Surry Hills Rises: $41m Hotel to Emerge from Ashes of Historic Hat Factory

A massive fire 16 months ago devastated a historic hat factory in Surry Hills, setting it up for a phoenix-like transformation into a multimillion-dollar hotel.

The City of Sydney has approved a nine-storey development to replace the former Hendersons Hat Factory, bringing new life to the site that was once a bustling hub of Sydney’s millinery industry.

The $41.4 million redevelopment at 7-15 Randle Street will feature a 123-room hotel, two restaurants, a bar, and a cafe. It will also pay homage to the site’s industrial heritage by incorporating salvaged remnants of the fire-ravaged factory, including charred wood and brickwork.

The City of Sydney’s approval of the plans underscores the development’s alignment with the area’s desired future character and its efforts to restore elements crucial to the site’s heritage significance. The site owners welcome this decision, as the fire tragically interrupted their previous redevelopment plans.

The approved plans showcase a thoughtful approach to preserving the site’s history. A public and interpretative digital art strategy will commemorate the 112-year-old hat factory’s legacy. The new structure will integrate charred timber posts, beams, and an original fire bell salvaged from the inferno.

Before the fire, the factory was well-known for its role in Australia’s domestic and international production of felt and straw hats. R. Henderson, a manufacturer of ladies’ hats, had the factory built in 1912. C. Henderson, the factory operated for about 40 years before closing in the 1950s, reflecting the broader decline of Sydney’s millinery industry.

The redevelopment also includes landscaping, pedestrian links, and streetscape improvements. While the fire caused the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents and businesses and led to charges against two 13-year-old boys, the focus now shifts to the future.

The transformation of this landmark site into a vibrant hotel complex signals a new chapter for Surry Hills, blending historical preservation with modern development.

Published Date 20-September-2024