On Albion Street, one brothel, ‘Thai City’ has changed hands while another, Tiffany’s Girls, continues its decades-long legacy, showcasing the contrasting stories of the adult services industry in Surry Hills.
Behind the unassuming facade of a terrace home on Albion Street lies ‘Thai City,’ a brothel recently sold to new owners. Celebrated as “the best Asian brothel in Sydney,” the venue gained recognition for offering services from a diverse, multicultural array of attendants, as highlighted on its Yelp page.
The property spans 137 square meters of land with a 185 square meter internal area. It features dual-lane access and holds mixed-use zoning, making it eligible for residential conversion. Real estate professionals have emphasized the rarity of licensing for adult services at this site due to strict local regulations.
The sale, facilitated by CBRE agents Toby Silk and Max Silk ahead of its scheduled auction, reflects the dynamic nature of Sydney’s real estate market, particularly in niche sectors like adult services.
Just down the street, another brothel, Tiffany’s Girls, stands as a longstanding establishment in Surry Hills, further illustrating Albion Street’s historical role in Sydney’s adult services industry.
Tiffany’s Girls: Oldest Operational Brothel in Sydney
Established in the early 1970s, Tiffany’s Girls has served as a landmark in Surry Hills, embodying over five decades of the neighborhood’s socio-economic transformations.
As Sydney’s oldest operational brothel, it has borne witness to dramatic shifts in legislation and the evolving dynamics of adult services brought on by the digital era.
Decades of Service Amid Changing Laws
Opening during an era of significant legal constraints on the sex industry, Tiffany’s Girls has navigated through substantial reforms, including the pivotal decriminalisation of sex work in New South Wales in 1995.
This reform legitimized venues like Tiffany’s Girls, establishing standards for safety and regulation that reshaped the industry.
Challenges from the Digital World
With the rise of digital platforms such as OnlyFans, the traditional brothel business model has been challenged, sparking debates about the relevance of establishments like Tiffany’s Girls in today’s digital landscape.
Despite these challenges, Tiffany’s Girls has remained a secure environment for both workers and clients.
Property with Potential: A Brief Listing
The property, located on Albion Street, spans six lots and features architectural relics like Victorian terraces and a corner building that once housed a pub. With its unique 687 square meter footprint, it is a gem in Sydney’s compact real estate market.
Although it was listed for $13 million in May 2024, it was swiftly taken off the market, continuing its operation, which underscores its enduring appeal and potential hesitance from the owners to part with such a historic site.
Community and Economic Implications
The listing and subsequent withdrawal of Tiffany’s Girls from the market have ignited discussions about the future of adult venues in Sydney, reflecting broader urban development trends.
Surry Hills, a suburb known for its rich tapestry of history and vibrant culture, stands at a crossroads of development and preservation.
Uncertain Future for a Brothel Icon
Currently, Tiffany’s Girls promotes itself as the “go-to destination for those seeking companionship and TLC,” boasting interiors that reflect an “old-world style brothel” with lush, boutique-themed rooms.
Its role in the community and its potential transformation remain hot topics as it balances between continuing as a cultural icon and adapting to new urban demands.
The Continued Presence of Tiffany’s Girls: A Reflection of Historical Persistence
The withdrawal of Tiffany’s Girls from the market emphasizes its value not just as a commercial entity but as a piece of living history in Surry Hills.
It raises essential questions about the preservation of historical establishments and their place in rapidly evolving urban environments.
Published 9-Jan-2025
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