Sydney’s Macquarie Street East Precinct to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A public square will be included in Sydney’s Macquarie Street East Precinct revitalisation plans, to commemorate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The historic precinct is already of national cultural significance and along with naming the new public square Queen Elizabeth II Place, a monument will also be erected in her likeness.

The revitalisation of the precinct aims to transform the heritage precinct into a lively cultural hub and must-see destination, helping to drive tourism and reinvigorate the night-time economy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the plan with Prime Minister Albanese noting “Her Majesty The Queen held a very special place in the hearts of many Australians and I am pleased we can continue to commemorate and remember her magnificent life by naming this new plaza in her honour.

“The Queen dedicated her life to public service and it is appropriate that this new plaza will bear her name and can be enjoyed by Australians for many years to come.”

Premier Perrottet said it was fitting for the tribute to be included in the Macquarie Street East Precinct revitalisation plans, which celebrates the precinct’s different histories.

“We’re realising a 20-year vision to celebrate this unique section of Sydney ensuring the heritage assets along Macquarie Street are more accessible and attractive for visitors in the 21st Century,” Premier Perrottet said.

Premier Perrottet has previously noted that the Macquarie Street East Precinct was an often-overlooked location, considering it is “the civic spine of Sydney” adding that Macquarie Street should be appreciated and shared with as many people as possible “but right now barely anyone visits outside business hours.

“This is an opportunity to be innovative and rethink how these spaces could showcase our city’s cultural and social history and attract visitors by day and by night.

“As a global city we need to have a culturally diverse night-time economy and Macquarie Street East has the potential to become a vibrant destination.”

A review of the precinct released in February 2021, found the precinct lacks public recognition of its historical significance, both before and after 1788, and provided only limited public use of spaces and buildings.

NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the first stage of works sees the removal of now unused, modern additions to the historic Registrar General’s Building.

“This is the first step in giving this iconic public building, indeed the whole Macquarie Street Precinct, a new lease of life, while protecting its historic integrity and respecting its original character,” Roberts said.

“Investigations have also commenced for a permanent soundshell in the Domain – an initiative that will significantly reduce the impacts that come with setting up for Sydney’s much-loved summer concert events and increase year-round community access to The Domain.”

NSW Minister for Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government is investing in the future of arts and culture for NSW through this project and adds “for too long this Precinct has been overlooked and underappreciated by interstate and global visitors and locals alike, and our aim is to change that perception.”