Overview
Martin Place is set to score more outdoor dining, more trees and epic landscaping, thanks to plans proposed by the City of Sydney. For the first time, seating will be allowed between Pitt and George Streets, in the section dedicated to the Cenotaph, a World War I memorial.
A group of Martin Place property owners, now formally known as the Martin Place Owners Group, hatched the idea back in 2013. They approached the Council, who worked in consultation with Gehl Architects and Hassell Architects (both have worked on projects in the surrounding CBD), not to mention the hugely important RSL, to come up with a solution. Restaurant owners will soon be able to apply for permits to place outdoor chairs and tables in the memorial section of Martin Place, with red tape cut to make it easier for these owners to get permits more quickly.
“We would like to see Martin Place become a more enticing environment, one that attracts people day and night, encourages a 24/7 economy and reinforces it as the civil and civic heart of this city, and this plan very much aligns with our vision,” said Andrea Roberts, chairwoman of the Martin Place Owners Group.
The changes will coincide with the commencement of work on the light rail. And there’ll also be upgrades in and around the streets leading to Circular Quay.
“Martin Place is Sydney’s most popular public plaza, with some of the city’s finest buildings," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "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.”
The plans for Martin Place are on display at the City of Sydney for four weeks and members of the public are invited to give feedback.