A new era for Haymarket unfolds with urban renewal

In the heart of Haymarket, Sydney’s Chinatown and Thaitown are undergoing a vibrant transformation. With upgrade works under way and a calendar of cultural events ahead, this historic precinct is buzzing with fresh energy.

Reviving the ceremonial gates

One of Haymarket’s most cherished features, the ceremonial gates at the entrance to Dixon Street, are being lovingly restored. These gates, which have stood proudly since 1980, are adorned with intricate tiles and flanked by majestic granite lions, embodying the cultural significance of Chinatown.

We're upgrading the decorative timber panels, replacing the deteriorated granite lions and ceramic roof tiles and installing new lighting. Restoration is expected to be completed in early 2025.

This project is part of broader improvements to Dixon Street, including new creative lighting and seating, paving upgrades and cultural motifs designed to share Chinatown stories. These works are expected to be completed in early 2026.

Improving public spaces

A range of public domain projects are part of a multimillion dollar vision to improve streets and public spaces, shopfronts, parks and lighting. They include:

• Recent completion of the transformation of George Street south
• Recent paving upgrade on Goulburn Street
• Planned Ultimo Road improvements. Works include an expanded footpath for outdoor dining and events, new street trees, dedicated bike lane and street calming. Works are expected to be completed by 2026.
• Trial projects to revitalise Belmore Park and upgrade Campbell Street to celebrate Thaitown.

  

Championing local businesses

Supporting Haymarket’s vibrant economy is an important focus of our revitalisation work. A new grant is helping Dixon Street retailers join in on the journey. Our Dixon Street improvement grant funds building façade and shopfront enhancements. This grant aims to bring the artistry of food preparation onto the street, increase neon signs and enhance the area's visual appeal. We're offering up to $60,000 matched funding for 3 years, totalling $1.2 million.

Nicole Wong, our new dedicated precinct coordinator for Haymarket will play a vital role in helping local businesses and community groups to work together to create even more opportunities for growth and success in the area.

Injecting energy into the streets

From the weekly Chinatown Friday Night Market on Dixon Street and exhibitions at the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art to yearly fixtures like Vivid, a great diversity of events will bring cultural celebrations and new visitors to the precinct. Future highlights include:

• Belmore Park After Dark runs from 20 September to 11 October with food trucks, free workshops and classes like tai chi and dance as well as performances, art and lights. This event is funded by the Safer Cities: Her Way program.
• SXSW Sydney takes over Tumbalong Park with public tech demos, talks and live music from 14 to 20 October. Originating out of Austin, Texas it was a major win for Sydney's event landscape to welcome the tech and innovation festival to our shores. The event attracts 300,000 visitors – local, domestic and international – and brings together the best fresh talent across tech and innovation, gaming, music and screen. The event is supported by a City of Sydney grant.
• Sydney Lunar Festival is one of our largest major event celebrations, bringing outdoor festivities, dragon boat races, art installations, lanterns, cultural performances and lion dancing to the city each year. From 29 January to 16 February the celebrations return for the Year of the Snake, finding their focus in Chinatown.
• Neon Playground returns in March 2025. Known for its stunning light installations and interactive art, this event is supported by a $200,000 City of Sydney precinct activation grant and presented by the Haymarket Alliance.
• Sydney Streets funding continues into 2025. The Haymarket event kicked off the 7th series on 21 September, transforming Dixon Street and surrounding laneways into a car-free hub of entertainment, food pop-ups, lion dancers and DJs. Free face painting, a mini circus playground and magic shows, makes this event a day of fun for all ages.
• Paddy’s Market upgrade by early 2025 with bars and dine-in eateries alongside produce stalls promises even more reasons to explore this diverse culinary hub.

The revival of Haymarket's energy, culture, and community is well underway, bringing together all the elements that make this neighbourhood so special.

For the latest events and activities in Haymarket, visit What’s On.