In the heart of Haymarket, Sydney’s Chinatown and Thaitown are undergoing a vibrant transformation. With upgrade works under way and a calendar of cultural events ahead, this historic precinct is buzzing with fresh energy. 

![Dixon Street ceremonial gates. Image: Damian Shaw](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/zWzjTQR7zu7I5cI44URNE/f12575c346697dc77828af66ea13f9bf/LM_Launch_Chinatown_Gates_Damian_Shaw__064__1_.jpg)

### Reviving the ceremonial gates
One of Haymarket’s most cherished features, the [ceremonial gates](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/improving-streets-public-spaces/restoring-chinatown-ceremonial-gates "restoring the ceremonial gates") at the entrance to Dixon Street, have been lovingly restored. These gates, which have stood proudly since 1980, are adorned with intricate tiles and flanked by majestic granite lions, embodying the cultural significance of Chinatown. 

We've upgraded the decorative timber panels, replaced the ceramic roof tiles and deteriorated concrete lions with granite lions. The gates are a treasured part of Haymarket, and a celebration of the Chinese community's roots in Sydney. 

This project is part of broader improvements to Dixon Street, including new creative lighting and seating, paving upgrades and cultural motifs designed to share Chinatown stories. These works are expected to be completed in early 2026.
![Public art, street festivals and outdoor dining help bring vibrancy to Haymarket. Image: Katherine Griffiths.](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/4Ly6MdOWnlXmpZW0UC1prj/5b027bf155a0be1cfedfa6d7392dac54/SydneyStreets-Haymarket-Photo-KatherineGriffiths-1072__Large_.jpg)

### Improving public spaces
A range of public domain projects are [part of a multimillion dollar vision](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/haymarket-precinct "Haymarket precinct") to improve streets and public spaces, shopfronts, parks and lighting. They include:
- The transformation of George Street south
- Recent paving upgrade on Goulburn Street
- Planned Ultimo Road improvements. Works include an expanded footpath for outdoor dining and events, new street trees, dedicated bike lane and street calming. Works are expected to be completed by 2026.
- Trial projects to revitalise Belmore Park and upgrade Campbell Street to celebrate Thaitown.
![Dixon Street reimagined - night-time artist impression](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/1TZDWecn0WurCDl7Rh7Y8M/0f58f839f2f0890a546271469ad1dfa2/202403012_Render_NIGHT_VIEW_high_res.jpg)

### Championing local businesses
Supporting Haymarket’s vibrant economy is an important focus of our revitalisation work. A new grant is helping Dixon Street retailers join in on the journey. Our [Dixon Street improvement grant](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cultural-support-funding/dixon-street-improvement-grant "Dixon Street improvement grant") funds building façade and shopfront enhancements. This grant aims to bring the artistry of food preparation onto the street, increase neon signs and enhance the area's visual appeal. We're offering up to $60,000 matched funding for 3 years, totalling $1.2 million. 

Our dedicated precinct coordinator for Haymarket plays a vital role in helping local businesses and community groups to work together to create even more opportunities for growth and success in the area.
![Neon Playground on Dixon Street. Image: Katherine Griffiths](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/6j8QXL5rVV8VHQ87h7vzta/97c94da6953f4896c333f8b311736358/SydneyStreets-Haymarket-Photo-KatherineGriffiths2MB-0724__1_.jpg)

### Injecting energy into the streets
From our annual Sydney Lunar Festival and exhibitions at the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art to yearly fixtures like Vivid and SXSW, a great diversity of events bring cultural celebrations and new visitors to the precinct. 2025 highlights included: 

- __[Sydney Lunar Festival](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/sydney-lunar-festival "Sydney Lunar Festival")__ is one of our largest major event celebrations, brought outdoor festivities, dragon boat races, art installations, lanterns, cultural performances and lion dancing to the city each year. From 29 January to 16 February the celebrations returned for the Year of the Snake, finding their focus in Chinatown. 

- __[Neon Playground](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/neon-playground "Neon Playground 2.0")__ returned in 15 March to 16 April 2025. Known for its stunning light installations and interactive art, this event was supported by a $200,000 City of Sydney precinct activation grant and presented by the Haymarket Alliance.

- __A Paddy's Market upgrade__ has introduced bars and dine-in eateries alongside produce stalls at Hay Street Market bringing even more reasons to explore this diverse culinary hub.

The revival of Haymarket's energy, culture, and community is well underway, bringing together all the elements that make this neighbourhood so special.

For the latest events and activities in Haymarket, visit __[What’s On](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/suburbs/haymarket-2000 "What's On in Haymarket")__.

![Lunar New Year dragon in Haymarket. Image: City of Sydney](//downloads.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/5bz6cNdzKp4f1x2YvDqluL/f8e4d29458a8d6143be0af55366bc7ac/SydneyLunarStreets24_KatherineGriffiths_Highres-3090.jpg)

Dixon Street ceremonial gates, Haymarket - northern. Image: Will Jones

Dixon Street ceremonial gate, Haymarket - northern end. Image: Will Jones

A new era for Haymarket unfolds with urban renewal

Audio description

Open captions

Mobility access

Closed captions

Braille

National Relay Service

Blind and low vision assistance

Sign language

Hearing loop

Talks, courses & workshops

Community & causes

Exhibitions

Nightlife

Food & drink

Sport & fitness

Shopping, markets & fairs

Theatre, dance & film

Music

Children & family

Tours & experiences

The trusted guide to tours and experiences in Sydney. Discover fun, exciting and unique experiences throughout Sydney, including free activities and things to do in the city centre.

Tours and experiences in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Tours and experiences in Sydney

The trusted guide to free events in Sydney. Free activities and things to do in Sydney, including in the city centre, Inner West, Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and online.

Free events in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Free events in Sydney 

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this weekend. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this weekend | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this weekend

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this month. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this month | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this month

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney today. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney today | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney today

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this week. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this week | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this week

The trusted guide to music events in Sydney. Discover the best music events in the city centre, Inner West, Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and online.

Music events in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Music events in Sydney

South Sydney

Sydney Inner West

Sydney Inner East

Upper North Shore

City centre

Western Sydney

Online

Lower North Shore

Sydney West

Sydney East

Whats On-logo fb Share1200 630-darkbackground-whitelogo-greenanchor

Footer menu

Plan ahead

Sydney Christmas

Upcoming events

Outdoor vibes & markets

Big night out

Culture fix

Family fun

Hands on

Splash into summer with pools open days, boundary-pushing art and plenty of Christmas magic.

6 free things to do in Sydney this December

Event guide

General settings

A new era for Haymarket unfolds with urban renewal

You may also like

Haymarket’s cultural heart begins its next revitalisation phase

Multi-million dollar investment for a 24-hour city

The best picnic spots in our area

The best places for after-work drinks in Sydney