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Powerhouse Ultimo Renewal Architectural Design Competition Winner Announced

Photo credit: Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences / maas.museum

The Museum of Applied Arts & Science has revealed the winning architectural design for the planned refurbishment of the Powerhouse Ultimo.

The winning concept was designed by Australian team Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity, and Arup. The winning team was selected unanimously from a shortlist of five architectural teams.

According to the winning design which drew inspiration from the cultural topography of the region, the main entrance to the Powerhouse Museum will be reoriented to face Chinatown and Darling Harbour.

There will be a rooftop garden as well as an event area and a new public plaza near the new entrance that will feature native species as part of its $480-$500 million refurbishment design plans.

Moreover, the 1998-built arched atrium extension and the old post office building, known as the Warn Building, will be demolished. In its place, a four-storey building will be built and will provide street-level access to a library and archives as well as upstairs accommodation for 60 school children that will include options to sleep under the stars in the rooftop garden.

“Our project acknowledges Country as our inspiration and narrator, restoring a natural and intuitive experience of the city; walking with, rather than on, Country,” the Design Statement reads..

“We propose a new relationship to the heritage fabric. ‘Leaning back’ to allow the full heritage facades to be seen, creating a continuous walkable sky-expanding gorge between old and new, from the Creative Courtyard to the Goods Line Terrace. The new building re-sees the heritage fabric and city beyond from multiple levels of this escarpment – from uses, circulation, terraces and gardens. Respectful and immediate, the new building lives alongside the Powerhouse core, a powerful embodiment of both geography and backdrop.”

Powerhouse Ultimo Renewal Architectural Design Competition Winner Announced — The winning design team: (Standing from left to right) **Alex Gelego**-Durbach Block Jaggers; **Dr Stephen Long**-Architectus; **David Jaggers**-Durbach Block Jaggers; **Neil Durbach**-Durbach Block Jaggers; **Luke Johnson**-Architectus; **Ross Harding**-Finding Infinity; **John Jeffrey-**Architectus; **Chris Mercer**-Arup. (Seated left to right) **Ruth Wilson**-Architectus; **Christian Hampson**-Yerrabingin; **Akira Isogawa**; **Mark Tyrrell**-Tyrrell Studio; **Camilla Block**-Durbach Block Jaggers; **Anne Kristin Risnes**-Durbach Block Jaggers; **Belqis Youssofzay**-Youssofzay + Hart | Photo Credit: Hugh Stewart-Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences/maas.museum

The Powerhouse Ultimo Design Competition was launched in July 2022 by the NSW Government. The two-stage competition brought together collaborative design teams with their own expansive concepts and ambitions and collaborate with the Powerhouse to deliver a generationally important cultural project.

More than 100 responses were received following a call for Expressions of Interest from which five design teams were shortlisted and invited to participate in the design competition which commenced in September 2022.

4YOU Innovation: Surry Hills-Based Courier Service Merges With Cafe Payments Platform

Photo credit: Facebook / Drive Yello

Surry Hills-based last mile delivery service Drive Yello has announced its merger with cafe payments platform Hey You. The new entity will launch as 4You Innovation.

The merger entity is expected to hit the market next year and hopes to attract up to $15 million in investments into the company. It will likewise bring in 5,000 active vendors, 5,500 couriers, 10 million orders and 100,000 active customers.

Drive Yello founder Steve Fanale said the merger into one powerhouse will provide retailers with a single local eCommerce enablement experience to help them keep up with customer expectations.

Hey You app — Photo credit: Facebook / Hey You

Meanwhile, Hey You chair Peter Hammond said that the merger makes sense considering the synergies between the two business models. He added that it will enable the combined teams to develop new services to establish a client base and expand its total addressable market.

Drive Yello raised a total of $1.5 million in a Series A from Tidal Ventures last 2018 and now has a total of $7.7 million in venture capital since launching in 2014. The company also posted 150 per cent YOY growth on average for the past couple of years. Its clients include retailers Woolworths, Endeavour Drinks and Coles.

