Haymarket is a unique and distinctive part of Sydney. It has a special urban character that's lively, diverse and ever changing, characterised by dining and shopping, and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The precinct has historic links with Chinese culture and communities. A growing influence of other Asian cultures and communities adds to an increasing diversity of shops and restaurants.
Haymarket project updates
Stay up-to-date on projects and initiatives in the area.
Plans to revitalise Haymarket
A long-term plan to breathe new life into Haymarket and Chinatown is underway. The multimillion-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.
Priority projects underway
- Preparing designs for Dixon Street's update
- Restoring and heritage listing the Chinatown ceremonial gates
- Working with Dixon Street businesses to better manage waste
- Improving Thomas, Hay and Barlow streets and Ultimo Road
- Grant program for Dixon Street improvements to shop and building frontages
- Waiving outdoor dining fees until 2025
- Revitalising the area with the staging of major events such as Sydney Lunar Festival and Sydney Streets
- Supporting the precinct's branding and activations, funded by the NSW Government's uptown accelerator grant
- Funding the new Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) with grant funding
- Sponsoring SXSW Sydney in 2023 and 2024, the week-long tech, innovation and culture event in Darling Harbour and Haymarket
Priority projects completed
- Heritage listing the Kwong War Chong building at 82-84 Dixon Street
- Transforming George Street south
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News
What to do in Sydney this FebruaryThe streets light up to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras and more. Here are 10 events to set your sights on.27 January 2025News
What to do and where to eat during Sydney Lunar FestivalFabulous feasts, spectacular shows and magnificent artworks – it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Snake.27 January 2025News
A new era for Haymarket unfolds with urban renewalDiscover the changes shaping the heart of Chinatown's future: heritage upgrades, street improvements and cultural events.21 February 2025News
Be part of the SXSW Sydney restaurant guideConnect your food and drink offers with 300,000 festival goers.29 August 2024News
How to get involved in Sydney StreetsMake the most of our popular street events this summer - bring your trading or dining outdoors, apply for event space, host a pop-up stall and more.16 January 2025News
New Dixon Street improvement grants now openLandowners and businesses can apply to receive funding to improve shop or building frontages.5 August 2024News
Bring your idea to life in Haymarket with $200,000Applications are now open for festivals, events or pop-up attractions.21 May 2024News
Shape the future of Sydney Streets Have your say on our neighbourhood community events.25 June 2024News
By George, dragons! Experience the magic of Sydney Lunar FestivalThe roarsome dragons and lanterns making George Street shine for Sydney Lunar Festival.25 June 2024News
Get your business involved in Vivid SydneyLearn how you can be part of the world's largest festival of light, music, food and ideas27 March 2024
Markets, events and activations
Sydney 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 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art and the Museum of Chinese in Australia, help define the precinct as a cultural hub.
What’s On
- Thu2Jan
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Explore an enchanting Christmas CandylandDiscover peppermint pines, oversized lollipops, and hidden holiday sweets hiding around every corner!Haymarket - Thu13Mar
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'Fading Glow' Art Exhibition Fading Glow is an homage to the many iconographies of Hong Kong and the acknowledgement of its dwindling natureHaymarket - Thu13Mar
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AI Now: Big Ideas, Bold Solutions4 Dynamic Speakers, 50+ Industry Attendees, Insights & Networking.Haymarket HQ - Thu13Mar
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Qigong classes - try a week freeGet an introduction to Qigong at any level of experience and fitnessHaymarket - Fri14Mar
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Chinatown – Street food & stories guided food tourSample a range of regional Chinese snacks while discovering Chinatown's secretsHaymarket - Sat15Mar
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Intro to Rug Weaving on a Floor LoomWeave a rug in a day using upcycled materialsHaymarket - Sat15Mar
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Makertime: open access 16+yrs Get hands-on experience at the Darling Square Library MakerspaceDarling Square Library - Sat15Mar
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Maloney's Saturday Launch Party Your new Saturday night destination has arrived!Haymarket - Sat15Mar
- Sun16Mar
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Kids kung fu - try a classThe martial tradition of the Shaolin temple adapted for kids to reach their full potential in a fun environmentHaymarket - Mon17Mar
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Research Symposium 2025Panel discussions exploring new findings from Powerhouse Researchers.Haymarket - Tue18Mar
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Maker and creator workshop 8-12 yrsHarness all things inspirational and inventive with our sensational series of creative workshops for kidsDarling Square Library - Tue18Mar
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Rhymetime at Darling Square Library, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Tue18Mar
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Storytime at Darling Square, 3 to 5 yearsA fun storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Wed19Mar
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Bilingual storytime at Darling Square Library, 3 to 5 yearsA fun bilingual storytelling program combining stories, rhymes, and singing.Darling Square Library - Wed19Mar
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Bilingual rhymetime at Darling Square, 0 to 2 yearsA fun storytelling program combining rhymes, singing and stories.Darling Square Library - Wed19Mar
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Chinatown by Night Food Tour with Neon Playground LightsJoin us on a delicious journey through Chinatown's vibrant food scene under the mesmerizing glow of neon lights!Chinatown - Thu20Mar
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ACC x Neon Playground PhotowalkNeon nights, creative heights – Join ACC for an unforgettable photowalk!Haymarket - Thu20Mar
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3D Printing: Innovative tools for everyday challenges 16+yrsDiscover assistive devices designed to help you complete everyday tasksDarling Square Library - Fri21Mar
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Chinatown Run Club social run for Neon Playground 2.0Join us for a 6-7km social run through the installation for Neon Playground 2.0Haymarket
Planning and development
Haymarket 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.
