Tech Central: City of Sydney reveals green space plan for Central Station

Sydney’s new ‘Silicon Valley’ continues to take shape around Central Station, with a new vision for public space unveiled that is set to transform the precinct. SEE THE PHOTOS

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A vision for a cool, green new public square at Sydney’s Central Station has been unveiled, as part of the multi-billion dollar vision for the city’s new Silicon Valley.

City of Sydney today released early concept designs for Central Square, which will complement Tech Central, the NSW Government’s new 24ha tech and innovation precinct being developed next to the transport hub.

The new square will provide revitalised green urban space to be used day and night by commuters, visitors, students and the influx of workers expected to be drawn to the precinct.

A major new public square at Sydney’s Central station is one step closer, with the City of Sydney releasing, its vision for a hi-tech, green and people-friendly precinct.

“Central Square is part of our work to help the safe movement of people, create a vibrant 24/7 city and increase our sustainability by providing new green spaces,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“The light rail and coming metro lines provide an excellent opportunity to remove heavy-flow traffic from this important precinct and create a wonderful space for people.

Tech Central is forecast to create 25,000 innovation jobs and encourage 25,000 new students to focus on Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) and life sciences studies in coming years.

The square will complement the NSW Government’s plans for Tech Central, a new technology and, innovation precinct next to Central Station.

An artist’s impression of the new public square, which will be focused on youth, visitors, public transport users, university students and local workers.

Local tech giant Atlassian’s $1 billion tower next to the station will be the flagship project in the hub on the station’s northern end, while Dexus and Frasers $2.5 Central Place development, green lit to progress last month, will see two 39-storey office towers and a revamped Henry Dean Plaza built in the rezoned sub-precinct at Railway Square.

Continuing the dramatic overhaul, the station itself is in the midst of a $955 million redevelopment as part of the Sydney Metro project, due to be completed by 2024.

Central Square will be used day and night, with events and other activities to draw in residents and workers to the public space.

Following Council endorsement of the initial design concepts, the City will now work with the NSW, Government, including Transport for NSW as the substantial land owner, to bring its vision to life.

The new public square, one of three planned by City of Sydney to link a more pedestrian-friendly George St, will be designed with four connected spaces.

A Central Walk West will replace the Devonshire St tunnel with a green open walkway, and significant tree planting, allowing large numbers of people to move between Central Station and the pedestrian crossing at George, Pitt and Quay streets.

Atlassian will anchor is headquarters in the tech precinct at Central Station. The new building will be home to thousands of technology workers when complete in 2025.

The transformation of Railway Square into Sydney’s future ‘Silicon Valley’ will continue with the $2.5 billion Central Place development by Dexus-Frasers which will form a key part of the rezoned precinct.

A Lower Square will be created next to the heritage station buildings, with seating and shade, suitable for activity 24 hours a day.

An Upper Square next to Central’s Grand Concourse and connecting through to Belmore Park, will be a quiet and passive space for people to relax, while Railway Square will become a cool space shaded with trees, with wider footpaths on the east and west sides of Broadway.

The City will work with the NSW Government, including Transport for NSW as the substantial land owner, to bring its vision for Central Square to life.