Clover Moore unveils 4,500 sq metre Sydney plaza design after more than 40 years of planning
The City of Sydney has unveiled a design for a new 4,500 sq metre public square opposite Sydney Town Hall, a project that has been in planning for over 40 years. The square is expected to cost $150m and will be completed in 2031, featuring a semi-circular clearing with a water feature and native trees. The project has been met with both excitement and concern, with some business advocates expressing worries about the demolition of seven buildings and potential disruption to the area.
- ▪The City of Sydney has been acquiring land for the project since 1982 and demolition is expected to start in 2028.
- ▪The square's design features a semi-circular clearing with a water feature, movable tables and chairs, and a grove of native trees.
- ▪The project is expected to cost $150m and will be completed in 2031.
- ▪The demolition of seven buildings has raised concerns about unwanted disruption in the heart of the city.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/11/clover-moore-unveils-4500-sq-metre-sydney-plaza-design-after-more-than-40-years-of-planning |
| Publication time | Tue, 11 Aug 2026 04:17:50 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-08-11T04:30:45.211Z |
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Artist render of the proposed Sydney Town Hall square redevelopment, expected to be completed in 2031. Illustration: JPW and ASPECT StudiosView image in fullscreenArtist render of the proposed Sydney Town Hall square redevelopment, expected to be completed in 2031. Illustration: JPW and ASPECT StudiosSydneyClover Moore unveils 4,500 sq metre Sydney plaza design after more than 40 years of planningLord mayor says Town Hall square will be ‘fantastic’ – but business advocate says project’s scale of demolition presents ‘unwanted disruption’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Kat WongTue 11 Aug 2026 00.17 EDTLast modified on Tue 11 Aug 2026 00.29 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSydneysiders have been given a…
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