How WorldPride 2023 Will Help Breathe New Life To Oxford Street

The struggling Oxford Street will be given a new life as the approved Oxford Street Creative and Cultural Precinct plan would unlock up to 11,000-sqm of creative space in Darlinghurst in time for an LGBTQI+ Pride Festival in 2023.

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Historically, Oxford Street’s built form and diverse land uses contributed to its vibrant character but over the recent years, the high level of retail vacancy, noisy road environment, underused public spaces and lockout laws have led to a decrease in patronage of Oxford St.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the construction of massive shopping centres at either end of the strip and online shopping has hurt its retailers, the lock-outs have hurt its bars and clubs and the clearway has created fast flowing through-traffic that has made Oxford St a less pleasant place to be.

In preparation for the WorldPride 2023, the City of Sydney Council has unanimously endorsed innovative incentives to activate the area’s day and night economy, whilst preserving its heritage and character.

Plans include retaining existing entertainment creative and cultural floor space within the precinct as well as encouraging new ones by allowing extra floor and height; allowing additional uses at the National Art School to support its continued educational and cultural role; and expanding the Oxford Street heritage conservation area to include 276-278 Crown Street.

Plans for Oxford Street (Photo credit: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au)

“Oxford Street holds special significance for the LGBTIQ communities of Sydney. As well as being the spiritual home of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, Oxford Street has been a sanctuary for our community to come together for many decades,” Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said.

Oxford Street design (Photo credit: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au)

Whilst most locals are looking forward to seeing Oxford Street’s transformation, there are residents who are opposing the development. One local business owner, in particular, feared his business would be forced to relocate to facilitate the development.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Moore assured that Oxford Street’s history will be preserved whilst safeguarding its future, particularly as the city welcomes the WorldPride festival in 2023. The event will be two weeks filled with global events, such as a spectacular Parade, Fair Day, Mardi Gras Party.

The City of Sydney is still currently reviewing planning rules for Oxford Street and surrounds in Darlinghurst. For more details regarding the plan, visit the City of Sydney’s website.