Chippendale Archives - Surry Hills News

Proposed Five-Storey Hostel in Chippendale Aims to Accommodate Growing Tourist Numbers

A bold proposal has been lodged in Chippendale, one of Sydney’s rapidly evolving suburbs, aiming to transform a former telecommunications hub into a ‘backpackers accommodation’ that could reshape the local tourism landscape.

Read: Parkline Place: Sydney’s Green Tower to Host NSW Agencies and Private Sector From Early 2025

The site, located at 184-200 Broadway, was once the home of Telstra’s exchange building but is now set to become a five-storey tourist accommodation hub designed to meet the soaring demand for affordable lodging in the city.

Artist’s impression only (Photo credit: City of Sydney DA Tracker)

This $13 million project is poised to bring 1,058 beds to the heart of Chippendale, with the transformation focusing on making the most of the building’s existing structure while reimagining its interior spaces to create a modern, welcoming environment for visitors from around the world.

With a growing number of tourists flocking to Sydney, the need for diverse and accessible accommodation options has never been greater. The development aims to address this gap by offering a unique blend of hostel-style rooms, including four, six, and eight-bed options, perfect for short-term stays, with a maximum stay of 28 days to ensure a constant flow of guests.

The plans (D/2024/1165) also include a host of attractive communal amenities, such as a rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool and sunbathing decks, as well as an on-site bar and café to create a vibrant social atmosphere.

Guests will be encouraged to engage in activities like walking tours, food and drink sessions, and live events, fostering a sense of community among travelers. To accommodate the growing interest in cycling around the city, the development will also feature 100 parking bays for bicycles.

The choice of Chippendale for this project is no accident. This inner-city neighbourhood has seen rapid gentrification in recent years, with a thriving arts scene, innovative cafes, and a variety of lifestyle offerings that attract both locals and visitors alike. The building’s proximity to public transport and local amenities makes it an ideal location for tourists who want easy access to the city’s top attractions while enjoying the unique charm of a more local, creative community.

The hostel is being designed with a European influence, drawing inspiration from large-scale hostels like the Next House in Copenhagen, known for their modern, functional spaces that cater to a wide range of guests. This international inspiration is reflected in the project’s intention to provide a high-quality, affordable alternative to Sydney’s traditional hotel offerings, which are often out of reach for budget-conscious travelers.

Notably, while the building itself is not heritage-listed, it is situated within the Chippendale Heritage Conservation Area, meaning the development will need to respect the area’s historical significance while introducing a contemporary architectural design. This balance of old and new will help preserve Chippendale’s character while accommodating the needs of a growing and diverse population of tourists.

Read: Legal Dispute Over St Mary’s Cathedral Development Plans in Sydney

As Sydney continues to experience a surge in visitor numbers, with millions of tourists flocking to the city each year, the need for more diverse accommodation options is critical. This Chippendale hostel promises to be a key player in meeting that demand, offering a modern, cost-effective, and community-oriented space for travelers to stay, explore, and connect.

Published 10-April-2025

Darlington Public School Beats Global Icons to Win World Building of the Year

Darlington Public School, a small public school in Chippendale, has been named the World Building of the Year at the 2024 World Architecture Festival in Singapore, surpassing more than 220 global projects, including skyscrapers, museums, and transport hubs.

A Small School with a Big Win

Darlington Public School, designed by Sydney-based architectural firm FJC Studio, took home the top honour at the festival, which recognises the best in global architecture. The modest project was celebrated for its innovative design, cultural significance, and focus on community engagement, outshining larger and more prominent buildings.

The school’s new design replaces a 1970s building that was no longer suitable for modern learning. It now combines contemporary architectural features with outdoor spaces, including a basketball court and a community garden where students can grow native plants. The school accommodates more than 500 students across preschool, kindergarten, and primary levels.

Connection to Culture and Community

A key focus of the design was the strong connection to Indigenous culture. The architects incorporated Aboriginal art into various parts of the building, including the entrance, classrooms, and hall. Murals that were originally painted on the old school walls were carefully recreated in the new structure’s cladding. The garden also plays an educational role, teaching students about Indigenous foods and traditions.

The architectural firm noted that community collaboration was at the heart of the project. FJC Studio highlighted that the design process was shaped by the input of the school’s staff, families, and students, ensuring the new space met their needs while preserving the spirit of the original campus.

