Visitors to Sydney can expect a more inviting experience as the City of Sydney begins the installation of digital bus shelters as part of an architect-designed street furniture rollout.
The 340 new bus shelters will offer more sun and rain protection, better accessibility and comfort for people waiting at transport stops. The digital shelters feature advertising screens that can display real-time event information, community updates and public safety messaging.
The City of Sydney is also doubling the number of public toilets across the city, adding new information pylons with interactive touch screens and more streamlined kiosks, as well as installing more of the award-winning benches and litter bins designed by Sydney firm, Tzannes.
Construction work will be done in stages to minimise disruption across the City of Sydney’s 26-square km area.
City of Sydney CEO, Monica Barone, said the infrastructure designed by award-winning firm Grimshaw Architects will transform the city’s streets for residents, visitors and businesses, while old street furniture will be recycled as part of a sustainability plan.
“The contemporary sustainable and energy-efficient street furniture will make the city more accessible for more people to enjoy,” Barone said.
“Much of the street furniture we’re replacing is more than 20 years old. This is an excellent opportunity to revamp and reshape our streets for the future and further support Sydney’s post-Covid recovery.
“A new long-term agreement with QMS Media will provide significant revenue to the City of Sydney, which will help us provide and maintain high quality services and public spaces.”
The upgrade of street furniture follows the signing in 2020 of the 10-year deal with QMS, with an option for a five-year extension.
QMS general manager, City of Sydney, Jemma Enright (main photo), said the company was excited to be working on the project to reinvigorate Australia’s most premium and sought-after street furniture network.
“It is great news for marketers, agencies and the people who live, work and visit the city and we look forward to working closely with the City of Sydney to create something truly world-class for Sydneysiders,” Ms Enright said.
“The new street furniture network will set a new standard for function, accessibility and sustainability – and will be more advanced as an advertising network, with bigger displays optimised for visibility and attention, and significantly more digital panels for greater impact.”