Hey You was established in 2012 as Beat the Q before it merged with.Posse, and E-Coffee Card in 2014. The following year, it rebranded as Hey You after raising $5 million then a year later raised $2 million in a Series B with Reinventure, Artesian, the Scaleup Mediafund and Alium Capital among its backers.

Mr Fanale will lead 4You Innovation alongside co-CEO Asheesh Chacko whilst the leadership teams from both Drive Yello and Hey You will remain with the new group. 4You Innovation is expected to achieve $100 million in turnover in FY23 resulting in about $13 million in revenue.

Look Who’s Making a Come-Back With A 36-Hour Launch Party

Photo credit: Google Maps

After closing in 2014, Abercrombie is making a big comeback. The eight-year wait will end with a 36-hour launch party just before Christmas!

The Abercrombie is reopening on the 23rd of December 2022, after undergoing a major transformation that includes a new performance and club space, public bar and beer garden. The beer garden and two other venues co-located at the site will be open until 5:00 a.m. on weekends.

Upstairs, there is a late-night Italo-disco cocktail lounge and a rooftop terrace with an eclectic mix of DJs, otherwise known as the “Casa Rosa”, whilst the adjoining terrace is where you’ll find “Lil Sis”, a late-night wine bar and shop.

Solotel acquired the venue in 2016 and has since worked with H&E Architects and Michael Delany to bring the eight-decade-old Abercrombie back to life.

Be sure to mark your calendar, because The Abercrombie launch party happens this 23rd December 2022 lasting until Christmas morning. The kick-off event will feature DJs Ayebatonye, Andy Garvey, Dameeeela, and Mike Who as well as Astral People DJs, Nomad Radio, Pure Space, Lovejoy and more.

As if that’s not enough, more parties will be coming between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, featuring the likes of House of Mince hosting an after-Christmas Day party, Sweat It Out, and Motorik who will close out the year with a global headliner for the New Year’s Eve party.

Check out Solotel’s website here for more updates leading up to The Abercrombie 36-hour launch party.

The Abercrombie Hotel | 100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008

Darlinghurst’s Sydney Grammar School #1 in 5-Year Nationwide NAPLAN Rankings

Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst is Australia’s number one primary school based on a five-year average NAPLAN result.

The exclusive school for boys, which opened in 1857, has had an average of 3081.3 over five years, putting the institution on top of the rankings. A decent second place is Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Burwood, Victoria, which scored 2998 for its five-year average.

However, eight other primary schools in New South Wales managed to be in the Top 10. Huntingtower School in Mount Waverley is the only other Victorian school on the list.

New South Wales and Victoria have outperformed Queensland and South Australia, whose top-ranking primary schools landed on the 33rd and 99th spot, respectively.

On the other hand, Sydney Grammar School ranked at number six for the secondary schools’ category with a five-year average of 3497.3. New South Wales also dominated this list with the exception of Perth Modern School in Subiaco, WA, which landed on the 9th spot.

Steven Schwartz, formerly of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, said that New South Wales schools take most of the Top 10 rankings because of its rigorous educational system. He also believes that NSW has the most number of migrant students who work harder academically.

Here’s how the 10 best primary schools in the country ranked based on a five-year record:

School	NAPLAN Result (2021)	5-Year Average
Sydney Grammar School Darlinghurst, NSW	614.2	3081.3
Presbyterian Ladies’ College Burwood, VIC	590.5	2998
Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga, NSW	596.8	2973.8
John Colet School, Belrose, NSW	588.2	2968.3
St Aloysius’ College Kirribilli, NSW	588	2959.3
Hornsby North Public School, Hornsby, NSW	587.2	2954.3
Woollahra Public School, Woollahra, NSW	582.8	2929.3
Artarmon Public SchoolArtarmon, NSW	584.6	2927
Matthew Pearce Public School Baulkham Hills, NSW	589	2922
Huntingtower School, Mount Waverley, VIC	581.4	2915.3

