The Gehl Report – A Blueprint for Greener, more Vital, Connected CBD

3 December 2007

Sydney's heart needs a major rearrangement to make the best use of its natural assets, and rescue pedestrians from clutter and an over reliance on cars, according to acclaimed Danish urban planner Jan Gehl.

The CBD, according to Professor Gehl, is blessed - from a wonderful setting, vast parklands, a distinctive topography and great landmarks to a coherent waterfront and plenty of street trees.

However, the City is equally beset by being traffic and building dominated, lacking in street hierarchy and having too many scattered open spaces.

Welcoming the report, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said many recommendations were complementary to current City policy directions, while others presented great challenges.

"We know from other cities put under the microscope by Professor Gehl that his insights and expertise make the central precincts of cities come alive and perform better for their people and commercial sectors.

"What we have from Professor Gehl is a clear and concise blueprint for what is needed to open up, refresh, connect and make Central Sydney more vital."

Key findings include:

Pedestrian walking routes are unconnected

Most public spaces are used to walk through, rather than to sit and enjoy

Pedestrians wait too long at traffic crossings

Thousands of people are using Sydney's underground pedestrian network

Disruptive road infrastructure is blocking links to the Harbour

Streets are dominated by cars

Young children and the elderly are poorly represented among pedestrians 

In response, Professor Gehl says Sydney needs to create:

- A WaterfrontCity - increasing access to the foreshore and the reintegration of Darling Harbour and the Barangaroo development into the City fabric.

- A GreenCity - improving connectivity and a continuous network of linked public spaces and parks.

- A BetterCity for Walking - a connecting pedestrian network, including pedestrian-priority streets.

- A BetterCity for Cycling - a well connected network of safe, dedicated cycle lanes supported by bicycle parking facilities.

- A StrongPublicTransportCity - a quieter central City public transport system, including George Street as a dedicated public transport street.

- A TrafficCalmedCity - restricting east-west vehicle movement, reducing parking availability and introduce 40km/h speed limit.

- A StrongCity Identity - with a central spine of one main street and three significant squares at Central Station, Town Hall and Circular Quay.

- An inviting streetscape - with better signage, reduced clutter, public art and a strong hierarchy of significant public spaces.

- A diverse, inclusive and lively City -including a range of diverse and integrated uses, improved accessibility for all, and active laneways.

Professor Gehl's findings follow a survey conducted earlier this year to develop a clear picture of the quality and liveability of the CBD, and provide recommendations for improving the City.

The Public Spaces-Public Life Sydney 2007 survey was commissioned by the City of Sydney. Professor Gehl will present his final recommendations to Council next week.

The work draws on methodology developed by Professor Gehl over 40 years and which has been previously implemented in a range of major cities, including Copenhagen, London, Stockholm, Zurich, Melbourne, Wellington and Riga.

Professor Gehl is about to undertake a similar survey for the City of New York.

"His findings provide a call to action and an energy boost for creating a better, more sustainable City that makes greater use of its assets," said Ms Moore.

"The report is not a magic wand but the paths to a much improved and better working CBD are clearly marked.

"What is required now is a robust review and assessment phase to determine feasibility and actions. From this will come a Public Space-Public Life Action Implementation Plan spanning short, medium and long term timeframes that can be put before Council by June next year.

"The initiatives in the report range from small to large, manageable to complex, and across short, medium and long-term time frames. Not all of them can be delivered by the City of Sydney alone.

"The study report has been deliberately timed so as to allow Council and the broader community to consider the recommendations as part of the scope and development of our Sustainable Sydney 2030 project.

"The City can undertake a number of initiatives in its own right, but clearly the collaboration and goodwill of the State Government and other key stakeholders are necessary to bring many of Professor Gehl's recommendations to fruition.

Media Contact: Leanne Lincoln 0434 320 768   Jeff Lewis on 0401 994 008

Related Resources

Report to Environment & Heritage Committee
Monday 3 December 2007

Gehl Architects - Public Spaces Public Life Sydney 2007 - Proposed Feasibility And Implementation Action Plan | PDF 89Kb

• Attachment A (1) | PDF 3.96Mb
• Attachment A (2) | PDF 6.43Mb
• Attachment A (3) | PDF 2.07Mb
• Attachment B | PDF 195Kb

Gehl Architects website

Prof Jan Gehl