Plans for a new technology and innovation precinct have been unveiled, as City of Sydney shares a vision for a high-tech, people-friendly precinct.
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Following council endorsement of the initial design concepts, City of Sydney will now work with the NSW Government to bring its vision for Central Square to life.
Under the proposed plans, Central Square is envisaged to be one square comprised of four connected spaces:
- Central Walk West (Western Walk) – a clear and generous path leading to the future Central Walk, the passage replacing the Devonshire Street tunnel. Large groups of people will be able to walk comfortably between Central Station and a wide pedestrian crossing at George, Pitt and Quay streets.
- Lower Square – next to the heritage brick station buildings, this space will provide seating and shade suitable for 24-hour activity.
- Upper Square – next to the Central Station Grand Concourse and connecting through to Belmore Park, this passive space will provide space for people to rest and relax.
- Railway Square – shaded by trees, this cool, green, urban space will use increased footpath widths on the east and west sides of Broadway and provide spaces for people to sit and relax.
The square will complement the NSW Government’s plans for Tech Central, a new technology and innovation precinct next to Central Station.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the NSW Government’s plan to redevelop Central Station and create a high-tech precinct on former transport land gave the City an exciting opportunity to develop the new public square.
“This concept is an opportunity to realise our vision of a public square at Central Station as one of three major public spaces connected by a people-friendly spine along George Street,” the Lord Mayor says.
“It’s an idea that will underpin Tech Central and give identity and space to the city as a whole.
“With increasing numbers of workers and visitors expected in the area over the next 20 years, we need more safe and comfortable spaces for people.
“High quality public open space is essential for our global city and good for our economy, environment and wellbeing. By creating wonderful public spaces, we ensure Sydney is an attractive place for businesses, residents and visitors,” the Lord Mayor says.
The new precinct planned at Central is expected to bring an influx of workers to the area. Central Square will attract new businesses to the precinct and support the area’s younger demographic.
Transport infrastructure changes in the area include the new light rail and metro projects and the pedestrianisation of George Street. With the reduction of bus and car traffic, there will be more space for people walking along the corridors leading to Central Square.
The creation of Central Walk will include a 19-metre wide, accessible and modern pedestrian walkway from Chalmers Street, linking the new light rail stop to the new Sydney Metro platforms with direct access to existing suburban platforms.
The plans for Central Walk will also help boost capacity at Central to cater for the expected 66 per cent increase in daily customer demand over the next two decades.
“Central Square is part of our work to help the safe movement of people, create a vibrant 24/7 city and increase our sustainability by providing new green spaces,” Moore adds.
“The light rail and coming metro lines provide an excellent opportunity to remove heavy-flow traffic from this important precinct and create a wonderful space for people.
“We look forward to working with the NSW Government, including Transport for NSW as the substantial landowner, to realise the square and public connections,” the Lord Mayor concludes.
Plans for Central Walk West are expected to conclude in 2022, with the new metro tracks to be fitted by 2024.
Images supplied by City of Sydney.