Macquarie Street East Precinct
Macquarie Street East – where Sydney's rich Aboriginal and modern history comes to life where arts and culture thrive. Be educated. Be entertained. Be surprised.
Our vision
Steeped in history, Macquarie Street East will tell the cultural, civic and heritage story of Sydney to a global audience. Established institutions in heritage-listed buildings operating alongside new cultural attractions will deliver experiences that entertain and educate, day and night.
Macquarie Street East Precinct vision
Open and accessible, Macquarie Street East will embrace and enhance the city's arts and cultural offering.
We have developed the Macquarie Street East Precinct Master Plan in collaboration with architectural firm, Hassell. You can view the master plan in both an accessible format and Hassell’s full architectural format.
Macquarie Street East
The Macquarie Street East Precinct is on Gadigal land. We recognise that although the land has been changed by concrete, steel and bitumen, the Gadigal people still care for this Country and their Ancestors continue to walk this land.
We recognise our responsibility as the current caretakers of the Macquarie Street East Precinct to respect both this Country and those who belong to it. We strive to create spaces in the Macquarie Street East precinct that are welcoming and safe for all, especially First Nations peoples, whose cultures are valued as being deeply integral to this place.
Located within the national heritage-listed Governor's Domain and Civic Precinct, Macquarie Street East today forms the crossroads of Sydney's cultural and civic spine.
In March 2023, we published a Macquarie Street East Precinct Master Plan (PDF 19.56MB) setting a 30-year vision for the precinct, including transformation of the government buildings and institutions along Macquarie Street. The master plan explores potential uses of the spaces and sets guidelines for its evolution into a world-leading cultural, arts and creative destination for Sydney.
The precinct between Sydney's CBD and The Domain has some of Australia's most significant institutions and heritage buildings:
- The World Heritage-Listed Hyde Park Barracks
- The Mint
- State Library of NSW
- Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
- Hospital Road Courthouse
- Parliament of NSW
- The Australian Museum
- Registrar General's Building
- Chief Secretary's Building.
What's happening now
- Development approval has been secured to transform the State Library of NSW forecourt into a new 3,000+ m2 public space.
- A program of early works continues at the Registrar General's Building.
Background
A Macquarie Street East Precinct review (PDF 7.43MB), led by former prime minister Paul Keating and former chief commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, Lucy Turnbull, saw its unrealised potential. It could be more welcoming to both visitors and Sydneysiders. The precinct lacks vibrancy and connectivity, and is hard to navigate.
As the revitalisation of the precinct progresses, we are mindful of preserving and honouring the past. We will shape a legacy that stands the test of time, always considering connection to Country and a sustainable future.
In June 2021, funding was allocated for the first phase of permanent precinct transformation.
New State Library of NSW forecourt
The City of Sydney has approved our plans to transform the State Library of NSW forecourt into a new 3,000 m2 public domain for the people of Sydney.
The plans allow for nearly double the size of the existing forecourt, creating a vibrant public space with new native trees and plants, public art, and a central lawn for library events and community activities. The design also incorporates improved lighting and wayfinding signage, seating, and space for a new kiosk.
The State Library Public Domain plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers and improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain.
Under the plan, the Shakespeare Memorial will be relocated to the front of the library’s Shakespeare Reading Room where it can be more easily enjoyed by the public. New art works and interpretations will also be introduced as part of a comprehensive precinct public art program led by First Nations curators.
The revitalisation of the library forecourt is an initiative under the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a vibrant arts and culture destination, while protecting the precinct’s historic integrity and original character.
Registrar General's Building
The NSW Government is transforming the Macquarie Street East Precinct in Sydney's central business district, including one of its iconic architectural landmarks, the historic Registrar General’s Building. The building was originally the central place to record births, deaths, marriages and land ownership in the state. It was added to the State Heritage Register in 1999.
The Registrar General's Building – also the former home of the Land Titles Office – is a significant part of Sydney's architectural heritage. As part of an early works program completed in 2025, the building’s original footprint was restored with the removal of later modifications.
Over coming years, NSW and Australian governments will create a permanent new public plaza in the space next to the building. In September 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the new space will honour Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her lifetime of service to the people of NSW.
Planning for the design and delivery of the open space is progressing separately to the building works, and will require separate approvals.