Here’s how the 10 best secondary schools ranked:

School	NAPLAN Result (2021)	5-Year Average
James Ruse Agricultural High School Carlingford, NSW	722.8	3655
Sydney Girls High School Surry Hills, NSW	709	3552
North Sydney Girls High School Crows Nest, NSW	710.2	3540.5
North Sydney Boys High School Crows Nest, NSW	704.8	3535.5
Baulkham Hills High School Baulkham Hills, NSW	701.2	3498.3
Sydney Grammar School Darlinghurst, NSW	693	3497.3
Hornsby Girls High School Hornsby, NSW	697.4	3493.8
Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus North Curl Curl, NSW	697	3486.3
Perth Modern School Subiaco, WA	696.8	3483.7
Sydney Boys High School Moore Park, NSW	692.2	3460.3

Meanwhile, NAPLAN has also released its 2022 National Report detailing achievements per state.

School of Last Resort? Oasis College in Surry Hills Helps Vulnerable Kids Earn their HSC

Beyond the cafes and shops in Surry Hills is Oasis College, a small but unique high school that helps vulnerable and troubled kids earn their HSC.

Established by the Salvation Army in 2018, Oasis College might be described as the “school of last resort” for young students who struggle with learning because of behavioral issues, trauma, a difficult home life, or a community that has basically given up on them.

With less than 20 Year 11 and Year 12 students a year, the school employs three teachers and a youth worker who guides the kids and ensures that they have programs in art or sports that help develop self-respect and self-discipline. The school also offers psychological support for troubled youths.

“We believe that every student has a right to an education that is responsive to their needs and learning style; we have the capacity and experience to deliver this,” per the Oasis Youth Support Network. “Students are encouraged to take part in the wide variety of programs across our network.”

Oasis College Surry Hills — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Despite the students’ backgrounds, at least 75 per cent leave Oasis College with their HSC. Essentially, this means they can pursue other paths to success that will turn their life around.

One such promising student is Emma Hill, 18, who is training to compete in her first amateur fight as a boxer. No less than Johnny Lewis, who trained six world champions, is mentoring Emma.

The 18-year-old said that whilst she liked school, she had always struggled in a traditional school setting. Her life changed when she entered Oasis College, where she not only earned her HSC but also qualified for VET in hospitality, barista, first aid, and construction.

Apart from her first fight, Emma is moving on to study and earn credentials as a future youth worker to inspire and guide kids who are going through what she has experienced.

Enrolment for the 2023 school term at Oasis College Surry Hills has opened. Phone 0400 602 380 or email oasiscollegesurryhills@salvationarmy.org.au for enquiries.

Sydney Modern Project Opening Celebrations to Run for 9 Days

A nine-day celebration will be underway for the long-awaited opening of the Sydney Modern Project, which transforms the iconic Art Gallery of New South Wales into a modern art museum and leisure space near Surry Hills.

Beginning Saturday, the 3rd of December 2022, the Sydney Modern Project will run free events like art exhibitions, music and performances, film screenings, guided tours, and enriching talks or forums to celebrate the completion of the new facilities meant to become Sydney’s newest landmark.

The highlight of the celebration includes a concert by Grammy-nominated international pop star Ellie Goulding, alongside Australian talents like Meg Mac and Electric Fields. Over at Woolloomooloo Bay, a nightly drone show created by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie will leave the public in awe.

Sydney locals may plan which events they should attend by checking the different activities from 3 to 11 December. All these activities do not require pre-bookings, as guests may walk in, attend or participate.

Check Activities at the Sydney Modern Project Opening

The new art gallery, on the other hand, will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during this nine-day celebration. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

Costing $344 million to complete, the Sydney Modern Project, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA and built by Richard Crookes Constructions, is dubbed the “most significant cultural development in the city since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago.”

Over $100 million of the funding was made possible through private donors whilst the NSW Government supported the rest of the project’s cost for Infrastructure NSW.

