linked city squares for public life

Eminent Danish architect Jan Gehl, suggests that George Street should link three public squares - a harbour-side gateway at Circular Quay, a new civic Town Hall Square and a lively Central Station Precinct.

The George Street Boulevard and Three Great Squares
Circular Quay grand harbour arrival
Town Hall civic precinct
Central station precinct

- George Street as Sydney's premier street and north - south transit
The George Street Boulevard and Three Great Squares

George Street will be a celebrated North-South boulevard for the City between the three public squares.

Adding a surface transit loop, such as light rail, and redesigning the street to make it safer would make George Street an attractive pedestrian environment and beautiful main street for Sydney’s community.
Circular Quay grand harbour arrival

Rethink and redesign Circular Quay to create a grand station with places for meeting and recreation, and a stronger connection to Customs House and the harbour-front.
- A grand square at Town Hall
- - Heritage buildings
  - Civic heart
Town Hall civic precinct

Celebrating the idea of George Street as Sydney’s main walking street, leading to an expanded, grand civic square at Town Hall.

The Queen Victoria Building, St. Andrews’ Cathedral, Town Hall and new civic buildings across the square, would frame a major gathering place for outdoor life around the rail station.
- Develop the potential of Central and reconnect villages
- - Linked City Squares
  - Grand Square
Central station precinct

Celebrating Central Station as a southern gateway to the City is proposed. A grand station square with smaller squares surrounding would improve walking connections. Opportunities for redevelopment of the space over the rail lines and an enhanced Belmore Park, as well as improved links and public spaces in the station precinct are proposed.
Benefits to the City
- A stronger City Centre identity
- City squares as focal points for events and community life
- Greater priority for public transport, walking and cycling
- Engaging street level retail and cafe experience, encouraging people to ‘promenade’ along Sydney’s main street
- Reduce noise and improve the quality of being on Sydney’s main street
- More and better places for people in the City Centre to rest and retreat or for meeting and celebration
- More enjoyable and accessible City Centre environment for children and older people