Sea of flowers inspires Martin Place siege memorial

The huge floral tribute left in the wake of the Lindt Cafe siege is the inspiration behind a new memorial to honour those who died in the attack.

A "scattered starburst" of some 400 floral cubes will be inlaid in the granite pavings of Sydney's Martin Place in memory of the victims of the city's worst terrorist attack.

NSW Premier Mike Baird revealed the design two days before the first anniversary of the day that saw hostages Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson killed when gunman Man Haron Monis held up the cafe on December 16.

Mr Baird has encouraged Sydneysiders to attend a twilight ceremony on Tuesday marking the anniversary.

"My hope is on that day we focus in on what brought us together rather than those forces that try to drive us apart," he said.