New Public Spaces Now Open At George St After Pedestrian Boulevard Expansion Into Surry Hills

george street
Photo credit: City of Sydney

Locals can expect a more pedestrian-friendly George St following the expansion of a pedestrian boulevard that runs from Bathurst Street to Rawson Place, advancing into Devonshire Street in Surry Hills.


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The new pedestrian boulevard, from Bathurst Street to Rawson Place, is part of the City of Sydney’s $43.5 million dollar project to create a seamless car-free path for walking, dining and seating, and align with the light rail tracks running the full length of George St from Haymarket to Circular Quay.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore graced the public opening of George St in June 2022, saying it was worth celebrating, especially because the project has been carried out with minimal disruptions and it was delivered in record time.

“Working together, we have completed a beautiful and inviting boulevard that creates more than 9,000sqm of additional space for people to move safely around the city centre,” the Lord Mayor said.

Photo credit: City of Sydney

Cr Moore said the work to turn noisy, traffic-choked George St into a pedestrian boulevard and central spine for the city began in 2007, when Jan Gehl’s report on public spaces suggested three city squares at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Railway Square, all linked by a light-rail and pedestrian boulevard.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, Rob Stokes also came to see the street’s transformation, stating how Sydney’s streets were being reclaimed as places for people. 

“George Street has been completely transformed from a road clogged with buses and traffic to the thriving spine of our city where people can walk, linger, catch up with friends and enjoy a meal on the much wider footpath,” Mr Stokes said.

The project has been supported with more than $1.1 million from the NSW Government and $7 million from the Federal Government.