The new building will connect to the existing Art Gallery of New South Wales by a land bridge, which has an outdoor public art garden and the best views of Sydney.

Surry Hills Startup Vexev Prepares for Global Expansion

Vexev, a medtech startup, has secured $8.5 million to upgrade its new Surry Hills facility as it prepares for global expansion.

Founders Dr John Carrol and Dr Eamon Colley are working to market and gain regulatory approval for the very first Vevex software and device in Australia and the United States.

The pair, who acquired their Ph.D. from the University of NSW in 2014, built a scanning system that could potentially be deployed in diagnostic clinics and imaging labs, and in medical settings where patients may need ongoing monitoring and care for vascular diseases.

They are developing a 3D medical imaging device that will help vascular surgeons work with more precision on their patients.

Dr Carrol said that current equipment options to help diagnose vascular disease are limited and reliant on hand-held ultrasound devices that require highly-trained and skilled medical workers.

In many cases, such equipment and expertise are lacking in regional or rural areas. Often, doctors opt to delay scanning as the final step, which may be too late for preventing diseases.

For years, doctors have been studying vascular disease and its links to blood flow in the arteries and veins. Their studies have led to the development of fluid dynamics modelling to improve clinical diagnostics.

“Vexev’s technology creates a new paradigm for low-cost, high-accuracy vascular scanning that can take place further upstream,” Dr Carrol said.

“We created an ultrasound-powered imaging robot and software platform: to automatically take fast and consistent 3D scans, to supercharge the diagnostic power of vascular clinicians, with the simple push of a button.

“We brought on a team including former F1 engineers to design the hardware and model the complex blood flows.”

Vexev’s funding comes from Neotribe Ventures, a San Francisco-based investor; imaging firms Propeller and Dovetail, and venture capital Blackbird. The medtech startup hopes to finalise their expansion by 2023.

Revitalisation Starts for Wimbo Park in Surry Hills

Much-needed upgrades have begun at Wimbo Park in Surry Hills to turn the area into a better green space for residents and visitors.

On Tuesday, the 1st of November 2022, a groundbreaking ceremony took place at Wimbo Park, which has tripled in size since the demolition of the Olivia Gardens apartment building to make way for the construction of the light rail tracks. The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by students from Bourke Street Public School.

Since the construction, the City of Sydney had been planning to upgrade the open space with ideas drawn from a series of community consultations. The park’s concept design was released in early 2020 and was approved for development.

“Wimbo Park has grown from 1500 to 4600 square metres and we’re excited to transform the space into what I know will become a much-loved park,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Wimbo Park was originally a small rest area. But when we negotiated the light rail development agreement with Transport for NSW we ensured the balance of any land not required would be dedicated back to us for use as an expanded community park.”

“We are putting in more shade trees that will make the park an oasis for local residents and visitors who want to come here with their children to play, grab a bite to eat from the nearby cafes and stores or those simply enjoying a bit of nature.

“In the densely populated inner city, parks are our backyards, so these spaces could not be more important. Our work to plant trees and increase public green space improves wellbeing, reduces urban temperatures and invites more nature to our area.”

Once completed, the upgraded Wimbo Park will have:

more shade trees and an open lawn
more parkland and less paving
more casual seating
a shared zone along Parkham Lane and a walking path through the park
a play area with in-ground trampolines and softfall mounds
a fenced and planted buffer separating the park from the light rail
reinstating the Wimbo Paddock Mural and Stonemasons monument

The construction will be carried out in two phases to provide access to the park amidst the ongoing work.

Works For Sydney’s ‘Silicon Valley’ Anticipated To Start Soon

After years in the pipeline, Central Place Sydney has reached a crucial milestone after receiving approval, with construction anticipated to start in 2023.

Read: New Community, Parks Planned Over Sydney Central Station Rail Yards

The City of Sydney approved the $3-billion project in October 2022, a few months after developers lodged their final DA submission, to include two final elements –the Pavilion and the Connector building.

