Laneways in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment precinct, which are looking a little tired, will be rejuvenated with pop-up food carts, outdoor dining and colourful video projections.

Wilmot and Central Streets, the laneways connecting Pitt and George Streets opposite Event Cinemas, will receive new energy efficient LED lighting, high quality paving and bright new signs.

These upgrades are the latest in the City’s laneway revitalisation program, which has already witnessed the redevelopment of nearby Albion Place, Ash St and Angel Place near Martin Place.

The work undertaken in Ash St and Angel Place by ASPECT Studios has been already been recognised with the prestigious national Australian Urban Design Award.

Upgrades to the laneways are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to liven up the city centre, Lord Mayor Clover Moore says.

 “Wilmot and Central streets have been important pedestrian thoroughfares for more than a century – but their current design doesn’t reflect this, with poor lighting and narrow footpaths that force people to walk on the roadway,” Moore says.

“Given their prime location in Sydney’s entertainment precinct, we want to reclaim them as safer and more relaxing spaces for pedestrians, with potential for alfresco dining, live music and colourful public artworks.

“Our plans also support the upcoming George St transformation by creating a pedestrian-friendly network of streets and laneways where residents, workers and visitors can slow down and enjoy the city.”

Proposed design of Wilmot Street. Image: City of Sydney/McGregor Coxall.

Home to lively Korean business, backpacker accommodation and the heritage-listed former Sydney Water building, Wilmot St is a hive of activity just waiting to be unleashed.

While Central St features night-time entertainment venues, including the Metro Theatre and the MTV Lair, along with grocery stores and restaurants.

Plans for the laneways also include raising the road surface level on both streets to be flush with the footpath, closing Wilmot St permanently to cars at the George St end, and making the rest of the street a two-way shared zone.

Proposed plans for Central Street. Image: City of Sydney/McGregor Coxall.

Existing loading dock and car parking access will be maintained in both streets.

The City’s laneway revitalisation program was launched in 2009 and will eventually revitalise nine streets in the city centre.  Ash Street, Angel Place and Albion Place were completed between 2010 and 2012, while Bulletin Place, Lees Court, York Lane and Hosking Place are currently under various stages of design development.

Construction tenders for Wilmot and Central Streets will be called later this year, with work set to begin in early 2014.