Modern Design Meets Sustainability

One of the standout features of the new school is its distinctive “sawtooth” roof, which is angled to optimise natural light and reduce energy use. Open-air terraces, surrounded by curved metal screens, allow sunlight to filter through while providing privacy for students.

The emphasis on sustainability and thoughtful use of outdoor areas ensures the school remains a welcoming and functional space for generations to come.

The project was completed in two stages to allow classes to continue without interruption, ensuring minimal disruption for students and teachers.

Global Recognition

The 2024 World Architecture Festival, now in its 17th year, brought together projects from around the globe across categories including housing, health, and transportation. Darlington Public School was selected as the overall winner from the category finalists by a panel of 175 judges. Other notable projects in contention included a solar power plant in Turkey and a national observatory in Cyprus.

FJC Studio’s success marks their second win at the festival, having first earned the title in 2013. The firm’s representatives said the win reflects the importance of smaller-scale projects that focus on community enrichment and cultural identity.

The architects emphasised that while the award is an exciting achievement, the true benefit lies with the students and community. The new campus offers a modern, culturally significant, and enriching environment for children to learn and grow.

Published 18-Dec-2024

Surry Hills Outshone? Chippendale Now Australia’s ‘Coolest’ Neighbourhood

Photo Credit: Zigi’s Wine Bar

Surry Hills may be known for its trendy cafes and bustling atmosphere, but a surprising contender has stolen the spotlight as Australia’s “coolest” neighbourhood.

Chippendale neighbourhood — *Photo Credit:* *White Gallery Rabbit/ Facebook*

Timeout Magazine, in its annual ranking of the world’s most vibrant locales, has placed Chippendale at the top of the Australian list, even beating out internationally renowned districts like New York’s Flatbush and Berlin’s Friedrichshain. This unexpected victory has sparked conversation and raised eyebrows amongst Sydneysiders, with many questioning how this inner-city suburb surpassed its well-established neighbours.

Timeout’s selection process considered various factors, including street culture, food options, nightlife, and artistic connections. While Chippendale may have flown under the radar for some, Timeout Sydney Editor Alice Ellis highlighted its recent transformation. She noted that while many enjoyed cocktails in nearby Surry Hills, Chippendale was quietly developing into a lively, community-focused hub.

This evolution is evident in the diverse range of activities available. Alongside acclaimed restaurants like Ester, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, from attending concerts at Phoenix (accessible through a free ballot system) to exploring quirky art galleries. The suburb also boasts a gamer’s paradise called Fortress, an always-open Asian food market, and some of the city’s most unique pubs that champion live music and comedy.

Small public parks and a weekly farmers’ market further contribute to the village-like atmosphere enjoyed by residents and students from the two universities surrounding this unassuming yet dynamic suburb.

This shift is also evident in the suburb’s diverse offerings. Its proximity to three major universities has made it a student haven, with popular pubs and bars like the Lansdowne, Abercrombie, and Lord Gladstone drawing crowds. Each venue exudes a unique “edginess” with its dark decor, rooftop spaces, and emphasis on the local music scene, showcasing both bands and DJs.

Art is another cornerstone of Chippendale’s appeal. Galleries abound, showcasing a range of styles. The suburb boasts renowned spaces like Judith Nelson’s “White Rabbit” gallery, which focuses on contemporary Chinese art. Others include Nanda/Hobbs, Peach Black, and the Harrington Street Gallery, all offering accessible and modern exhibitions.

For those planning a trip to Sydney, Chippendale will be a key player in the upcoming SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. Previously held exclusively in Austin, Texas, this “festival for the curious” is coming to Sydney this October, with Chippendale hosting various events and activations.

Despite its vibrant character, Chippendale’s “coolest” title has been met with mixed reactions. Some locals expressed their surprise on social media, reflecting on the suburb’s past and acknowledging its significant evolution. Others questioned the decision, pointing to larger, more established suburbs like Paddington, Newtown, and Surry Hills, each with unique charm and appeal.

Chippendale wasn’t the only Australian neighbourhood to make a splash. Melbourne’s Windsor secured a respectable 10th place, surpassing other popular areas like Brunswick and Fitzroy. Known for its vintage clothing stores and diverse culinary scene, Windsor’s inclusion highlights the city’s unique blend of fashion and food.

