A new district has been established in the northern end of Sydney’s central business district, which will be known as UpTown Sydney CBD.

Supported by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown Program, the new name is intended to drive awareness of the area’s famous architecture, historic streets and laneways, museums, restaurants and bars.

“UpTown Sydney CBD comprises some of Australia’s oldest streets and buildings, as well as incredible new developments like Sydney Place and the award-winning Quay Quarter Tower,” said UpTown Sydney CBD District Coordinator, Laura Southcombe.

“This juxtaposition of old and new is only one element why this energetic district should be front and centre in locals’ minds when deciding not just where to eat and drink, but where to visit museums and catch live music.”

A new website will serve as a resource on things to discover in the district and offers from participating business, from the blocks behind the Circular Quay harbourfront, stretching from below the Cahill Expressway south to Bridge Street, and from Macquarie Street in the east to George Street in the west.

“We want to encourage Sydneysiders to rediscover this area – which has 50 million people pass through it each year – and the multitudes of experiences it has to offer,” said Justin Newton, President of UpTown Sydney CBD and Director of House Made Hospitality, which operates Hinchcliff House (Lana, Grana, Apollonia), Martinez and This Way Canteen, all of which sit within the district.

“Pitching for the tourist dollar isn’t our aim. With both our website, which is a great resource for those looking for a night out or planning how to spend a few hours in the city, and our local community of businesses and cultural institutions coming together as one recognisable district, we’re hoping to reinvigorate this part of the CBD, and help Sydneysiders reimagine it beyond its corporate and ‘touristy’ reputation.”

The new district is supported by a AU$200,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Uptown Program, launched by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in late 2022.

“It’s encouraging to see a group of committed business owners get organised, roll their sleeves up and then work together to tell a story of their part of town that has sometimes relied a little too much on its famous landmarks and natural beauty to draw in audiences,” said NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues.

“Yes, the harbour, the Bridge and the Opera House are incredible – but the museums, galleries, and exciting restaurants and bars make this a world class destination for residents and visitors to our shores.”