The existing park has, over time, become subdivided and degraded. Bluestone paving along the original Macquarie Place alignment as a pedestrian concourse and outdoor eating area. This sets a hard edge in contrast to the soft interior of grass, trees and garden beds. Formal eating and drinking leases exist on the concourse whereas the Park provides a softer informal respite for lunchtime users and tourists. The walls and steps surrounding the Obelisk are to be reconfigured to facilitate pedestrian movement through the park.
New sandstone seating walls and bluestone pathways are to be set on a north, south, east, west axis.
The pattern radiates from the Obelisk and is similar to the 1823 pathway layout. Improved Vistas Broader stair connections and lower more transparent walls will improve vision and access around the Obelisk. The Lewer's Fountain will be relocated and a new paved access opened through from the TS Mort statue to the Obelisk. Environment Three simple terraces will be formed by the park layout, two of which are to be turfed for informal lunchtime gathering and the third is to be planted as a backdrop to the park and a separation from Bridge Street. The species planted will be lush groundcovers and low shrubs with a variety of textures, forms and seasonal colour.