The permanent Barlow Street Forest was opened in November 2023, which was the focus of celebrations for the opening of George Street south following the pedestrianisation works. The official opening by Mayor Clover Moore and urban designer Jan Gehl, included a procession performance by members of the Dirt Witches from Sydney Town Hall along George Street to the microforest.

The "dedication" of Barlow Street in Sydney as a permanent pedestrian, greened space in November 2023 marks the culmination of a transformation inspired by the 2007 "Public Spaces, Public Life" study commissioned by the City of Sydney from Danish urban designer Jan Gehl Jan Gehl's Vision: In 2007,

Jan Gehl and his practice were commissioned to create a blueprint to transform Sydney into a people-friendly, green city, which laid the groundwork for the Sustainable Sydney 2030 strategy.

• From Temporary to Permanent: The site was initially a temporary "microforest" and art installation created by the Dirt Witches collective in January 2021 as part of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, before being made permanent.

• Permanent Opening: The permanent Barlow Street Forest was officially opened in November 2023, serving as a key milestone in the broader pedestrianisation of the George Street South area, directly aligned with Jan Gehl's long-term vision.

• Significance: The space now features over 30 species of native plants (including banksia scrub), providing a green oasis and a "walking city" connection near Railway Square.

https://youtu.be/EnicrSOvOq4 - Link to Clover’s speech