A transformation that will see the forecourt of the State Library of NSW almost double in size is one step closer after the project received approval from the City of Sydney.

The City of Sydney has approved plans for the transformation of the library’s forecourt into a new 3,000 square metre public domain.

Features of the transformation will include:

• a new 3,000 sqm forecourt, which is almost double the size of the existing forecourt
• a vibrant public space with new native trees and plants, public art and a central lawn plaza for library events and community activities
• improved lighting and wayfinding signage, additional seating and space for a new kiosk
• realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to improve both safety for pedestrians and access to both the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain.
• relocation of the Shakespeare Memorial to the front of the library’s Shakespeare room where it can be more easily enjoyed by the public
• introduction of new artworks and interpretations as part of a comprehensive precinct public art program led by First Nations curators.

The proposal is part of a broader 20-year vision of the NSW Government to elevate and transform the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a vibrant arts and culture destination.

Located on the eastern side of Macquarie Street, the precincts sits just to the east of the Sydney CBD and just south of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

It contains some of Sydney’s most significant and cultural buildings. These include the NSW Parliament, the State Library of NSW, Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital and the Hyde Park Barracks.

It sits on land which is traditionally owned by the Gadigal people.

As things stand, however, several factors have thus far led to the precinct being overlooked.

These include a lack of connectivity within and through the precinct, a lack of cultural and heritage recognition, poor placemaking and wayfinding and a lack of a coordinated precinct vision and management.

The project aims to reimagine the precinct as Sydney’s foremost public cultural ‘forum’.

NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham welcomed the approval.

“For almost 200 years the State Library has been a central place of learning and ideas in our city – a home to the state’s readers, writers and researchers,” Graham said.

“The ambition to reimagine the forecourt looks to the next 200-years for the library and library precinct.

“The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain or Art Gallery of NSW, easier and more welcoming.”

Enjoying Sourceable articles? Subscribe for Free and receive daily updates of all articles which are published on our site

Want to grow your sales, reach more new clients and expand your client base across Australia’s design and construction sector?

Advertise on Sourceable and have your business seen by the thousands of architects, engineers, builders/construction contractors, subcontractors/trade contractors, property developers and building industry suppliers who read our stories across the civil, commercial and residential construction sector