By LCIT Members | August 21, 2026
If you have walked through Macquarie Mall over the last 24- 48 hours, you might have noticed a distinct shift in the air. There is a buzz of activity, a fresh look on the streetscape, and a very clear sense of momentum.
On behalf of the Liverpool Community Independent Team (LCIT), we want to extend a massive, heartfelt shoutout to Liverpool City Council, the incredible CBD cleaning and maintenance crews, and every single staff member involved in the recent blitz along Macquarie Mall.
Our residents absolutely deserve a CBD they can walk through with pride, and it is clear that Council has heard the community loud and clear.
While we all know there is still much to be done across our city centre, what has been achieved in such a short time frame is—dare we say it—very uncouncil-like! It is refreshing, exciting, and we hope our community agrees that this represents a fantastic step forward.
Here is a breakdown of what the dedicated Council teams have been working on, and what you can expect to see popping up in the Mall over the coming weeks.
What You Can See in the Mall Right Now
The hard-working crews have already delivered some immediate, highly visible upgrades to the Mall’s aesthetic and safety:
- Premium Terrazzo Seating: Installation began this week on 10 high-quality terrazzo benches and seats. These look fantastic and offer a stylish, durable place for shoppers and families to take a break.
- Fresh Greenery: Council’s Civil Team is currently installing the first four custom tree surrounds to bring structured, natural beauty to the pavement.
- Squeaky Clean Marquees: The existing marquees—including the gutters—have been given a deep, professional clean. The visual difference is remarkable!
- Zero-Tolerance on Graffiti: Teams have scrubbed away graffiti and freshly repainted poles throughout the entire precinct.
- First Responder Access: High-security collapsible bollards have been installed at both ends of the Mall, with keys already distributed to emergency services to ensure rapid access when it matters most.
What’s Coming Next? (The Transformation Timeline)
The momentum isn’t stopping here. Council’s Facilities, Civil, and Community & Lifestyle Leadership teams have a packed schedule of upgrades lined up for the next few weeks:
In the Next Week
- Smart Infrastructure: A brand-new, specially designed cabinet lid has arrived and been fitted. It is currently being painted at the depot and will be fully installed next week, featuring a clever design to prevent loitering.
Over the Next 3 Weeks
- Marquee Makeovers: The marquees will be stripped back, cleared of old broken blind remnants, and powder-coated in a clean, modern white. Food-safety-compliant attachments are also being retrofitted to better support our local outdoor dining scene.
Starting Week Commencing 31 August 2026
- Brighter, Safer Nights: Installation begins on high-powered floodlights (currently at the powder coaters). Some areas of the Mall will experience up to 48 LUX of brilliant illumination—nearly four times the brightness of a standard carpark (12-14 LUX)—creating a highly visible, warm, and safe night-time environment.
In the Next 2 to 4 Weeks
- Music in the Air: A new commercial sound amplifier is being procured and installed, allowing music to be played throughout the Mall to boost the shopping and dining atmosphere.
In the Next 6 Weeks
- Matching Street Furniture: Brand-new waste bins will arrive. These will perfectly match the Macquarie Street Middle project, seamlessly connecting and unifying the two major public spaces.
On the Horizon
- The Big Screen Comes Alive: In a brilliant collaborative move, Council teams have resolved a position with the Community and Lifestyle Leadership team to activate the Mall-facing side of the giant TV screen. While a larger initial cost, this clever move completely eliminates the future expense of hiring screens for community events, and the Communications team has some fantastic ideas lined up to activate the space.
- More Gardens: Two beautiful new garden beds have been approved for the Westfield end of the Mall to round out the green transformation.
A Step in the Right Direction
There is still a long way to go to get our CBD to where it needs to be, but this collaborative, fast-paced effort by Council staff is exactly what Liverpool needs.
We want to thank the workers on the ground who are making this happen. Your hard work is noticed, appreciated, and making a real difference to our community.
All information and photos provided by Liverpool Council’s Deputy Mayor Peter Harle – Would you like to make a suggestion? email Councillor Harle e: cllrharle@liverpool.nsw.gov.au