City Reveals Sydney Chinatown Redevelopment Plans

Developers are honing in on Haymarket as the calendar enters a period of fire—“a time of regeneration and change”—and the City of Sydney’s Chinatown plans go on exhibition.

The latest concept designs for Dixon Street has been unveiled as the council looks to restore Qi, bringing energy, flow and vibrancy back to the precinct to encourage and attract visitors—and developers.

The most recent approval in Chinatown was for a $200-million, 17-storey hotel put forward by Mulpha, controlled by billionaire Lee Ming Tee and his family, at neighbouring 355-357 Sussex Street.

Meanwhile, restaurateurs Stanley Yee and May Ho Yee plan a 14-storey tower next to the gates and a 13-storey tower behind the Kwong War Chong & Co is also on the cards.

ASPECT studios is the team behind the city’s Chinatown proposal that includes restoring the heritage-listed gates.

The team collaborated with experts in cultural and creative design including Sibling Architecture, Studio Yu and Mei and lighting designers Electrolight.

Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore said the new concept designs would transform the southern part of Dixon Street.

▲ Goulburn Street Plaza would become a new gateway to Chinatown.

“Our concept deliberately reflects and incorporates traditional elements from the area in bringing a synergy to these proposals,” the lord mayor said. 

“The lighting proposals create illuminated ceiling threads between the gates that bookend Dixon Street South. 

“These threads form a tapestry of colour that can change to celebrate seasons and festivals, and are inspired by the five-coloured clouds.”

The five-coloured clouds are stylised Chinese auspicious clouds, which represented good fortune in Chinese culture and are associated with the Taoist concept of Qi.

▲ Sydney’s Chinatown is ready for a refresh as new developments gain approval.

The work the city is proposing along Dixon Street South was created in partnership with the community as part of the overall strategy for the Haymarket area.

The design concept underscores the importance of the Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, which are set for restoration and heritage listing as part of the city’s broader strategy.