Stretching from George Street to Macquarie Street, MP District transforms Sydney’s most iconic civic centre – Martin Place – into a vibrant cultural corridor. A brand-new district emerging as part of the NSW Government’s Uptown District Acceleration Program, MP District is more than a destination; it is your culture concierge bringing the area to life.
With its sweeping natural amphitheatre and historic buildings, MP District offers a unique city backdrop for major events, activations, and public gatherings. From your morning coffee on your way to work, to visiting on the weekend with family and friends, MP District is where timeless heritage meets contemporary culture. A proud steward of Sydney’s heritage, this area has always been an evolving place of energy and connection.
More than your 9-5, MP District is a solace to enjoy some of the city’s best hospitality, world-class entertainment, pop-up art, fashion, history, events or watch laws come to be. Born from the shared vision among business owners, MP District is a collaborative reimagining of Martin Place. Once seen primarily as a retail and business hub, MP District invites you to stay, explore and return to experience all there is on offer. This united approach not only supports businesses across the precinct, but also re-introduces Sydneysiders to the rich, layered offering that has always existed in MP District.
To help curate the ultimate MP District experience, the website will feature a cultural concierge service. Visitors can use the bespoke digital tool to explore the tailored day-to-night itineraries and activity trails or choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a quick bite between meetings, a gallery visit that leads to a matinee theatre performance, retail therapy capped off with a sunset cocktail, or late-night dining and live music. Every trip into MP District offers a diverse journey through industries and unique experiences, flipping the script on Sydney’s CBD.
Located on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people, the precinct is home to some of the city’s most historic buildings and newest developments. These include the 151-year-old General Post Office (GPO), the State Library of NSW, the Parliament of NSW and the new Sydney Metro Martin Place precinct.
MP District members include the likes of Theatre Royal Sydney, Centro 86, Museums of History NSW, The International, and 1 Elizabeth which sits above Martin Place’s new Sydney Metro station.
The precinct is led by a collective of cultural institutions, hospitality leaders, government bodies and creative thinkers, united by a shared mission to bring Martin Place to life, day and night. The Precinct Committee and Leadership team includes: Janson Hews, MP District President and Director of Communications, Engagement and Education at Parliament of NSW; Vanessa Denis, MP District Project Lead; David Thompson, MP District Vice President and Group Operations Manager at Tilley & Wills; Helen Lindsay, MP District Treasurer and CFO at City Recital Hall; Kate French Blake, MP District Head of Memberships and 1 Elizabeth Precinct Activation Director; Isaac Stanmore, MP District Head of Programming and Venue Operations at City Recital Hall; and Georgia Bounds, MP District Head of Marketing and Area Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Tilley & Wills.
Of the announcement, Janson Hews, MP District President said: “MP District is more than a place to pass through, it’s a precinct to linger in, connect and return to. We’re proud to unveil a fresh vision for MP District that celebrates the rich heritage of Martin Place while looking boldly to the future.”
Precinct Member, Alejandro Saravia (Executive Chef and Director of Renascence Group Executive Chef, Morena Sydney) said: “Martin Place is undeniably one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. It celebrates the heart of Sydney’s CBD, where historic monuments and architecture meet modern developments, showcasing Sydney’s evolution into a cosmopolitan city. I am excited to be part of the founding board that is helping develop MP District into a destination for both locals and international visitors. With its rich blend of art, high-end retail, hospitality and heritage, MP District offers countless ways to enjoy the city.”
Precinct Member, Kate Wickett (CEO, City Recital Hall) said: “City Recital Hall has been part of the Martin Place district for 25 years, and our neighbours have been key to our success. Every night we work together with local bars, restaurants and hotels to give locals, city workers and visitors a great night out, so I’m pleased to join the MP District collective to help welcome more people to Sydney’s best connected entertainment district.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “Bookended by the heritage core of modern-day Sydney and our magnificent former GPO, this once upon a time tram corridor is now both a civic gathering place as well as a core component of our city’s entertainment offering.
Plugged directly into our new metro it’s a natural entry point to performance spaces like Theatre Royal Sydney and City Recital Hall as well as historic sites along Macquarie Street and a range dining options as well. The addition of outdoor seating has reclaimed it as a meeting place for Sydneysiders who want to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. I’m keen to see the businesses in the district work together to enhance the resident and visitor experience.”
