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Lune Croissanterie Darlinghurst Set To Open Next Year

Photo Credit: Lune Croissanterie / Facebook

Lune Croissanterie is still planning to open a shop in Sydney after all. Stay tuned, Darlinghurst! This sensational croissanterie may be coming your way soon.

Lune Croissanterie in Sydney?

Plans for a Sydney store have been teased as early as 2020 and many have wondered what has happened since then.

The Sydney expansion had been stalled due to the pandemic and the originally planned location had been scrapped.

However, Sydney-siders are up for a treat in the not so distant future, as a Darlinghurst location is set to open for the popular croissanterie in early 2023.

Architecture and design firm Ewert Leaf, who was responsible for the Burnett Lane store’s look, will also be designing the Darlinghurst store. This early, it promises to be very a unique look for a special location.

‘World’s Best Croissants’ Are Made in Australia

A decade ago, former Formula One aerodynamicist Kate Reid together with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman introduced Lune to Melbourne locals serving up their flaky, buttery pastries. Not long after, these baked goodies have been so much sought after that they even caught the attention of The New York Times in 2016 who can’t help but wonder if the world’s best croissant is made in Australia.

With all that success, expansion has been inevitable. And so in early August 2021, Lune Croissanterie opened its flagship store in South Brisbane with another store already set to open on Burnett Lane in July this year.

Back in Victoria, Fitzroy and Melbourne CBD shops constantly face early sell-outs forcing Lune to reduce its product range and concentrate on the classic range to allow the stores to stay open just a little longer. And to ease the pressure on these two locations, plans for an Armadale location have recently been announced.

“Friends south of the river, we know you’ve been dark on us ever since we packed up shop, crossed the Yarra and moved to Fitzroy. How about if we told you we were coming back? VERY SOON.⁠ Before the winter is out, the leafy streets of Armadale will have a buttery breeze care of Lune!!⁠,” Lune’s social media post reads.

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A post shared by Lune Croissanterie (@lunecroissant)

Feeling excited yet? Stay tuned for more updates.

Spice Alley Among The Inspirations For Revitalisation Of Eddy Avenue Plaza

The Eddy Avenue Plaza at the northern edge of Central Station is about to undergo a huge transformation with features that will make it comparable to that of the Spice Alley in Chippendale.

Read: Sydney to Transform the Former Darlinghurst Police Station Into An LGBTIQA+ Museum

Like the popular Spice Alley, Eddy Avenue Plaza will feature beautiful street art and an array of restaurants, bars, and shops that will soon make it as one of Sydney’s newest entertainment precincts.

Chippendale’s Spice Alley (Photo credit: Peter Schravemade/Google Maps)

This comes after Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes announced the Central precinct renewal program, as part of the revitalisation of Sydney’s CBD.

“Eddy Avenue and Eddy Avenue Plaza will be known as ‘EDDY’, a destination instead of a thoroughfare which rivals the likes of Parramatta’s Eat Street or Chippendale’s Spice Alley,” said Mr Stokes.

The plaza currently accommodates a few dining establishments and cafes. However, the existing facilities have remained largely ‘under-utlised.’

Central Station, which occupies a significant corner at Eddy Avenue and Pitt Street, is characterised by a number of existing heritage features including the iconic Sydney Terminal Building.

EDDY Precinct (Photo credit: Rob Stokes/Facebook)

The EDDY precinct will be rebranded to mark a new era for the Tech Central Precinct as it becomes a world-class interchange with innovative and diverse businesses that attracts thousands of new jobs to the CBD.

“We’re planning to bring Eddy Avenue and Eddy Plaza back to life through new retail and cultural activities to enhance public spaces and create a vibrant place for all communities to enjoy,” the Transport for NSW announced.

Transport for NSW is now encouraging businesses who are interested in leasing an available shop at Central Station to engage with JLL-Sydney, the agency handling the lease for Central Railway Station.

New Bistro Now Open at The Strand, Boutique Hotel And Rooftop Bar Soon to Follow

Photo Credit: Strand House + Hotel / Facebook

A new French bistro located on the ground floor of The Strand is now open. The nearly 100-year-old Darlinghurst hotel is also set to open a boutique hotel and rooftop bar.

The two-phase transformation will see the old-school building transformed into four-level dining and hotel. Officially opened to the public is the 1920s Paris-inspired The Strand Bistro, with a dark wood and gold fit-out and floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors.

The Strand bistro — Photo Credit: Strand House + Hotel / Facebook

Head chef Alex Kavanaghis in charge of the French-inspired menu which includes Steak tartare (with burnt onion and shimeji mushrooms), Beluga caviar, and Roasted Magret duck breast (served with grilled radicchio, plum, and jus) and Chicken liver parfait.

