One of the glaring failures of central Sydney should be among its most interesting: a stretch of architectural history along Macquarie Street that represents the city’s path from rough colonial outpost to a thriving democracy.

Two of Sydney’s leading citizens, Paul Keating and Lucy Turnbull, this week published suggestions to turn the little-loved thoroughfare into one of the city’s great attractions, drawing in visitors who flock to the Sydney Opera House and The Rocks during normal times.