A $250 million proposal to redevelop a collection of Edwardian-era warehouses on Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills has been submitted, aiming to create a new commercial and hospitality precinct while preserving the area’s architectural heritage.
Heritage Warehouses Set For Redevelopment
Willow Group, in partnership with Pongrass Properties, has lodged plans with the City of Sydney to redevelop five adjoining warehouses at 4–22 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. The project represents one of the last major heritage renewal opportunities on Sydney’s city fringe.
Originally proposed as a hotel development in 2019, the site has since evolved into a mixed-use commercial precinct combining retail, hospitality, and office spaces. The five buildings, which were progressively acquired by a single owner over five decades, will be adapted to modern use while retaining their heritage character.
Design and Architectural Approach
Following a six-week City of Sydney Design Excellence Competition, DKO Architecture and Aileen Sage were announced as the winning team. Their proposal maintains the distinct façades of the existing warehouses while incorporating new elements such as a three-storey glass atrium, sculptural staircases, and rooftop terraces featuring native vegetation.
The redevelopment spans between five and thirteen storeys and delivers over 7,000 square metres of net lettable area. Landscape designer Dangar Barin Smith has been engaged to design two entrance lobbies and internal green spaces.
The architectural team’s approach focuses on adaptive reuse, ensuring that new structures remain secondary to the original buildings. The project will employ Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and glulam construction to minimise embodied carbon and improve environmental performance.
Commercial and Leasing Opportunities
The completed precinct is expected to provide 16 leasing opportunities, including high-end food and beverage venues, laneway cafés, and A-Grade commercial offices. The Rubinstein Group has been appointed to manage leasing for the development, with Head of Projects James Nixon confirming active discussions with leading national and international hospitality operators.
The site’s location near Hyde Park positions it within walking distance of Central Station and Sydney’s emerging tech precinct anchored by the Atlassian building. The project aims to attract a diverse mix of creative and corporate tenants, reflecting current demand for high-quality fringe commercial spaces.
Sustainability and Environmental Features
The project incorporates a range of environmental initiatives designed by sustainability consultancy Finding Infinity. These include advanced displacement ventilation systems, natural lighting, and low-carbon materials rarely seen in heritage conversions.
Rooftop gardens, bio-solar roofs, and vertical greenery will feature endemic plant species, reinforcing the design’s connection to local ecology. The development targets zero-waste and zero-carbon outcomes, integrating sustainability with heritage preservation.
Development Timeline and Outlook
Pending final approval from the City of Sydney, construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. Willow Group and its planning team continue to work collaboratively with local authorities to progress the proposal.
The Wentworth Avenue redevelopment represents a significant investment in Surry Hills, combining heritage preservation with environmentally responsible urban renewal to reshape the suburb’s commercial landscape.
Published 22-Oct-2025