French-inspired menu at The Strand Bistro — Photo Credit: Strand House + Hotel / Facebook

The drinks list includes French and Australian wines along with aperitifs, beers, signature cocktails and 49 Japanese, Irish and Scottish whiskies. DJs will be onboard during weekends and will keep diners entertained by dishing out modern “bistrotheque” style music.

The Strand rooftop bar and boutique hotel opening soon — Photo Credit: Strand House + Hotel / Facebook

The second phase of the transformation will involve the opening of a vibrant rooftop bar that will offer a more casual food and drink experience against the backdrop of Brisbane city views. To be opened together with the rooftop bar soon is the 17-room boutique hotel that will occupy the middle floors and will feature a library and common work and kitchen spaces.

Apart from The Strand, Public Hospitality is also set to breathe new life into other Sydney heritage buildings over the next year including Camelia Grove in Alexandria, Erskineville’s Kurrajong Hotel and the Town Hall in Balmain.

The Strand Bistro is now open Sunday to Thursday from 6am to midnight and Friday to Saturday from 6 am to 3am.

Strand House & Hotel | 99 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Have A Tropical Night Out In This Jungle-themed Bar In Chippendale

Saga Bar, a jungle-themed bar in Chippendale that looks like it has come straight out of an action-adventure film, has been getting raves for its exotic vibes and unique selection of cocktails.

Read: Surry Hills Street Block Fetches $100M

Stepping inside feels like visiting a set of an adventure-action film. Think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom or Uncharted–there are creeping vines, palm trees, stone walls and a large mural that will make you feel like you’re instantly transported into a tropical paradise without leaving the city.

saga bar — Photo credit: Saga Bar/Facebook

Hidden behind two wooden doors within the laneways next door to Spice Alley, one wouldn’t think there’s a fantastic world that awaits inside. It’s like a modern-day speakeasy–you’ll have to ring the bell to enter the place.

saga menu — Photo credit: Saga Bar/Facebook

The bar is well-stocked with carefully curated cocktails, spritzers, and non-alcoholic cocktails that all go perfectly with their flavoursome and distinct dishes, such as the fries with togarashi, pork belly bao, and Sydney rock oysters.

saga bar cocktails — Photo credit: Saga Bar/Google Maps

The dishes, which combine African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines, were all inspired by Chef Deke’s upbringing in Zambia, Africa.

saga bar menu — Photo credit: Saga Bar/Facebook

Ideal for groups, the sharing dishes include cured crispy pork, Nepalese pizza and the signature Saga steak, a scotch fillet served with sweet potato wedges, greens, and Monkey Gland gravy.

If you want to check out this hidden gem, visit them at 49-51 Goold St, Chippendale. For bookings and more information about the bar, visit their website or check out their official Facebook page.

Surry Hills Street Block Fetches $100M

A street block in Surry Hills which accommodates the heritage-listed Hotel Stellar and the Soda Factory bar is up for grabs for a price tag of $100 million.

Read: Tech Central in Surry Hills Nabs First 3 Major Tenants for The Quantum Terminal

The old hotel and its four neighbouring buildings, located at 4-22 Wentworth Avenue spans 1,218 sqm.

The Soda Factory Bar, considered one of Sydney’s best hidden gems, has remained a go-to for locals since it first opened its doors in 2013.

The expressions of interest campaign for the five freehold assets is being managed by realtors from Raine & Horne Projects, and JLL and I.B Property, and IB property.

Developers can take advantage of the approved DA over the current hotel site, which is a new 19-storey development by architect Ed Lippmann. Plans include over 200 luxury appointed rooms with a ground floor restaurant and bar offering.

wentworth ave surry hills — Artist’s impression of approved mixed-use development (Photo credit: City of Sydney/Lippmann)

“Not only is this a premium site in an outstanding location, but there are also multiple value-add possibilities with Stage 1 DA approval already in place for a major mixed-use project of approximately 7500 sqm of Gross Floor Area (GFA),” said Mr James Nixon, Director of Raine & Horne Projects.

wentworth surry hills — Photo credit: City of Sydney/Lippmann

Realtors believe the precinct will attract significant interest, especially from hotel operators because of the pipeline of exciting projects in the immediate precinct. This includes The Hyde and the Tech Central, dubbed as Sydney’s Silicon Valley.

“As an alternative to redevelopment the assets are an attractive landbank opportunity with existing holding income and strong rental upside by repositioning into a variety of uses, including creative office and retail accommodation,” said Mr James Aroney, Senior Director of JLL Capital Markets (NSW).

The properties were all owned by Nick Pongrass of Pongrass Properties.

Lansdowne Hotel In Chippendale To Close For The Second Time Around

The Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale will be closed for the second time around, after its operators failed to renew their lease.

