.

by Project Coordinator 27 Nov 2012, 3:57pm

Central and Wilmot Streets

Central Street and Wilmot Street are centrally located right in the heart of the City, providing a popular thoroughfare from Pitt Street to George Street.

These laneways are also active service lanes providing loading areas and access to building carparks and docks. Both laneways provide an important pedestrian link from Pitt Street to George Street.

The Concept Plans for both laneways are currently being developed and will be available for public comment later in the year.

by Project Coordinator 27 Nov 2012, 3:57pm

Angel Place (Completed)

In 2011 the city completed a major makeover of Angel Place - a bustling thoroughfare linking George and Pitt Streets, and host to the City Recital Hall. The work included new paving, lighting, reallocated business premises and the completion of the art installation, Forgotten Songs by artist Michael Thomas Hill.

The installation is made up of a canopy of 120 birdcages emitting the sounds of about 50 bird species that lived by the Tank Stream before colonial development, and gradually vanished from central Sydney.

by Project Coordinator 17 Jan 2013, 12:56pm

Kimber Lane - Chinatown (Completed)

The City's recent improvements to Kimber Lane, Factory Street and Little Hay Street in Chinatown was the start of a larger public domain plan to make Haymarket more pedestrian friendly, improve lighting and paving and create more space for outdoor seating.

In Between Two Worlds by artist Jason Wing forms the centrepiece of the City of Sydney’s upgrade, located in Kimber Lane. By day this unassuming lane has been brightened by blue clouds and silver figures. By night the ‘spirit’ figures illuminate the lane with an otherworldly blue glow inviting visitors to explore this new addition to Chinatown’s vibrant nightlife. Incorporating wind, water, fire and earth the artwork In Between Two Worlds, references both Chinese and Aboriginal motifs.

Kimber Lane, Haymarket

by Project Coordinator 17 Jan 2013, 12:54pm

Albion Place (Completed)

The laneway is already a well-used link between George and Kent Streets, surrounded by Sydney’s Spanish Quarter, cinemas, World Square and Asian dining.

This laneway was revitalised with permanent artworks of tumbling trees along the walls, new decorative lighting, new painting, planter boxes filled with plants and climbing vines to create a sustainable vertical garden along the laneway.

The public artwork now cleverly disguises recessed fire doors along Albion Place which back onto the cinema. The project titled “Watling Tree” by artist Caroline Rothwel features the stunning tumbling tree design etched into a stainless steel panel.