Perth’s Northbridge and Adelaide’s Norwood also earned spots on the list. Northbridge, home to Perth’s Chinatown and a thriving arts scene, including the WA Art Gallery and WA State Theatre, secured 21st place. Norwood, often compared to Sydney’s Leichhardt, claimed the 35th spot with its acclaimed Italian restaurants, cellar doors, gin distilleries, and micro-breweries.

While the “coolest” label is subjective, Chippendale’s recognition underscores its transformation into a dynamic and engaging destination.

Its blend of student life, artistic expression, and unique nightlife has captured Timeout’s attention, placing it firmly on the map as a must-visit destination in Sydney.

Published Date 22-October-2024

Historic Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale Spurs Concerns Over Its Cultural Heritage Amidst Sale

The announcement of the sale of the $25-million sale of the Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale has sparked a wave of nostalgia among the local community. With its deep-rooted history as a cornerstone of Sydney’s nightlife and gig culture, concerns about the potential impact of the sale on the vibrant music scene and social fabric of the area have risen.

Since its inception in the 1930s, the Lansdowne Hotel has been a favourite hangout spot for students from the nearby University of Sydney. Its live entertainment offerings, diverse music events, and welcoming ambience have attracted generations of music enthusiasts and social revellers.

Located in Chippendale, the hotel sits amidst a rapidly evolving landscape, surrounded by ambitious urban renewal projects and the proposed Tech Central innovation precinct. As the government-backed technology hub continues to take shape, there are growing concerns that the development may overshadow the cultural significance of the Lansdowne Hotel and alter the area’s character irreversibly.

For long-time patron Sarah Thompson, the Lansdowne Hotel is more than just a venue; it is also a gathering place for celebrating milestones discovering new talents and creating memories with a group of friends. Thompson hopes that whoever buys the venue will give value to its significance.

*Photo Credit: Australian National University*

Amidst the concerns, the brokerage firms handling the sale, HTL Property and IB Property, assure that the hotel’s favourable planning approvals offer opportunities for alternative uses, including commercial, retail, and accommodation purposes. This has provided hope for some that the venue’s heritage can be retained while finding a sustainable future in the changing landscape of Sydney’s southern CBD precinct.

The Lansdowne Hotel’s sale is expected to garner significant interest, with expressions of interest set to close on 16 Aug 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

Published 25-July-2023

Toby’s Estate Chippendale Is Redefining The Cafe Experience

After more than 20 years since opening in Chippendale, Toby’s Estate continues to evolve, now transforming its flagship store and redefining the cafe experience.

Read: Two Good Co Opens First Cafe at Historic Darlinghurst Building

Designed by architects Russell & George, the new space features an island brew bar for customers to get up close, ask questions and share their passion for coffee.

Overhead mirrors allow those who want to watch from afar whilst the glass doors at the back of the cafe give customers a behind-the-scenes look into their roastery.

A pet-friendly outdoor seating is on the cards, to make it a more welcoming space for diners who wish to visit with their fur babies.

Aside from allowing guests to chat with baristas, the experience lets coffee lovers learn more about the filtering process and see coffee being roasted. Hoping to connect more with their patrons, the owners make sure the staff aren’t only extremely knowledgeable to do the job, but are also warm and hospitable.

Tobby’s Estate classics are still available, like the iconic Woolloomooloo blend, and new favourites like the sweet and creamy Strawberries & Cream and Juicy Fruit blend and the ready-to-drink Not Hot coffee range.

Photo credit: Toby’s Estate Coffee/Facebook

It’s not all coffee though, as Toby’s Estate will continue to offer their hearty treats, such as the famous Wagyu or pastrami toasties or baguettes served with salmon and pickled zucchini. Those who crave something sweet can find their counter filled with sweet treats and pastries courtesy of Tuga, a bakery based in Clovelly.

They are open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. along City Road, Chippendale.

Published 13-July-2022

Heritage-Listed Bar Broadway Hotel on the Market After 20 Years

Bar Broadway Hotel, a heritage-listed public landmark in Sydney, has gone on the market after 20 years. Formerly known as Sutherlands Hotel, the property located in Chippendale is at the heart of the development of Sydney’s new “Silicon Valley,” Chinatown, and the busy Central Station.

John Musca, the managing director of JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, said that it has been a long time since a hotel with “broad-based business drivers” was offered to the market. The offer includes a 24-hour hotel licence with a coveted thee-hour gaming shutdown, 28 electronic gaming machines, bar and two levels with 36 accommodation beds.

