$5.2-Million Revamp to Transform Former Surry Hills Church into Culinary and Business Hub

A deconsecrated Surry Hills church will soon become a vibrant $5.2-million restaurant and commercial precinct following the approval of the development plans.

Project Details and Community Impact

The project, located at 422-424 Cleveland St and also known as The Kirk, will feature a 200-patron dining hall within the church’s existing structure. An additional six-storey building is set to be constructed behind the church, providing a kitchen for the restaurant and four levels of office space.

This development, DA/2023/997, aims to revitalise the intersection of Crown, Baptist, and Cleveland streets, enhancing the area known as Surry Hills Village.

TOGA’s initiative is designed to attract a diverse crowd, including local residents, workers, and visitors, by offering boutique hospitality and workspace options. The Kirk will operate its dining hall from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, extending its hours until midnight on weekends.

Historical Significance and Architectural Plans

The Victorian Gothic church, constructed in 1879 and operational as a place of worship until 1970, has a storied past, including when it was known for Sydney’s vibrant nightlife under the ownership of Gretel Pinniger, famously known as Madame Lash. The building has served various community purposes over the years and was last used in 2010.

The Kirk Surry Hills Church — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia*

The new plans involve demolishing rear additions to the church and constructing a five-storey infill building that will connect to the church through a new basement level. This development will also feature commercial office spaces and a licensed restaurant that extends across both the new and old buildings, including architectural features like open-pitched portals.

Strategic Development and Future Plans

This redevelopment is part of TOGA’s broader vision for Surry Hills, which includes the Surry Hills Village redevelopment project. This larger project, already underway with a $200-million investment, includes residences, restaurants, boutiques, and workspaces. It aims to transform Surry Hills into a more built-up and diverse commercial, retail, and entertainment hub.

TOGA acquired the church site in November last year for $6 million, viewing it as a prime opportunity for adaptive reuse that respects the area’s heritage and enhances its economic vitality. The overall development is strategically designed to blend The Kirk’s historical essence with modern architectural elements, ensuring a seamless transition between the old and new structures while enriching the local streetscape.

Published 15-July-2024