Gateways Project

7 April 2003

BOLD, NEW GATEWAYS TO HEART OF THE CITY

April 6, 2003: Sydney's three major road entrances are to be significantly upgraded creating "Gateways To The City" in a project announced by the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Frank Sartor and Minister for Roads, Carl Scully.

William Street, Oxford Street and Broadway are to become "Gateways" providing new tree-lined access with an emphasis on encouraging pedestrian usage.

Mr Sartor said the Gateways would celebrate the approaches into the city and have been made possible by the recent announcement of expanded city boundaries to take effect on 8 May.

"Broadway, Oxford and William Streets are three of our major approach roads into our great international city," he said. 

"They are the entry points and a part of the face of Sydney.  We will deliver a vision for these gateways in line with similar city entrances around the world.

"Each city Gateway will be designed and developed in such a way as to maintain the uniqueness of its area. We want to make them great places to visit for pedestrians, easier to access for public transport and smoother in operation for road traffic.

"These streets will be revitalised and become part of the Living City."

Mr Sartor said the Gateways was part of the City of Sydney's commitment to delivering better services to its new neighbourhoods.

Improvements under the Gateways Project for Broadway, Oxford and William Streets include:

 Installation of Smartpoles including lighting and banners
 New street furniture
 Widening and upgrading pedestrian pavements
 New street trees
 Restored and new awnings
 Cleaner signage treatment
 Reduction in the number of car lanes

Work on William Street will be managed and implemented by the State Government/RTA as part of the Cross City Tunnel Development.

The Oxford Street proposal includes removing the median strip and one road lane to significantly widen the footpaths and re-pave, creating a new street café and pedestrian focus. There will be Smartpoles and banners installed, new lighting designed and additional boulevard trees planted. Signage strategies will be implemented as well as a program of upgrades to building facades and awnings.

The Oxford Street upgrades will be integrated with the current Taylor Square refurbishment being undertaken by South Sydney Council and it will also improve the pedestrian and visual aspects of the Whitlam Square area featuring the War Memorial and Hyde Park approach.

Broadway is the critical link between the City and the western suburbs, with the upgrade to feature a fig tree lined avenue down the centre as well as improved footpaths and streetscape.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Lucy Turnbull, said work on the Gateways Project will initially commence with Oxford Street and will be followed by Broadway and then William Street.

The City Council is budgeting to spend $60 million on the Gateways projects over the next 4 years.

Project Management (Broadway and Oxford Street upgrades)
Geoff Brew
City of Sydney
Telephone: 9265 9291
Email: gbrew@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Media Contact:
David Utting
Office of the Lord Mayor
Telephone: 02 9265-9400 or 0419 275 360
Email: dutting@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Related Resources

Gateways Fact Sheets