Plans for Sydney’s controversial new public square in doubt after NSW government intervention

State planning minister declares project ‘state significant’, wresting approval process away from local council

Plans for a grand new public square in the centre of Sydney are in doubt after the New South Wales planning minister declared the project “state significant”, wresting the approval process away from the City of Sydney.

The lord mayor, Clover Moore, released renders in August for the plaza opposite Sydney’s town hall. The design for the space, which the council had expected to be completed by 2031, include a semi-circular clearing projecting eastwards towards Hyde park, with a fountain and a grove of native trees.