Read: Inside The Newly Refurbished Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge In Surry Hills

In an Instagram post, bar owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham, founders of Mary’s Group who revived the venue, announced that their time with Lansdowne Hotel is coming to an end.

lansdowne live music — Photo credit: Dante Mariotto/Google Maps

“Our lease is due to expire in the coming months, with the landlords deciding to close the Gig Room to build more Hostel accommodation,” Smyth and Graham said in an official statement.

“This was not a part of our vision for the Lansdowne, and as such, we have decided to call time on our custodianship of this iconic live music venue,” the statement reads.

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A post shared by Mary's (@marysgetfat)

Located on the corner of Broadway and City Road, the art deco hotel is one of the treasured heritage listed sites across Chippendale.

The Mary’s team resurrected The Lansdowne Hotel back in 2017, two years after the venue closed for the first time since the 1930s.

Before the Mary’s Team decided to breathe new life into the venue, a separate group proposed to turn the site into a music school.

However, the proposal has been refused by Council as it allegedly failed to provide adequate evidence that the heritage significance of the Lansdowne Hotel will be conserved and improved.

lansdowne pub — Photo credit: Quico Vallès Pujabet/Google Maps

Eager to bring back live music to the venue, Smyth and Graham gave it a major revamp and kept live music going to the Chippendale pub. They also launched a mini pizzeria on the ground floor and a rooftop bar, Mary’s On Top, where they serve their signature burgers and booze.

The group said they will be working with the landlords to facilitate their remaining shows until the end of April 2022.

Despite their closure, the group promised to support the live music scene and will continue to operate in their three other locations –Newtown, Circular Quay, and CBD Castlereagh.

Inside The Newly Refurbished Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge In Surry Hills

After an $11.7-million refurbishment, the Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge in Surry Hills has once again opened to provide emergency accommodation to the public.

Read: New Proposal Could Impact Revitalisation of Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park

Featuring larger, more secure bedrooms and a new retail space and cafe, the extensive refurbishment was done to support a new model of care in the suburb and to offer more opportunities for training and employment.

The centre is now better equipped with improved counselling spaces and increased access to wrap-around community support services.

Wesley Mission, the non-profit organisation that manages Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge, believes the new model of care would focus on the long-term impact and positive change the lodge can have in people’s lives.

Wesley Edwar Eagar Lodge lobby — Photo credit: www.wesleymission.org.au

The organisation highlighted that these upgrades are intended to make the accommodation centre “gain a great understanding of each person’s needs.”

Designed by Scott Carver, the small basic rooms were replaced with rooms containing ensuite bathrooms, more personal storage and natural light. Every floor also features a communal kitchenette, laundry, and living spaces.

Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent, Rev Stu Cameron, says that the nearly 300 people sleeping rough on Sydney’s inner-city streets every night were at the heart of this innovative project.

office — Photo credit: www.wesleymission.org.au

“Entrenched homelessness is complex and can involve a combination of mental illness, domestic violence, family breakdown, financial difficulties and the cumulative impact of multiple traumatic events,” Rev Cameron said.

“A person can’t just walk out of homelessness on their own. That’s where Wesley Mission is ready to come alongside,” he said.

Supporting the upgrades, the City of Sydney has provided $1 million to Wesley Mission through the Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund.

Located on Bourke Street, the centre has provided crisis accommodation to countless vulnerable women and men since 1979 and has been at the forefront of the evolution of care for people experiencing homelessness for more than 40 years. It was one of the first services to provide private rooms.

New Proposal Could Impact Revitalisation of Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park

The planned $2-billion revitalisation of the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park could be clipped if the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust proposal, which would slash leases in the precinct from 99 years to 50 years, pushes through.

According to Max “the Axe” Moore-Wilton, the spokesperson for the developer consortium Carsingha Investments, the proposal will impact Entertainment Quarter’s “unique selling proposition negotiations,” as shorter leases can reduce the precinct’s redevelopment viability or turn off major capital investments. As a result, EQ could “remain under-utilised and unchanged.”

Those who oppose the new bill, however, are concerned that the redevelopment will strip the community of vital green spaces.

Sam Romaniuk, the co-chief executive of EQ, said in an opinion piece that the plan does not include more towers or apartments. The group actually plans to put up an open-design competition “to ensure we create something that will be the envy of the world.”

Carsingha Investments laid out its plans to transform the Entertainment Quarter into a world-class sports and entertainment precinct that will attract new investors, generate thousands of jobs, and provide for the recreational needs of Sydney’s diverse communities.

The bold proposal includes changes that will boost film and television, creative arts, live performance, sports and major events, as well as increase the community facilities.

“The EQ precinct has struggled ever since the old Showground site and its buildings was first leased out under the Carr Government in 1998,” the developer consortium stated.

“Since then, two other groups (Lendlease, Colonial First State) have tried but been unable to make the precinct viable due to the constraints governing the site.

