MARTIN PLACE GETS ALFRESCO DINING

The City is inviting public comment on new draft policies which include:

• The City North public domain plan that outlines new works to enliven Martin Place and streets running into Alfred Street at Circular Quay in preparation for light rail, and
• Outdoor dining policies to cut red tape and make it easier to introduce outdoor dining by simplifying applications and extending licence periods to help create a more vibrant and active City.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City had been working extensively with Martin Place property owners to rejuvenate the area and bring more life into the CBD.

“Martin Place is Sydney’s most popular public plaza with some of the city’s finest buildings,” the Lord Mayor said.

“These changes will make Martin Place and the area around the Quay more appealing for the thousands of people who enjoy these busy areas each day.”

“We want people to spend more time in Martin Place and, if it’s approved, this scheme will bring more trees and landscaping, more seating, and for the first time outdoor dining to this great city plaza.”

Many of the owners of major commercial properties in Martin Place have welcomed the City’s plans.

In preparing the plan, the City has taken advice from Gehl Architects who originally proposed light rail in George Street, and from HASSELL Architects who have worked on streets connecting with Circular Quay, along with government representatives and members of the public.

The proposed plan is to be carried in three stages, short, medium and long term, with the first stage to begin within the next two years. The plans will be placed on exhibition for four weeks and public comments are invited.

As well as the Martin Place works, short term changes proposed include upgrades to Alfred Street, Loftus Street, Reiby Place, Young Street and Phillip Street.

Images: Artist's impression of the improvements to Martin Place