State Library NSW forecourt: $27 million revamp approved for native plants and event space

The desolate forecourt of the State Library of NSW will be expanded and reinvented with native plants and a central lawn for events, under a $27 million revamp approved by the City of Sydney.

The NSW government intends the 3000-square-metre space, wedged between the library steps and multiple lanes of traffic, to better connect the venue with The Domain and Royal Botanic Garden.

Arts Minister John Graham said the changes to the forecourt of the State Heritage-listed library’s Mitchell Wing would look forward “to the next 200 years for the library and library precinct”.

“The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Garden, The Domain or Art Gallery of NSW easier and more welcoming,” Graham said.

Plans to transform the main entrance form part of the state