A historic warehouse in Surry Hills, once a key site for David Jones’ manufacturing operations, has been sold for $110 million and will be transformed into a $500-million residential development.
A Landmark Changes Hands
Marlborough House, located at 47-97 Marlborough Street, was acquired by Time & Place, a developer backed by billionaire James Packer through his investment firm, NPACT. The sale marks the first property ownership change in over 50 years.
Previously owned by Orcades Investments since 1972, the site originally served as David Jones’ warehouse and factory, constructed between 1914 and 1934. The building, notable for its Chicagoesque style and advanced architectural features of the era, has housed offices and creative studios since the 1970s.
Major Part of Australian Retail History
Marlborough House was the birthplace of manufacturing for David Jones, Australia’s oldest department store and the second-oldest department store brand in the world. Built in 1914, this warehouse was the company’s engine room, producing clothing, furniture, luggage, and homewares and employing up to 800 people at its peak.
The David Jones brand, established in 1838 by Welsh immigrant David Jones, weathered economic challenges throughout the 19th century to become a cornerstone of Australian retail.
The Marlborough Street facility embodied the company’s evolution, reflecting its shift from reliance on imported goods to locally manufactured high-quality products inspired by European design. The site played a pivotal role in Surry Hills’ development, serving as a major local employer and a hub of craftsmanship.
Plans for Redevelopment
Time & Place plans to convert the heritage-listed Marlborough House into 150-apartments, including 26 affordable dwellings. The project is valued at between $400 million and $500 million and will incorporate adaptive reuse strategies to honour the site’s historical significance.
The development team stated that they are working on a planning application that incorporates and celebrates Marlborough House’s heritage overlay by adaptively reusing the existing building while adding a new adjoining development in compliance with local planning regulations.
The Vision for Surry Hills
The project aligns with the broader transformation of Surry Hills, a suburb that has seen significant revitalisation in recent years. Developers have described the area as evolving into a vibrant residential and cultural hub.
Time & Place expressed excitement about working within the unique character of the neighbourhood, emphasising the local community’s energy and the proximity to cafes, nightlife, and other amenities.
Published 10-Dec-2024