Taylor Square becomes political hot potato

The state of Taylor Square has once again been brought to the fore, becoming a political hot potato ahead of the September 8 Local Government Elections.

Local retailer Andrew Duckmanton, a former president of the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, said the square was being neglected, to the detriment of the wider Darlinghurst community.

“Taylor Square is an opportunity to give the whole area a focal point and sense of place,” he said.

“It’s a great canvas but it hasn’t been painted properly. It’s looking a bit sad and run-down.”

Mr Duckmanton said the square was blighted by rubbish and chewing gum, and could be improved with a few simple measures.

“Get in some banners, some paint, some good public art and maybe replace the fountain which by general consensus looks a bit silly.

“The Taylor Square markets are a missed opportunity to have something that complements the area, rather than replicating what’s already available from local retailers,” he said.

Mr Duckmanton noted that the former T2 Hotel building – which Council purchased in January 2010 – was still idle, and the building’s iconic ‘Taylor Square’ signage was falling off.

Jo Holder, President of the Darlinghurst Residents Action Group (DRAG), told City News issues with rubbish and cleanliness were exacerbated by Council contracting out cleaning services.

“When you’ve got hundreds of subcontractors it encourages buck-passing,” she said. “People say, ‘That’s not my responsibility; it’s not in my contract’ … These services should come back under the auspices of Council.”

Ms Holder is one of ten people running on Labor’s City of Sydney election ticket.

Living Sydney candidate Angela Vithoulkas was even stronger in her condemnation. She said: “Taylor Square is a dirty void that reflects the current Council’s attitude towards Oxford St – don’t look and maybe no one will notice.”

Ms Vithoulkas said she would turn the T2 site into a permanent museum to the Sydney Mardi Gras, if elected.

“This will serve both as a positive addition to Oxford St retailers by bringing new visitors and tourists, and helping to preserve the 35 year history of Mardi Gras.”

The Lord Mayor vigorously defended her record on Taylor Square. Ms Moore told City News: “Taylor Square is the heart of the Darlinghurst community and I’m proud of the City’s investment in public art, our support for the fresh food markets each Saturday morning, and the work we’re doing to enhance the area’s reputation for culture and creativity with affordable work spaces for artists and start-ups.”

Ms Moore said the City would restore the exterior of the T2 building “to its former glory of red brick and cream bands, similar to the nearby Courthouse Hotel”, as part of a project to the site as a cycling hub.

“This work is due to begin in March 2013, following the Sydney Mardi Gras.”