Haymarket precinct news
Stay up-to-date on projects and initiatives in the area.
Haymarket is a unique and distinctive part of Sydney. It has a special urban character that is lively, diverse and ever changing, characterised by dining and shopping, and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Haymarket has historic links with Chinese culture and community. The growing influence of other Asian cultures and communities adds to an increasing diversity of shops and restaurants throughout the area.
A long-term plan to breathe new life into Haymarket and Chinatown is underway. The multi-million-dollar vision sees key projects focus on activating and improving streets and public spaces, shopfronts, parks and lighting.
In December 2023, Council endorsed the Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy and Haymarket and Chinatown public domain plan after extensive consultation with the community.
Stay up-to-date on projects and initiatives in the area.
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Spring awakening: Eat, shop and play at Sydney StreetsSydney Lunar Festival is the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside mainland China – with a street festival in Haymarket, daily lion dancing performances, delicious food and over 60 events in January and February.
The famous Friday Night Markets on Dixon Street are one of Sydney’s most popular late-night shopping hotspots. Showcasing local designers, delicious Asian street food and unique products.
The restaurants, cafes and bars provide theatre goers at Capitol Theatre, tourists staying in surrounding hotels and backpackers hostels, city residents and workers late-night food and entertainment options. Arts and cultural organisations such as Gallery 4A and the Museum of Chinese in Australia, help define the precinct as a cultural hub.
What’s On
Emma Fielden 'Hours of Stars' at Passage GalleryWhat’s On
‘In Bloom’ What’s On
Chinatown 'Bites and Culture' treasure hunt experienceWhat’s On
Qigong classesWhat’s On
Step right up to Easter Fun at Market City!What’s On
Chinatown – Street food & stories guided food tourWhat’s On
BonkerZ Featured Artist Comedy ClubsWhat’s On
Kids kung fu classWhat’s On
Maker and creator workshop 8-12 yrsWhat’s On
Storytime at Darling Square, 3 to 5 yearsWhat’s On
Rhymetime at Darling Square Library, 0 to 2 yearsWhat’s On
Bilingual storytime at Darling Square Library, 3 to 5 yearsWhat’s On
Bilingual rhymetime at Darling Square, 0 to 2 yearsWhat’s On
Weekend makertime for families, 8-12 yrsWhat’s On
Makertime for families, 8-12 yrsWhat’s On
April School Holiday Fun Alert at Market City Haymarket!What’s On
From infinite to intimate: In conversation with Emma FieldenWhat’s On
School holidays: Creative coding for kids 8-12yrsWhat’s On
Youth week: 3D print club 12-16yrsWhat’s On
School Holidays: pixel art maker day 10-15yrs What’s On
Creative coding for teens 12-16yrsWhat’s On
Make your own laser cut flower press 12-15yrsWhat’s On
Sculpting the brain: Youth development and mental health What’s On
School holidays: manga comic book workshop, 9-12 yrsWhat’s On
Laser cut jewellery from the archives 16+yrsWhat’s On
Friday SessionsWhat’s On
Tabletop games afternoon , 16 years +What’s On
Tango course (6 weeks) with Club De TangoWhat’s On
Laser cut printmaking from the archives 16+yrsWhat’s On
Sound and noise in DarlinghurstWhat’s On
Comedy Court's $1000 comedy competitionWhat’s On
Building DarlinghurstWhat’s On
Exploring the people and places of DarlinghurstWhat’s On
Chicago The MusicalWhat’s On
Five-course Whisky pairing dinnerWhat’s On
Read To Me presents: This Must Be The Place #3What’s On
Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney 2023Haymarket is continuously changing with major developments nearby such as universities in Ultimo, Darling Harbour and potential development at Central precinct, part of the NSW Government’s innovation precinct, Tech Central. Our plans for a new public place at Central, described in the city south public domain plan, are part of our vision for this area.
Chinatown is designated a Special Character Area, with planning rules in place to retain and enhance the unique character of the area. The Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy proposes a review of planning rules to allow more freedom and cultural expression in building signs and lighting, and to encourage renewal of smaller buildings as a point of difference from other areas of the city. A new grant program will incentivise improvements to buildings and shopfronts on Dixon Street south.
The Haymarket and Chinatown public domain plan recommends priority projects to improve the streets and parks, including the Dixon Street upgrade and restoration of the Chinatown Ceremonial Gates.
Our Central Sydney planning strategy identifies areas to the north and south of Haymarket as key areas for employment growth. Changes to planning rules are supporting more development in these areas.