Proposed pedestrian boulevard – George Street, Sydney & Devonshire Street, Surry Hills

This proposal will extend the pedestrian boulevard of George Street, Sydney, from Bathurst Street to Railway Square, and create a pedestrian boulevard on Devonshire Street between Chalmers and Elizabeth streets, in Surry Hills.

Artist impression of George Street, pedestrianised at Campbell Street
Artist impression of George Street, pedestrianised between Hay Street and Rawson Place
Artist impression of George Street, pedestrianised near Valentine Street

Project Status: Closed

Public consultation period to

Why we’re doing this

George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst streets, has been upgraded to a pedestrian boulevard following the construction of the light rail. To build on this success, we proposed to extend the pedestrian boulevard to Railway Square by restricting through traffic and widening the footpaths to install more trees and street furniture.

The proposal also includes creating a pedestrian boulevard on Devonshire Street between Chalmers and Elizabeth streets, in Surry Hills.

We’re creating more people-friendly streets, with wider footpaths and new spaces for businesses to operate, while attracting people back to the city centre. The proposal is supported by the NSW Government and will ensure everyone can move around comfortably while maintaining physical distancing.

What we’re doing

George Street – proposed changes include:

  • closing the southbound lanes of George Street, between Bathurst Street and Rawson Place
  • closing the northbound lanes of George Street, between Ultimo Road and Bathurst Street
  • closing Campbell Street at George Street and making it 2-way between George and Pitt streets
  • closing the westbound lanes of Hay Street, between George and Sussex streets
  • closing Thomas Street at Hay Street and making it 2-way between Hay Street and Ultimo Road
  • making Ultimo Road 1-way westbound from George to Quay streets
  • removal of the no right turn restriction in Valentine Street at George Street
  • introduce a no left turn restriction from George Street into Pitt Street
  • widen the footpaths of George Street, from Ultimo Road and Rawson Place to Railway Square
  • widen the northern footpath of Hay Street, between Harbour and Sussex streets
  • widen the northern footpath of Ultimo Road, between George and Thomas streets
  • parking changes in George Street and surrounding streets.

Devonshire Street – proposed changes include:

  • closing the eastbound lane of Devonshire Street from Chalmers to Elizabeth streets
  • closing Chalmers Lane at Devonshire Street
Concept designPDF · 13.12 MB · Last modified
Local access planPDF · 5.08 MB · Last modified
Review of environmental factorsPDF · 1.92 MB · Last modified

How you can give feedback

You can view and have your say on the following documents:

Please give your feedback by completing the online survey, by 5pm Wednesday 21 October 2020.

Complete our online survey 

Submissions can also be made to Transport for NSW at [email protected] 

Feedback may be published in publicly available reports at the end of the consultation period. Your name or organisation's name may appear in these reports with your feedback attributed. If you would like your feedback to be kept confidential, please let us know when making your submission.

George Street walk

City staff invite you to join the project team for a walk of George Street, to hear an update on the plans and next steps.

George Street walk
Tuesday 13 October 2020
12:00pm–1:00pm

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, numbers are limited and registration is essential. This event is now full. If you wish to join the waitlist, please contact Kristina Kalnins at [email protected].

Next steps

We will consider all submissions and report to the Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee at its meeting on Thursday 19 November 2020.

To maintain physical distancing requirements, members of the public are welcome to attend and address the committee via video call. The meeting starts at 10am. If you would like to address the committee, you need to register by close of business on Monday 16 November 2020. To do this, please contact Claudia Calabro on 02 9265 9648 or at [email protected].

Sign up for project updates

We encourage you to sign up for regular updates about this project.

Other ways you can give feedback