Taylor Square facts for kids
Taylor Square is a well-known public space in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's like a central meeting point where several important streets come together. You can find Taylor Square where Bourke, Forbes, Oxford, and Flinders Streets meet. It also sits right on the edge of two suburbs, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
What is Taylor Square Like?
Taylor Square is built over a special underground road called the Eastern Distributor. This helps traffic flow smoothly. The square is named after Sir Allen Taylor, who was a very important person in Sydney's history. He was a timber merchant and even the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Sir Allen helped make Oxford Street wider, which was a big improvement for the city.
A part of the square used to be called "Gilligan's Island." This was because three tall palm trees once stood there. These trees have since been moved. When the Eastern Distributor opened in 1999, the way cars moved around the square changed. Now, you can't drive straight across Oxford Street using Bourke Street anymore.
Taylor Square is a lively place, especially at night. It's known for its welcoming atmosphere. You can see two special symbols there: a large rainbow flag and a rainbow crossing. These were added in 2014 and 2019. They represent the area's diverse and friendly community.
A beautiful building called Darlinghurst Courthouse stands proudly on Taylor Square. It's made of sandstone and looks very grand. The architect, Mortimer Lewis, designed it in 1844. It has a style called Greek Revival, which means it looks like ancient Greek buildings.
The square also has a large water fountain built right into the ground. This fountain was part of a big upgrade in 2003. The upgrade also added new lighting and a grassy area. The City of Sydney Council is currently looking at ways to make the fountain even better.
A Glimpse into Taylor Square's Past
Taylor Square has a long history. In 1844, a large crowd of about 10,000 people gathered here. This shows how important the square has been to the community for many years.
