Paddington residents, businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to comment on the future of Victoria Barracks as the Department of Finance seeks feedback and future-use options through the Defence Estate Audit process.
Current Consultation Focuses on Future Use
The Defence Estate Audit found some sites were underutilised, ageing or no longer aligned with Defence capability requirements. Finance is leading the divestment of 46 owned surplus properties and 12 leased properties identified through the program, with Victoria Barracks Sydney listed among the NSW sites.
Before individual divestment strategies are developed, due diligence is expected to examine environmental and biodiversity considerations, contamination risks, heritage values and First Nations interests.
Finance is also inviting feedback and future-use options to help identify community views, possible uses and market interest. The department states that those views and the findings of due diligence will be considered when developing a strategy for individual sites.
Submitting feedback does not form part of a sale process, create any rights or obligations, or guarantee that a site will be divested.
Earlier Views on Victoria Barracks
The current process follows City of Sydney community engagement held from 8 August to 19 September 2025 about what people would like to see at the site if it became available for public use.
The consultation generated 1,092 pieces of feedback, including 102 comments on an interactive map, 876 votes on those comments, 30 survey responses and 84 email submissions.
Heritage structures, character and military history formed the largest theme at 21 per cent of responses. Housing accounted for 19 per cent, while community and cultural facilities represented 17 per cent. Public accessibility accounted for 9 per cent and green open space for 8 per cent.
Responses consistently placed heritage conservation at the centre of any potential future use. Many participants also supported increased public access and the retention or expansion of green space, while ideas for community and cultural uses included museums, galleries, performance areas, educational facilities and artist studios.
Housing produced more varied responses. Some participants supported affordable or higher-density housing, including options for key workers, while others opposed residential development because of concerns about its effect on the site’s heritage character.
Principles Set Out for Potential Change
A November 2025 City of Sydney report proposed eight guiding principles to help frame future decisions if the land were to be divested.
The principles covered heritage and military significance, public accessibility, green open space, diverse housing, cultural and community use, compatible commercial activity, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and planning and management. They also proposed improved walking connections, adaptive reuse of existing buildings and protection of important landscaped areas and sightlines.
The same report described the approximately 15-hectare barracks as an active military site at that time, accommodating Forces Command and the Australian Army Band Sydney. The site is bounded by Oxford Street, Greens Road, Moore Park Road and Oatley Road.
Built between 1841 and 1848, the barracks are listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List and are also locally listed. The site includes the Soldiers’ Quarters, Officers’ Quarters, Guard House, Garrison Hospital and Barracks Master’s Quarters, while state heritage-listed Busby’s Bore partly lies below the site.
Paddington Community Encouraged to Respond
Woollahra Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to take part in the current process, with heritage conservation, public open space, community facilities, cultural uses, housing and continued public access among the matters raised for consideration.
The Department of Finance’s Defence Estate Audit invites feedback and future-use options for listed properties. Submissions can be made through the department’s consultation process as consideration of individual sites continues.
Published 10-September-2026
