Car Ban Slated for Sydney CBD Streets

Portions of Hunter and Loftus streets is Sydney’s northern CBD cluster will be pedestrianised under a City of Sydney Council plan.

The City North Public Domain Plan was unanimously endorsed by the council and will now go to the public for exhibition and comment.

Sydney mayor Clover Moore said the City North area had evolved since the adoption of the original plan in 2015, with the inclusion of two new Metro stations and a number of large developments proposed, including a 45-storey commercial tower at 49-57 Pitt Street, another commercial tower at 56 Pitt Street and a second tower at 2 Chifley Square. 

The area is bounded by George, Bridge, and Macquarie streets, and the Hunter Street Precinct. 

“We have plans to pedestrianise more of the northern CBD, to make more space for more people,” Moore said.

“This is particularly important in areas like Hunter Street, which will see a massive influx of people on foot when the new Metro stop comes online.

“We also want to provide additional space for people and activation on Loftus Street, which provides an important connection between the northern central business district and Circular Quay. Fewer buses and other vehicles use the road now that light rail is fully operational.”

Moore said the council would be putting the City North Public Domain plan out to the public for exhibition and feedback after it was endorsed in council on Monday. 

“As we accelerate our plans to create a more connected and walkable city, the importance of seizing every opportunity to create new public spaces is at the front of mind—you only need look at the work we have done on George Street,” she said.

The Metro City and South West-Martin Place station is under construction with a station entry located on Hunter Street and over-station development, which is due to be operational in 2024. 

Planning is under way for Metro West with two entrances on Hunter Street and connectivity with Wynyard Station, which is planned to open in 2031. 

According to the planning documents, the newly endorsed plan would improve pedestrian amenity and safety by creating an attractive environment for pedestrians to walk and upgraded seating for resting close to a busy public transport interchange.

It also proposes transformative streetscape projects to create a welcoming public domain, encouraging people to stay and support the city’s 24-hour economy.