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George Street Public Space Strategy

Transforming Sydney’s central spine into a people-friendly boulevard

Sector

Transportation & Mobility

Region

Asia Pacific

Timespan

2007-2019

Credit: Bengt Nyman

Sydney’s George Street was once a noisy, polluted, and congested street dominated by buses and cars. In 2007, the City of Sydney asked Gehl to conduct a Public Space and Public Life study. A key vision was transforming George Street into a central spine, linking three major public spaces: Circular Quay, Town Hall Square, and Central Station Square.

Sydney’s George Street, before its transformation, was heavily congested with cars and buses. Credit: Ed-Ni-Photo
After the establishment of the Sydney Light Rail through the CBD and the pedestrianization of George Street, the area experienced significant improvements. Credit: Gehl

A 24-hour world class street

George Street, one of Sydney’s busiest streets, serves as a central spine connecting the city’s most important precincts and buildings. Until 2019, it was the city’s most congested street, with an overwhelming number of buses clogging its lanes each hour. To alleviate this, Gehl proposed a 2.5 km pedestrianized boulevard served by light rail.

Over a long time span, Gehl played an instrumental role in transforming George Street, from developing the initial vision and strategy to implementing urban design principles and concept design. Today, George Street has been completely transformed from a four-lane transit corridor into a people-friendly boulevard with 20,000 square meters of open communal space.

The transformation of George Street has set a positive precedent for further changes in Sydney’s central area in the years to come. In 2017, Jan Gehl received a Key to the City of Sydney by Lord Mayor Clover Moore for his contribution to Sustainable Sydney 2030. In 2024, the project was recognized at the Australian Urban Design Awards as Winner of Built Projects — City and Regional Scale.

A people-friendly boulevard 2024. Credit: Gehl
Henriette Vamberg, Managing Director, Partner → Jan Gehl, Founding Partner & Advisor →
Transforming the Vesterbro Passage from traffic dominated space to a green, sustainable and climate adapted public space. Creating a sensory public space for a widespread range of pedestrians and city life. Credit: Gehl

Reorganising the city core into green, climate-adapted public space

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
An active, linear public space is located along the escarpment making the scenic views of the larger mountain range accessible for all. Credit: Gehl/Atkins

Designing Oman’s future human-centered settlements in harmony with nature

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  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Featured artwork: Memory Lane presented in partnership with Midsumma Festival, State Library Station 2021. Credit: Theresa Harrison

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  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
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Bologna Piazza Maggiore. Credit: Robin Cox

Defining the public space strategy for Bologna’s historic city center

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
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A reimagined William St. as a vibrant, green connector offering a walkable, bike-friendly experience with reduced through-traffic. It will offer more dining options, and be activated with everyday amenities. Credit: Gehl

Shaping Perth City Centre Towards 2036 and beyond

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: RAMSA

Bristol: A complete neighborhood for Santa Ana

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  • Urban Strategy

‘People-first’ includes you

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