The City of Sydney Council is planning to redevelop the inner city\u2019s Town Hall precinct by linking Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Square, and George Street, in a move that a newly formed alliance has widely criticised.<\/p>\n
Comprising the SDA Union, Business Sydney, the Australian Retail Council (ARC), and local business owners and employees, the \u2018Save Our City Shops Alliance\u2019 is warning the inner-city authority that the plans would destroy a \u201cthriving\u201d retail precinct in the CBD.<\/p>\n
The City of Sydney, however, says that the project has been \u201c40 years in the making\u201d. It would see seven buildings removed from the existing area, making way for a square designed for everyday use as well, and for civic events and community gatherings.<\/p>\n
But the alliance argues that this precinct is an active retail and business hub. The loss of business activity in this hub would reduce convenience for city residents and workers, weaken foot traffic, and \u201cturn one of Sydney\u2019s most important retail locations into a long-term construction zone\u201d, it added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis proposal will slash over 300 retail\u202fjobs at a time when workers and their families are already under pressure from the rising cost of living,\u201d said\u202fBernie Smith, NSW branch secretary of SDA. \u201cThese workers keep the CBD functioning for residents, office workers, students, tourists and visitors every day.\u202fThe demolition will reduce access to affordable groceries and services and will make the city a less practical place to live and work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The presiding authority is yet to lodge its development application for the project. It expects demolition and construction to begin in 2028, and be finished by 2031.<\/p>\n