The Model Makers

Discover the fascinating world behind one of Sydney’s most important urban planning tools at The Model Makers, a new exhibition at Customs House.

The City of Sydney is the only local government in Australia that maintains and exhibits a working scale model of its local government area. Unlike the static model of Sydney in the floor of Customs House, this dynamic model—located on Level 2 of Town Hall House—has been an essential urban planning tool since the mid-1980s.

Learn about the team of skilled model makers who meticulously maintain and update the City Model at Town Hall House. Using a colour-coded system to differentiate existing, proposed, and under-construction buildings, their work keeps the model an essential resource for the public, architects, planners, and others making decisions about development decisions.

Originally commissioned to assist with assessing development applications, the City Model has grown alongside the city. The first section, completed in 2000, covered the city centre, Pyrmont, and areas south to Cleveland Street. Following boundary expansions in 2004, the City Model was extended to include Redfern, Alexandria, Waterloo, Beaconsfield, and Rosebery, with the final section completed in 2016.

More than just a planning tool, the city model offers a unique interpretation of Sydney’s past, present, and future.

The Model Makers exhibition is on level 1 of Customs House, but you can visit the dynamic City Model on level 2 of Town Hall House (entrance via Druitt Street).