“We believe that to fulfil its true potential, EQ requires a comprehensive reinvention to provide a precinct that can support and elevate Sydney’s cultural and entertainment industries.

“EQ is in discussions with the NSW Government to create a regulatory environment that will allow EQ to not only work but thrive.”

Public consultations for the redevelopment have occurred for more than three years. According to a September 2021 EQ Community Research, 71 percent of the community want to experience these changes, whilst 25 per cent were undecided and five per cent opposed the proposal.

In November, the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Bill 2021 passed the NSW Legislative Assembly and also passed the Legislative Council in March 2022. The bill will be forwarded to the Governor for assent before the proclamation.

Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst Tops NAPLAN Primary School Ranking

The 2021 NAPLAN results are out with Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst emerging as the highest-ranked primary school in NSW with an average of 586.9.

Sydney Grammar School also ranked the highest for Year 3 and Year 5 with an average of 559.6 and 614.2, respectively, per data from the National Assessment Program. On the other hand, the exclusive school for boys’ secondary level ranked in the 8th spot with an average of 677.4.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst, the independent Anglican school for girls clinched the 13th rank for primary schools with an average of 541.9. Its secondary level had an average of 621.2, ranking in the 25th spot.

Below are the NAPLAN rankings of NSW schools in the CBD and Eastern Sydney Suburbs:

Primary School

SCHOOL	RANK
Sydney Grammar School, Darlinghurst	1
SCEGGS, Darlinghurst	13
Coogee Boys Preparatory School	16
Woollahra Public School	25
Ascham School, Edgecliff	26
Kambala, Rose Bay	29
Emanuel School, Randwick	33
McAuley Catholic Primary School, Rose Bay	38
Reddam House, Edgecliff	41
St Catherine’s College, Waverley	59

Secondary Schools

SCHOOL	RANK
Sydney Girls High, Surry Hills	3
Sydney Boys High, Moore Park	7
Sydney Grammar, Darlinghurst	8
Conservatorium High School, CBD	19
SCEGGS, Darlinghurst	25
Kambala, Rosebay	29
Ascham School, Edgecliff	32
Reddam House, Edgecliff	47
Lycee Condorcet The International French School Of Sydney, Maroubra junction	49
St Catherine’s College, Waverley	52

NAPLAN was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic but was reset in 2021 with a new commitment from NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell to introduce reforms in the School Success Model that will improve the students’ literacy and numeracy outcomes.

Ms Mitchell said that these reforms will be implemented in 2023. Some of the reforms include shifting the test from May to Term 1 with the results delivered early in the school year.

“These are necessary changes I have been pushing for over the past two years, particularly following the success of the NSW Check-In Assessments, which give teachers results within 48 hours,” the minister said.

“Currently the timing of NAPLAN means it is not diagnostic, as students sit the tests quite late and results are delivered months later, minimising their value in the classroom.”

“Delivering results earlier in the year means teachers have a better understanding of where their students are at and can develop classroom programs accordingly,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This is a win for teachers, students and their families. It ensures the assessment can be used more effectively and provides greater opportunity to improve learning outcomes.”

It’s Game On, Sydney! Fortress Is Coming to Central Park Mall Broadway

Photo Credit: Fortress Melbourne / Facebook

It won’t be long and Sydney will have its own Fortress venue at Central Park Mall on Broadway, Chippendale. Dubbed as the one of the largest leisure venues in the Southern Hemisphere, the new video games centre is set to open this summer.

Following the success of its predecessor in Melbourne, which opened two years ago, the Sydney location will be a licensed venue set on a 3,000sqm complex with 1,000-person capacity across two levels. Fortress CEO and Co-Founder Jon Satterley said that Fortress Sydney will feature the best that its predecessor has and a host of other attractions.

“Melbourne was our first – you might call it a prototype. Fortress Sydney will be the jewel in our crown. It will be an awe-inspiring new ‘home of games’ – the epitome of everything we have worked towards. The ultimate statement in live games culture entertainment,” Fortress CEO and Co-Founder Jon Satterley said

Photo Credit: Fortress Melbourne / Facebook

Mr Satterley said that the Sydney expansion will have a fantasy-themed Tavern, based on Fortress’s unique character lore, an incredible competitive and esports games arena with a mezzanine/VIP level. The new gaming centre will also have its own sci-fi inspired bar apart from arcades, PC gaming zone (equipped with the highest spec Alienware rigs) and private party booths plus “amazing food and drinks brought to your table.”

Fortress Sydney is just the first of planned expansions across Australia including Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth among their options but Fortress is not ruling out opportunities for overseas expansion as well.

“Our Sydney friends and fans of Fortress have been begging us to bring the Flagship experience to their beautiful city. Well, here we come!”.

Central Park Mall | 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008