Sydney CBD foot traffic back to 50 per cent pre-pandemic levels

It was a ghost town through lockdown and has been drenched with record rainfall, but crowds have returned to breathe new life into the heart of Sydney. Here are the figures to prove it.

Sydney’s CBD is getting its mojo back, with the highest number of people since Christmas, an alfresco dining boom and a pipeline of major events.

Foot traffic counters on Park, Market, Bridge and ­Elizabeth streets reveal the city is back to 50 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

This is despite record rainfall and is being touted as a huge turnaround compared to last year, when only 4 per cent of workers were in their offices.

“The lockdowns cost the city’s economy an estimated $250 million a week and 40,000 jobs,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Almost as soon as Covid lockdowns were introduced, the doomsayers were predicting the death of the city, but I’m hopeful this has been overstated.”

Pedestrians have returned to rejuvenate Sydney’s CBD after two long years. Picture: Damian Shaw

Since February 2022, the four street counters have ­indicated an upward trend and the strongest pedestrian figures in the city since the 2021 Christmas season.

The International Convention Centre Sydney calendar will draw an expected 300,000 visitors to the CBD and the Darling Harbour precinct through 150 restriction-free events during autumn.

Foot traffic has returned to places like Circular Quay. Picture: Damian Shaw

British indie pop band London Grammar, the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPcular, Snow Travel Expo, Autumn Home Show and Mind, Body Spirit Expo are all part of the bumper season.

ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said: “Events this autumn have the potential to deliver $130 million in visitor spend in the local economy, setting us back on our course to return to achieving $900 million in delegate spend annually. We know that events need an activated and energised CBD to be successful and provide positive experiences but the converse is also true – business and entertainment events are essential in energising the CBD.”

Total gross retail revenue in The Rocks increased by 38 per cent between November 2021 and March 2022, according to the state government.

The majority of businesses at The Rocks attributed their financial recovery from the lockdowns to the alfresco areas, with businesses attributing up to 70 per cent of their revenue to their outdoor area.

CBD office workers have been enjoying lunches out again. Veronika Zaferis, Steve Davis and Jess Wright enjoy a meal and drinks at the Opera Bar. Picture: Toby Zerna

Rain and Covid outbreaks, however, have meant there has only been a 5 per cent increase in visitation in The Rocks and Darling Harbour.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said: “Events are part of Sydney’s heartbeat, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors into the CBD.

“Over the past month, we have seen a strong return in footfall. We look forward to the continued recovery and revitalisation of the businesses in the area, supported by ICC Sydney visitors.”

Elliot Solomon, CEO of hospitality giant Solotel, said they had seen an increase in guests over the past six weeks in their CBD venues.

“At Opera Bar, we’ve seen a 10 per cent increase on Fridays (against the same time last year),” he said.