The City of Sydney council has approved a new plan to upgrade Dixon Street Mall in the Chinatown precinct, including spending $5 million on public amenities.

The reinvigoration will include restoring its framed gates, and installing new seats and lighting overlays along with improved services to support events.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the local community breathes “new life” into the historic area and the renewal is important for the city to work with.

“Our community in Chinatown was one of the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, and it continues to suffer while international tourism and study have not yet fully returned.”

The council says it has committed to numerous investments in the Chinatown precinct since 2010, transforming its adjacent Haymarket area, upgrading local streets and engaging with public art projects.

“Now through our proposed public domain improvements in the heart of Chinatown, we will make the area an even more attractive environment for people to walk around and spend time, which will in turn support local businesses and economic activity.”

Dixon Street’s management is split between the City of Sydney – managing the pedestrian area between Goulburn and Hay Streets – and Placemaking NSW, which takes care of Dixon Street north between Goulburn and Liverpool Streets.

• Further reading: Sydney Airport opens new luxury precinct