Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

Approval has been granted for a $2.8-million revamp and expansion of the historic Hollywood Hotel located in Surry Hills, marking the culmination of a lengthy dispute between the new owners of the iconic pub and the City over the proposed renovation plans.

The Hollywood Hotel, a revered establishment that has stood since the 1940s, is set to undergo a transformative revamp, including the addition of a new storey and a verdant rooftop garden. The project, spearheaded by the Peterson Group, aims to pay homage to the venue’s rich history while adapting it to contemporary needs.

This victory comes two years after the Peterson Group acquired the Hollywood Hotel from the late Doris Goddard, a former Hollywood actor who famously purchased the pub for a mere $175,000 in 1977. Following Goddard’s passing in 2019 at the age of 89, the new owners embarked on a mission to revitalise the iconic space.

The ambitious development plans (D/2022/200) include partial demolition of existing sections, refurbishment of internal areas, and the construction of a two-storey addition. The first to third floors will transition from accommodation to commercial offices, while a new fourth floor will house additional office spaces. Most notably, a “green garden” will grace the rooftop, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the venue.

Despite opposition from the City of Sydney, which cited concerns about the proposed development exceeding height limits, the Land and Environment Court sided with the Peterson Group.

The court’s decision followed constructive conciliation meetings between the developers and the council, leading to the recognition that the expansion was not only “in the public interest” but also compliant with the site’s zoning regulations.

“I have considered the submissions made by the Council in the Jurisdictional Statement and Statement of Reasons for entering into the agreement, filed with the Court on 3 July 2023, and I am satisfied on the basis of the evidence before me that the agreement of the parties is a decision that the Court could have made in the proper exercise of its functions,” Commissioner of Court Susan O’Neill wrote in her decision.

“Development Application No D/2022/200 for alterations and addition to a commercial development at 2 Foster Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 (legally known as Lot 1 in DP 1186940) as amended, is approved, subject to the conditions of consent at Annexure A.”

Local cultural historian Warren Fahey welcomed the expansion, noting that many Sydney venues have transitioned away from offering accommodations in favour of more financially viable options.

“Accommodation in the upstairs areas of hotels used to be important for pubs but now people tend not to want to stay in pubs where they have to walk across the hallway to have a shower and things like that,” Mr Fahey said.