A water feature, drinking fountains and a stream of light flowing the full length of Pitt St Mall are among plans currently being considered by City of Sydney to refurbish Sydney’s premiere shopping destination.
The water features are part of a major upgrade proposal for the mall which will include new paving, lighting, public seating, trees and better access for pedestrians.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the upgrade will create a renewed, uncluttered space that improves pedestrian access and provides spaces for sitting, resting and socialising.
“More than 60,000 pedestrians use Pitt St Mall everyday making it one of the busiest and one of the most successful retail pedestrian centres in Australia.
“This upgrade will cement its role as a key public place, part of the important continuous north-south link between Central Railway Station and Circular Quay.
“Exciting new lighting will activate the mall in the evenings and highlight the proposed water art feature and Tank Stream representation,” said Moore.
The current redevelopments by Westfield and MidCity owners Fortius Funds Management and the Lend Lease managed Australian Prime Property Fund mean that more than half of retail frontages on the Mall will be under construction at some point over the next 18 months providing an ideal opportunity to upgrade the mall with minimal extra disruption to businesses and visitors.
It is proposed that Westfield will undertake the construction work on behalf of the City of Sydney, and the City of Sydney will be responsible for the design.
Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2010 with completion in stages to coincide with the opening of MidCity in mid 2010 and the Westfield development in late 2010.