The City of Sydney is proposing to distribute up to $1.9 million in grants to help revitalise Dixon Street and the Haymarket precinct.
Eligible ratepayers and business owners carrying out upgrades to their buildings and shopfronts will have their funds matched as part of plans to breathe colour and life into the iconic area.
Grant recipients with street level shopfronts will be encouraged to bring food preparation stations to the front window and create a ‘chef’s gallery’ on Dixon Street.
A total of $1.2 million has been proposed for the Dixon Street improvement grants and applicants will be supported through the process by a planning and design experts.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said local communities want a rejuvenated Dixon Street as a focal point of Haymarket.
“Dixon Street has long been recognised as the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown. Our communities told us through an extensive consultation process that revitalising Dixon Street should be one of our top priorities,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These grants will help breathe new life into the strip, as we work hand in hand with the local community to upgrade the area.
“Council is delivering over $40 million in public domain upgrades to make the whole area is more pleasant and accessible, this innovative new program will help businesses to ensure their shopfronts are attractive and exciting, and our community grants will ensure a steady stream of events that draw even more people in.”
A further $600,000 has been earmarked to support major attractions in the Haymarket precinct over three years.
Up to $200,000 will be provided to support one major event each year that celebrates Asian cultures, strengthens community inclusion and supports cohesion.
“We know our communities want a diverse, friendly and safe area that’s easy to navigate, with a range of food options, and social and cultural history respected and celebrated in the streetscape,” the Lord Mayor said.
The City of Sydney is also considering up to $100,000 of value-in-kind grants, including fee waivers and reduced or no venue hire costs.
Projects that celebrate Asian cultures, strengthen community connection, support the visitor economy and activate Haymarket with creative programming are encouraged.
The finalised activation grant program will be open to not-for-profits and businesses creating attractions in the area.
Endorsed by Council in 2023, a $44 million revitalisation project for Haymarket included the grants program.
The Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy and public domain plan were shaped by one of the largest multilingual consultations in the City of Sydney’s history. More than 1,150 residents, businesses and community members took part in discussions and 350 responses were received in the formal public exhibition.
Since 2010, the City of Sydney has initiated numerous public place investments in the historic precinct, with a large-scale transformation of the Haymarket area through the $43.5 million pedestrianisation of George Street south, new public space at Thomas Street, public art projects and upgrades to local streets like Kimber Lane.
All grant recommendations for the Dixon Street improvement program and the Haymarket attractions will be brought to Council for approval.
If endorsed, the Haymarket and Dixon Street guidelines will be placed on public exhibition from 20 February to 19 March.
The program is scheduled to open later in the year.
For details on the draft guidelines and to have your say go to ityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/consultations
For media enquiries or images, contact Nicky Breen.
Phone 0436 599 861 or email nbreen@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore contact Paul Mackay.
Phone 0436 816 604 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For more stories from your local area, visit news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au