Public RealmTransport

Client
South Sydney City Council (now City of Sydney)

Collaborators
GHD
NBRS
CRM
Transport and Traffic Planning
Thylacine
PL Fountains
Shelmerdine
Accessibility Solutions

Disciplines
Landscape Architecture

Location
Darlinghurst, NSW

Date
2003

Imagery
Brett Cornish
Tract

Taylor Square is an iconic landmark in the heart of a beloved cultural precinct, renowned for its role in Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations. More than 20 years after Tract’s revitalization, the square remains a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic urban space—a place to meet, celebrate, and pass through.
Taylor square

In July 2001, Tract was appointed as principal consultant to lead the design development, construction documentation, and contract administration for the redevelopment of Taylor Square.

Building on South Sydney Council’s masterplan, we workshopped and refined a new concept that respected the site’s heritage while reimagining it to meet the needs of the local community and seasonal events such as Mardi Gras.

Taylor square - pride
Taylor square
Taylor square

The design transformed the Oxford and Flinders Street intersection, introduced a raised terrace around the existing underground substation, and added a large interactive water feature. High-quality paving, café zones, public art, multifunction poles, and new street furniture were integral to the scheme.

Symbolic detailing—seen in paving patterns, water feature structures, barriers, seating, bollards, and light posts—reflects the cultural identity of the precinct. For the first time, new street trees brought shade and a green canopy to the square.

Collaboration was key. The project involved extensive liaison with stakeholders including the Roads and Traffic Authority (now Transport for NSW), Sydney Buses, Energy Australia, Sydney Water, Telstra, emergency services, and community groups such as the Mardi Gras and Gay Games committees. Construction commenced in September 2002 and was completed in December 2003.

Taylor Square’s design acknowledges its cultural significance. Pink granite, triangular motifs, and steel cast studs on light poles, bins, and stone seating (which also serve as anti-skateboard devices) celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity. Today, the square is a safe, inclusive, and resilient public space—adaptable and memorable.

Taylor square
Taylor square - pride
Taylor square - pride

Historical layers enrich the design. Oxford Street sits above Sydney’s second colonial water supply, Busby’s Bore. This reference inspired the interactive fountain, which brings the sound and movement of water to the precinct. Programmable displays feature fog effects and angled jets, creating a dynamic center piece. Mature angophora trees encircle the raised northern terrace, establishing a strong urban character.

Taylor Square is more than a public space—it is a cultural landmark embedded in Sydney’s urban fabric and identity.

Taylor square