In Sydney, only a handful of hotels have a three-hour gaming shutdown as most permits provide shutting down gaming for six hours daily. The site is also in a plum position to cater to a growing commercial and retail market, as well as a residential location for international students and professionals.

Bar Broadway Hotel has an activated development as well that may allow for expansion to two more storeys to nearly double its room capacity.

Constructed in 1939, the former Sutherlands Hotel was also known as the Tooth and Co pub, the Westminster Hotel, and Guys & Dolls Hotel. Its current owner is a retiree based in the United Kingdom.

The building, designed by Rudder & Grout, is “one of the few corner hotel ceramic tiled interiors to be retained largely intact,” per the Council’s heritage listing.

Expression of interest for this property is expected to close on 30 June 2022 with a price tag of $45 million.

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.

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

Acrette Opens in Chippendale As Acre Camperdown Prepares to Close

Have you ever dined at the Acre, the popular farm-to-table restaurant in Sydney’s inner west? The group behind the business has recently launched a new but slightly tweaked concept in Chippendale, naming the eatery Acrette.

Farm-to-table food has grown in popularity because it promotes healthy eating as the locally sourced produce and other ingredients used to prepare the meals are served fresh from harvest, packed with all the vitamins and nutrients the body needs for nourishment.

Restaurateurs, however, have been experimenting with an emerging “fast-casual concept” of farm-to-table food. In Acrette, the ingredients are still sourced from local producers directly but the cafe and bakery prepare a more affordable selection of fresh and healthy meals on-the-go, especially at a time when dining indoors at restaurants might be risky due to the pandemic.

Acrette, located on 822 George Street, has heaps of salads, food bowls, paninis, pies and pastries that customers may easily order for takeout. Their baked goods also go well with choices of Gypsy Coffee to energise customers who would like to start their day full and satisfied.

The new Chippendale cafe opens just as Acre in Camperdown is preparing to close in May 2021, after five years of operation. But co-Director John Tully is confident that Acre patrons will embrace Acrette just as much as its original concept as the company grabs the opportunity to shift and set a new direction.

Follow Acrette on Facebook for menu updates and opening hours.

How Chippendale Became a Hip and Happening Sydney Suburb

It took some time for Chippendale to evolve from a working-class suburb to what Travel + Leisure magazine now refers to as one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Sydney. But it was only a matter of time for this area adjacent to Surry Hills, Redfern and Ultimo, where urban renewal and gentrification began in the early 2000s.

After Carlton & United Breweries in Blackwattle Creek announced the closure of Kent Brewery in 2003, Chippendale’s gentrification slowly started. However, it took the locals almost a decade later to enjoy the urbanisation and changes happening all around.

The old brewery, redeveloped with a $2 billion funding, became a major mixed-use site for an apartment complex, offices, event hubs, retail spaces and restaurants. By 2013, One Central Park East was Chippendale’s busiest community centre.

With its vertical gardens and the Central Park Mall in the lower levels, One Central Park East was cited for its functional, sustainable and aesthetic design by international construction data company, Emporis.

Its rise followed a massive residential and commercial redevelopment converging with the public parks on Balfour Street and the Chippendale Green, which were built before the buildings between 2009 to 2012.

The public parks had a special landmark — an art installation called Halo, designed by Jennifer Turpin and Michaelie Crawford.

This sculpture has a large ring that tilts or turns in the direction of the wind. Its concept was inspired by this suburb’s brewery heritage. The circle ring stood for the brewing-vat support and its off-centre placement represents the stirring of brew and tipsiness.

In due time, Chippendale’s very own lifestyle precincts highlighted some of the widely-praised establishments in Sydney, especially on Kensington Street. White Rabbit Gallery, built on a car manufacturer’s depot, became a favourite visual arts venue, whilst Spice Alley became the go-to place for Asian food.

Industrial warehouses in Chippendale were redeveloped into dwellings of different sizes for young professionals, small families, immigrants and students attending the universities nearby. Given the demographic, there are heaps of affordable establishments around the suburb. It’s a short walk to everything residents need: bakeries, cafes, groceries, shopping, galleries and green open spaces.

Chippendale’s housing is a mixture of high rises, two-storey brick buildings and Victorian-era terraces. Despite its boom, the neighourhoods are fairly peaceful. It’s close to Central Sydney too.