The Pavilion is a public space that has been added to the plan to provide valuable amenity space for programmed events and activation.

Central Place Sydney — Photo credit: Fender Katsalidis

Designed by Fender Katsalidis and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the two-storey Pavilion has been created as a flexible structure that can be disassembled and relocated once plans for future over-station development are finalised.

The Connector building, on the other hand, is a 10-storey block which is expected to become a highly recognisable cornerstone for the precinct.

Melbourne-based architecture firm Edition Office, delivered the innovative design concepts for the Connector building, which will provide bespoke spaces for smaller companies and startups.

Sydney’s ‘Silicon Valley’

A joint venture between Dexus and Frasers Property Australia, the project is being compared to California’s Silicon Valley, which is currently home to many of the world’s largest high-tech corporations.

Dexus described Central Place Sydney as the “beating heart” of the State Government’s globally significant new technology and innovation hub, Tech Central. It will be located adjacent to Atlassian’s future headquarters in Sydney, which is also being developed by Dexus.

“We are incredibly pleased to have received Development Approval, allowing us to further progress the project,” said Kimberley Jackson, Project Director for Central Place Sydney.

“Our development has been designed to create a place where work and lifestyle can blend seamlessly, create an exciting new destination for Sydney and leverage what is already on offer as a thriving tech and innovation neighbourhood emerges,” Ms Jackson said.

Read: New Public Spaces Now Open At George St After Pedestrian Boulevard Expansion Into Surry Hills

Once complete, it’s going to be the largest integrated workplace in Tech Central and will feature sustainable design and unrivalled connectivity.

Dexus is hoping to deliver the first stage of the project in 2026 or 2027.

Heart of Surry Hills: Mouthwatering Treats at this Month-Long Food Festival

Photo Credit: SurryHillsBusinessPartnership/Instagram

More than 40 food venues will be celebrating with and vibe-ing to the Heart of Surry Hills at a month-long food festival happening this November!

For the whole month of November, a showcase of Surry Hills’ best culinary sites will deliver a dining experience to never forget. Participating restaurants like Four Pillars Laboratory, The Blue Door, Tokki and Mille Vini, will be offering deals you can’t turn down and specials you have to sample.

Flavourful bites will be offered during different days of the week, whether you’re looking to enjoy fine dining with your date, go with your crowd at the pubs, or enjoy a picnic at the parklands with your family. Diners will be spoilt for choice from breakfast to dinner and even during happy hour or late night.

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Apart from the food, however, the festival will also feature exciting community activities merging art, music and the markets.

For instance, on the 5th of November 2022, the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre will host its Vintage Market Day at the Shannon Reserve with live jazz music and the voices of Virna Sinzone, Kate Wadey as well as their amazing instrumental trios.

Those who want a unique experience may also check out the tours around some of Surry Hill’s iconic locations and longstanding businesses.

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A post shared by SurryHillsBusinessPartnership (@surryhillsbusinesspartnership)

By the 26th and 27th of November, Shannon Reserve will once again close to cap the Heart of Surry Hills with a special outdoor event featuring gourmet food trucks, Sydney’s best beverage producers, a talented lineup of live acts and DJs, and the showcase of “Art in the Park.”

“The City of Sydney is proud to support the month-long program of food, art, and music that concludes with a spectacular weekend event at Shannon Reserve. This activation for the month of November highlights the very best of our world-class hospitality venues, distilleries, and breweries as well as connecting communities through art and music,” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“The gorgeous character-filled streets of Surry Hills will come alive this November with delicious bites, and entertainment for everyone – as part of the Heart of Surry Hills celebration.”

“We hope that future Heart of Surry Hills activation will allow us to focus on fashion, retail, creatives and services through a series of regular programs,” Surry Hills Creative Precinct Inc President Leigh Harris said. “We hope that you will join us for memory making in the Surry Hills precinct, bring your mates and indulge your senses with art, music, food and drinks for the month of November.”

Follow the updates on the Heart of Surry Hills on Instagram.