Upgrades of Sydney Chinatown warmly received by Sydney siders

SYDNEY, July 26 (People’s Daily Online) -- Residents and business owners of Chinatown in Sydney enjoyed a guided tour of the area’s new people-friendly central plaza on July 24, 2016. Upgrades plans of Chinatown featuring greenery landscape and new artworks are warmly received by Sydneysiders.

The plans were placed on public exhibition in August and September last year. The City of Sydney has transformed Thomas Street in Haymarket into a pedestrian-friendly walkway and public space, with more trees, lighting, seating and a new artwork.

Ms Clover Moore, the Mayor of Sydney, who led the guided tour, said the work had created a beautiful public space and improved pedestrian features in Chinatown.

“This revamp will help secure Chinatown’s place as one of our most popular destinations for tourists and visitors,” she said.

“By making it easier to explore the area on foot and creating more lively public spaces, we will attract even more people to the area and further support business in and around Haymarket.”

Award-winning artist Lindy Lee is creating a gateway of dramatic circular shade sculptures suspended above Thomas Street, with the artwork to be completed later this year.

“The heart of Chinatown is where Sussex Street, Hay Street and Thomas Street intersect,” Ms Lee said.

“I love the history of this area and the idea is to maintain the integrity of the street life to make Thomas Street a magnet for pedestrians, not just in Sydney but throughout Australia, so the space we want to create will be one of harmony, activity and excitement.”