CBD and South East Light Rail has Led one of the most Significant Transformations in the History

The 2020 Lord Mayor’s Prize goes to the CBD and South-East Light Rail. This project has led one of the most significant transformations in the history of our city’s centre. Rather than simply adding or removing a transport service as in the past, it has enabled an expansion of the public domain as a pedestrian boulevard. It has prioritised people over buses and cars, and reclaimed George Street - arguably Sydney’s most historic street. It will be the backbone that connects the centre’s three future public spaces at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Central Station.

The realisation of the public domain will come in stages, with the first stage from Hunter to Bathurst Streets, already pedestrianised. The next stage, from Bathurst Street to Rawson Place, is likely to start in the near future.The urban design creates real amenity, with street trees, seating, lighting, paving, public art and bronze-clad stops. This will inspire civic activation and we have already seen private investment anticipate what it will become - a boulevard to stroll and take in the city both day and night.

Project Information

Architect: Grimshaw with ASPECT Studios in collaboration with the City of Sydney, on behalf of Transport for NSW, supported by Randwick City Council

Photography: Ashleigh Hughes