Spicy future envisaged for Chinatown

A new plan to upgrade and reinvigorate Dixon Street in Chinatown has been unanimously endorsed by the City of Sydney Council. 

Consultation with more than 1,150 residents and businesses helped shaped the plan, which includes $5 million to revive Dixon Street Mall, restore its famed gates, install new seating as well as creative lighting overlays and improved services to support events.

 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it was important for the City to work with local communities to breathe new life into the historic area, especially following the impacts of Covid-19.    

 

“Our community in Chinatown was one of the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, and it continues to suffer while international tourism and study has not yet fully returned,” Moore said.

 

“While we have been safely activating public places and inviting people back to experience all Chinatown has to offer since Covid restrictions were eased, we’re excited to ensure its long-term future by reinvigorating Dixon Street as a dynamic space for people, daily life and culture.

 

“Our communities have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to help us shape the Dixon Street precinct and painted a picture that celebrates the diversity of Asian cultures, food and history. 

 

“We know the renewal of the Chinatown Gates is incredibly important and it is a focus for us as we move forward with our plans.”  

 

Since 2010, Sydney has has initiated several public space investments in the Chinatown precinct. 

 

“Now, through our proposed public domain improvements in the heart of Chinatown, we will make the area an even more attractive environment for people to walk around and spend time, which will in turn support local businesses and economic activity,” Moore says.

 

Residents, businesses and visitors were invited to complete surveys and attend community forums in English and Asian languages to ensure they were part of the plans for the area. 

                                                                                                  

Contributors highlighted the need to reflect the cultural diversity of the area, increasing authentic and affordable food and retail experiences. They said it was important to respect the heritage and traditions of Chinatown while exploring exciting new ways to express culture. 

 

Key long-term priorities for Haymarket are:   

 

• boosting lighting to create a safe and colourful atmosphere 
• increasing events, activities and outdoor dining on the streets 
• more seating  

• preserving the local character and cultural heritage 
• extending trading hours to boost the thriving nightlife 
• more public art. 

 

Dixon Street’s management is split between the City of Sydney and the NSW Government, with Placemaking NSW (a name obviously created by a committee of creatives) taking over Dixon Street north between Goulburn and Liverpool streets and the City of Sydney managing the pedestrianised area between Goulburn and Hay streets. 

For more details see cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/haymarket-precinct