Train and light rail trips in the city centre would be free, another three blocks of George Street would be pedestrianised and government workers would return to their offices as part of a City of Sydney vision to bring life back to the CBD.
Lord mayor Clover Moore, who wants all public sector workers back in the office three days a week, has joined the NSW government, the Property Council of Australia, the Business Council of Australia and Business Sydney in encouraging the private sector to follow suit.
The City of Sydney wants to trial an extension of George Street’s pedestrianisation from Hunter Street to Bridge Street.Credit: Edwina Pickles
She will present her council’s ideas for urgent action to the government’s CBD Summit on Friday, as businesses, government and industry groups brainstorm ways to boost trade and foot traffic in Sydney’s struggling city centre after the Omicron outbreak.
Other parts of the council’s vision include a return to pre-pandemic public transport service levels, state government money to revamp lighting and arts in Chinatown, as well as upgraded footpaths on Crown Street in Surry Hills so outdoor dining can become a permanent fixture.
“We’re proposing measures that can be implemented immediately to attract people to return to the city centre, while keeping an eye on the longer-term with measures to ensure our CBD is a great place for businesses, workers, residents and visitors alike,” Cr Moore said.
“We need to seize on this moment with energy to not only help the city centre recover but thrive anew.”
She said dedicating an extra section of George Street to pedestrians would be one way to immediately create a further 3200 square metres of public space in the short term, and will propose a trial that extends the pedestrian zone’s current boundary from Hunter Street to Bridge Street.
“In the longer term this pedestrianisation should be made permanent to enable a quiet, vehicle-free environment for outdoor dining and new public spaces from side street closures at intersections,” she said.
But Cr Moore said the city would not bounce back until workers, tourists and international students returned to its streets.
City of Sydney staff will begin returning to its Town Hall office three days a week from February 28 and Business Sydney is also advocating the three-day model for public service staff.
“We hope the state government and other major employers follow suit and we’re working with the state government and others to develop a campaign to encourage people to return,” Cr Moore said.
She said a free CBD public transport zone should be introduced across the City Circle rail line and light rail – similar to Melbourne’s free tram zone – while peak hour public transport fees should also be abolished.
Business Sydney will similarly advocate for free CBD transport and a return to normal timetables, alongside the abolishment of office mask rules, a doubling of the $100 ‘Stay NSW’ vouchers, and the return of university students to campuses.
“These strategies can be implemented straight away and will have an immediate impact on the economy by bringing back people and the vibe of our beautiful city,” said executive director Paul Nicolau.
Free transport has been considered by the government since last year, but no action has been taken.
Stay across the most crucial developments related to the pandemic with the Coronavirus Update. Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter.