Surry Hills Archives - Page 3 of 19

Town Hall Square Plans: What a New $150-Million Plaza Means for CBD Retail Facilities

The proposal to demolish seven buildings opposite Sydney Town Hall to create a $150 million public square has raised concerns over access to essential services. The plan would see the removal of a popular Woolworths store, potentially limiting convenient shopping options for CBD residents at a time when the city centre is already short on essential services.

The proposal would demolish buildings on the block between George and Pitt Streets, including the Woolworths Town Hall supermarket, to create what has been described as a large civic gathering space intended to serve as the heart of the harbour city. The Woolworths store is understood to be the busiest supermarket in Australia by foot traffic and serves nearly 30,000 residents who live and work in the central business district, along with daily commuters using Town Hall Station directly below.

More than $36 million has gone into maintaining and upgrading the buildings now slated for demolition, raising concerns about the impact on local services. The draft long-term financial plan allocates $150 million for construction, with work expected to start before October 2028. This is a scaled-back version of earlier plans, which estimated costs of over $200 million and a start date no earlier than 2035.

CBD Recovery and Competing Priorities

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou argues that an open-space plaza across from Sydney Town Hall may have been a worthwhile project in the 1980s, but in 2026 and beyond it makes little sense. The industry body contends that demolishing the Woolworths building would tear at the commercial heart of the city at precisely the time it is needed most, noting that the plaza concept predates the realities facing the CBD today, including recovery from COVID, adaptation to work-from-home arrangements and the urgent task of revitalising the city centre.

The organisation says it is not the time to remove retail facilities, including supermarkets, from the city when efforts are underway to encourage more people to live in the CBD and to urge developers to convert older commercial buildings into much-needed residential housing. The loss of a major supermarket would create particular hardship for residents in Surry Hills and surrounding suburbs who rely on the Town Hall Woolworths as their closest full-service supermarket, accessible via a seven-minute light rail trip or 15 to 20 minute walk from Surry Hills along Oxford Street or Crown Street.

Decades of Planning and Shifting Timelines

Plans for a square outside Town Hall have been underway for more than 40 years, first proposed in the 1980s by a former city authority head. Over three decades, properties opposite Town Hall have been gradually acquired to make way for a future civic gathering space. Purchases include the Woolworths building, Hotel Coronation, Lowes on the corner of Pitt and Park Streets, 207 Pitt Street bought in 2004 for $19.9 million, and Pittsway Arcade acquired in 2016 for $43 million.

The Woolworths lease, originally due to expire in 2015, has been extended multiple times, most recently to December 2030. A 2020 extension helped ease budget pressures during the COVID pandemic. Terminating the lease early would have a major effect on the funds used to maintain services and infrastructure in the CBD. Woolworths has confirmed its Town Hall store remains very popular, and discussions with the authority continue about future plans and timelines. Big W also operates on the second floor following recent renovations.

Alternative Visions for CBD Public Space

A city authority representative has suggested funding would be better spent on Martin Place, which could be transformed more efficiently with separate zones for remembrance, interactive activities, and sports, including a large screen for public gatherings. The aim would be to create inclusive activations that bring the city together.

Public opinion is mixed. Some residents support improvements to Town Hall Station and hope Woolworths can remain in some form. Others are concerned the square could become an unshaded concrete space, while optimists imagine a European-style plaza with cafes, restaurants and event space.

The Town Hall Square is a key element of the Sustainable Sydney 2030 project, connecting George Street light rail to a new CBD pedestrian boulevard linking Circular Quay, Central Station and Town Hall. Early plans included a 5300-square-metre street-level plaza with an underground retail and supermarket precinct, though the revised project removes retail and hospitality activations. Authorities expect recommendations on project scope and a head designer this month, but the proposal has not yet sought nationwide funding.

Published 22-February-2026.

Sydney Fish Market Bike Path Sparks Safety Concerns Among Cyclists and Commuters

Sydney Fish Market

Hundreds of cyclists using a crucial route from Sydney’s inner west to the city say the shared bike path outside the new Sydney Fish Market on Bridge Road creates dangerous conflicts between riders and pedestrians, with many calling the design a “nightmare” for commuters.

The $836 million Sydney Fish Market development at 1 Bridge Road in Glebe includes a wide pavement designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, rather than a separated cycleway along what serves as a strategic cycling corridor. The bike path runs beside the market building, which opened in early February and is expected to attract more than six million visitors annually as the biggest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cyclist Bek Hawkins, who commutes between Glebe and Pyrmont, said the new shared bike path created a clash between people on their daily commute and tourists looking at the new building. The route improvement over riding in traffic has created a new hurdle as everyone walks around the markets while cyclists try to pass through.

Daily Commute Becomes Obstacle Course

Emma Taviani, another cyclist who rides past the fish market regularly, described the situation as feeling like an accident waiting to happen. The bike path forces busy crowds of market visitors to share space with cyclists traveling at speed on a route used by hundreds of riders each day.

Shared bike path plan — *Photo Credit: City of Sydney*

Local representatives had advocated for a separated cycleway since the very start of the project, requesting at every opportunity for this infrastructure to be included in the final design. A preliminary design of the precinct shows a fully separated cycleway running by the fish market along Bridge Road, with one less traffic lane than exists now.

Missing Links Create Additional Hazards

Beyond the shared bike path itself, cyclists face several dangerous pinch points that require sudden merges in and out of busy footpaths and traffic. Hawkins said her 10-minute commute between Glebe and Pyrmont sometimes leaves her shaken up by the time she arrives at work due to these clunky connections.

*Photo Credit: Janet Wahlquist / The Glebe Society*

Gemma Bassett, another regular cyclist, prefers to avoid the shared bike path altogether and ride on the road because the connections are disjointed and illogical. She said cycling on the road proves quicker and more convenient than navigating through pedestrian traffic on the shared path.

Ben, a local cyclist, said many riders feel caught in the middle. If they use the footpath, they risk getting in the way of pedestrians; if they ride on the road, they face frustrated drivers. The result, he said, is a lose-lose situation where tensions rise and cyclists end up looking like the problem.

Design Contradicts Best Practice

Urban designer and planner Michael Harrison, who has more than 40 years of experience in Sydney, said the final design contradicts policy recommendations and is inexplicable. Policy recommends building separated bike lanes in busy areas along strategic cycling corridors such as the route past the fish market.

Harrison noted that traffic lanes are needed for vehicle access, but space still would have been available for a dedicated cycleway due to the deep setback of the building from Bridge Road. The site serves as an important access point to ANZAC Bridge and the city, requiring accommodation for pedestrians, bike riders, public transport, coach visitors and motor vehicle traffic.

Advocacy Continues for Cycling Infrastructure

Peter McLean, chief executive of Bicycle NSW, said the real shame is that installing a bike path retrospectively will cost significantly more than building it during initial construction. Attitudes towards cycling are improving as more cycleway projects open across the city, but there remains a long way to go before best practice infrastructure is rolled out, he said.

Authorities said the shared bike path was constructed to best accommodate pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities in a constrained environment. They noted travel patterns in the area will continue to be monitored given current demand requires catering to a wide range of transport users.

The situation highlights broader tensions in planning active transport infrastructure, where competing priorities for road space can leave cyclists navigating compromised solutions that satisfy neither riders nor pedestrians using busy routes near major attractions.

Published 17-February-2026.

Man Refused Bail After Allegedly Impersonating Police Officer in Surry Hills

A man has been refused bail after allegedly impersonating a police officer during a midday incident in Surry Hills on Friday.

According to NSW Police, a 58-year-old woman was walking through Arnold Place, an alleyway in Surry Hills, around 11:45am when an unknown man stopped her and asked her to accompany him.

The woman attempted to leave the area and made her way to a shopping centre on Oxford Street before heading towards Brisbane Street. However, she realised the man was continuing to follow her.

Concerned for her safety, the woman took shelter in a garage on Oxford Street, where authorities were contacted. When a colleague arrived to assist her, police allege the man claimed to be a police officer.

Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command responded to the scene and arrested the man following their initial investigation.

He was transported to Surry Hills Police Station and subsequently charged with three offences: stalk or intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm, impersonate a police officer, and possess a prescribed restricted substance.

The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the Bail Division – Court 7 on Saturday, 14 February.

The incident occurred in the heart of Surry Hills’ busy Oxford Street precinct, a popular shopping and dining area frequented by locals and visitors.

Published 13-February-2026

Dog Dies After Stepping On Electrified Manhole Cover In Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Ausgrid/Facebook

A dog has died after stepping on an electrified manhole cover on a footpath in Surry Hills, prompting an investigation into a fault beneath Crown Street.

A Hidden Fault Beneath The Footpath

A dog has died after stepping on an electrified manhole cover on a footpath in Surry Hills, during an evening walk along Crown Street.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening. A woman was walking two dogs when one stepped onto the manhole cover and was electrocuted. The dog died at the scene.

The woman also received an electric shock and was taken to hospital for observation before later being released.

Surry Hills footpath — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Link Box Fault Under Investigation

The incident is believed to have been caused by a fault within an underground link box beneath the footpath. Ausgrid said components within the underground box are believed to have caused part of the covered pit to become energised.

Wet conditions were reported at the time, with rain considered a likely factor in creating an electrical pathway to the metal rim of the cover.

People walked across the area for about 15 minutes before it was secured, with rubber shoe soles credited with preventing further injuries.

Ausgrid Response

Ausgrid accepted responsibility for the incident, issued an apology, and said it appeared to be an isolated event. The company said the area has been made safe and a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause of the failure.

The company said it has spoken with the woman and will be providing support.

Recent Works Also Being Considered

The footpath had reopened only weeks earlier after redevelopment. Factors being examined include recent works and the condition of underground equipment.

Published 17-Jan-2026

How A Surry Hills Office Building Was Shaped By Movement And Imagination

Photo Credit: Design 5 Architects

The former Reader’s Digest Building in Surry Hills is being revisited through the eyes of its original architect, John James, who believes the office block was designed to make people feel movement, curiosity and freedom within its spaces.

A Building That Begins With Movement

At 94, architect John James returned to the Reader’s Digest Building, a project that defined both the height and conclusion of his architectural career. Designed when James was 33, the building was completed after four years and opened in November 1967 as the Sydney headquarters of the Reader’s Digest publishing house.

James has long maintained that architecture should feel physical rather than static. For him, a well-designed space encourages movement, curiosity and emotional response, rather than simply directing people from one point to another.

John James architect — *Photo Credit: Design 5 Architects*

A Departure From Office Design Norms

At the time of its completion, the Surry Hills building stood apart from prevailing office architecture. While glass towers dominated the era, James pursued expressive concrete forms influenced by Gothic architecture and organic proportions.

The structure became known for its curved surfaces, heavy concrete expression and interiors that contrasted sharply with its exterior. Inside were fountains, coloured finishes, gardens, high ceilings and distinctive lighting, all intended to soften the working environment and make it more human in scale.

The building was also the first office building in Sydney designed to house a computer, which at the time occupied an entire floor and was visible from the main entrance.

Sydney architecture — *Photo Credit: Design 5 Architects*

Recognition That Came Later

Initial reactions to the building were mixed, with some describing it as eccentric or unfashionable. Over time, however, its reputation shifted. In 2016, the building received an enduring architecture award recognising its long-term architectural significance, including its sculptural work by Douglas Annand and rooftop garden by Bruce Mackenzie.

Public commentary since has continued to reflect strong opinions, with many describing the building as one of Australia’s most distinctive commercial structures.

Revisiting The Original Vision In Surry Hills

A $23 million adaptive reuse project is now being finalised for the 4,200-square-metre, heritage-listed building. The refurbishment is being led by SJB and Design 5 – Architects, working with building owner Barana Group, which purchased the site in 2019.

The project aims to adapt the building for contemporary creative use while retaining original features. Planned works include accessibility upgrades, improved natural light, sustainability improvements, upgraded entries including access from Cooper Street, and new ground-level uses such as a café.

Restoring Playfulness And Discovery

James has encouraged the project team to embrace colour, curves and unexpected moments within the interior. He has described corridors not as passages, but as experiences that should unfold gradually, creating anticipation rather than efficiency alone.

The refurbishment also plans to reinstate Annand’s sculptural elements, some of which were concealed for decades, and rebuild the rooftop garden originally designed by Mackenzie.

A Space For Creative Exchange

The renewed building is intended to function as a shared creative environment within Surry Hills, encouraging collaboration and informal interaction among tenants. This approach aligns with James’ original intent to design workplaces that felt alive rather than rigid.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Tim Tam Price Sparks Reaction in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Arnott's

Customers in Surry Hills have reacted after Arnott’s Tim Tam Double Coat biscuits were listed at $7.20 at a Woolworths Metro store on Elizabeth Street, prompting a surge of online discussion about the shelf price.

How the Price Came to Attention

The $7.20 listing was spotted in late December 2025 and circulated widely on social media, with users expressing surprise at the cost of a single packet. Several comments focused on how the price compared with what shoppers said they were used to paying during frequent promotions.

What Was Seen In Surry Hills

The product identified in reports was Arnott’s Tim Tam Double Coat. The price was photographed on shelves at the Woolworths Metro on Elizabeth Street in Surry Hills, with some posts also referencing a two-for-$9 offer in the same setting.

How Pricing Works

It is understood Arnott’s has set a recommended retail price of $6 for Tim Tam biscuits. From there, retailers can set their own shelf prices.

Woolworths has confirmed Tim Tams are generally priced at $6 per packet, or two packets for $9, at more than 1,000 stores nationally. It is also understood pricing in some Metro stores may vary slightly due to higher operating costs.

Surry Hills Tim Tams — *Photo Credit: Arnott’s*

Consumer Response

Online responses included shoppers saying they would wait for specials, reduce purchases, or avoid buying the product at the higher price. Some users compared the $7.20 shelf price to earlier years when Tim Tams were more commonly seen at lower promotional prices.

Reports also noted claims from consumers that Tim Tams can be cheaper overseas, including in the UK, despite being made in Australia.

What Happens Next

No change to the Surry Hills shelf price was reported within the provided information. The reaction highlights continuing scrutiny from shoppers when pricing at smaller inner-city supermarkets differs from larger store formats.

Published 2-Jan-2026

Gas Ban Takes Effect For New Homes In Surry Hills From 2026

Photo Credit: Pexels

New planning rules affecting Surry Hills will take effect in 2026, with all newly approved residential developments required to move away from gas appliances under staged changes applying across the area.

Gas Ban Effectivity Date Confirmed

The new requirements will come into force from 1 January 2026, marking the official start of a gas ban for new residential developments in Surry Hills. From this date, newly approved homes must install electric cooktops, ovens, and indoor heating and cooling systems as part of updated planning controls.

The rules apply only to new developments that require development approval and do not affect existing homes, renovations, or previously approved projects.

Surry Hills gas ban — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Background And Planning Timeline

The changes follow planning work that began in 2023, when the move toward all-electric buildings was first flagged. The updated controls apply across the City of Sydney Local Government Area, which includes Surry Hills and several surrounding inner-city suburbs.

The policy is structured as a staged rollout, giving developers and future homeowners clarity about upcoming requirements well ahead of implementation.

Second Stage Begins In 2027

A further expansion of the rules will take effect from 1 January 2027. From this date, all new residential buildings must be fully electric, extending the ban to outdoor gas fittings such as heaters and barbecues.

This second stage ensures that new homes approved after that date meet full electrification standards rather than partial compliance.

new developments — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

What Is And Is Not Affected

Existing homes in Surry Hills with current gas connections are not impacted by the new rules. Renovations are also largely unaffected where they do not require a new development application. Industrial buildings are exempt under the current planning controls.

Gas hot water systems will still be permitted during the initial phase beginning in 2026. Mixed-use developments may continue to install gas kitchens, provided they are designed so they can be converted to electric systems in the future.

Broader Context

The staged introduction mirrors similar approaches already adopted in Victoria and the ACT, where restrictions on new gas connections are already in place for many residential developments.

What Happens Next

For Surry Hills, the confirmed dates mean developers planning projects from 2026 onward must factor in electric-only requirements, with full electrification mandatory for new homes approved from 2027.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Increased Police Presence Planned for New Year’s Celebrations

Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook

New Year celebrations in the Sydney CBD and key suburbs will take place amid heightened police security, with officers carrying long-arm firearms as part of a broader Sydney-wide safety response ahead of major public gatherings.

Events Leading To The Review

Security arrangements for major public events were reviewed following a mass-casualty shooting during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach on 14 December. The incident resulted in 15 deaths and multiple injuries and led authorities to reassess how large-scale events are policed.

The review focused on upcoming gatherings expected to draw large crowds. New Year’s Eve on 31 December is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year, with people moving through entertainment precincts, transport corridors and inner-city suburbs, including Surry Hills.

Policing Arrangements For New Year Events

Police will be deployed in increased numbers across Sydney during New Year celebrations. Officers will carry long-arm firearms, a measure not usually seen at public events of this type.

The deployment reflects findings from recent security assessments and is intended to strengthen response capability in crowded environments. Police visibility will be increased in areas with high pedestrian activity, particularly during peak evening periods.

While the presence of heavier firearms may be unfamiliar to some members of the public, the approach is aimed at managing risk during one of the city’s largest annual events.

Review Of Public Safety Measures

A broader review of public safety measures remains underway following the Bondi Beach attack. This includes examining how security is planned for major events and whether existing arrangements are sufficient to respond to serious threats.

The review is also assessing how resources are allocated during periods of increased crowd density. No further changes beyond the current measures have been confirmed at this stage.

Surry Hills security — *Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook*

Local Activity And Attendance

In the weeks after the 14 December attack, areas close to Bondi reported reduced foot traffic and cancelled bookings. These impacts were largely confined to locations near the site of the incident.

New Year events across Sydney are expected to proceed as scheduled. In inner-city suburbs such as Surry Hills, increased police visibility will form part of the operational plan to support crowd movement and public safety.

Looking Ahead

Security arrangements for New Year celebrations will continue to be monitored as events unfold. Further assessments are expected after 31 December to inform planning for future major public gatherings.

Published 29-Dec-2025

Afternoon Blaze Forces Dove and Olive Closure as Firefighters Battle Storage Room Fire

Photo Credit: Reddit / u/xiangK

Firefighters were called to the Dove and Olive pub on Devonshire Street this afternoon after a blaze broke out in a storage area, bringing light rail services to a temporary standstill.

Emergency crews arrived at the Surry Hills venue shortly before 2pm and quickly brought the fire under control. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the blaze appeared to have started in either a storage area or plant room within the building.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which required the temporary suspension of light rail services on the Randwick and Kingsford lines between Central and Moore Park while firefighters worked to contain the situation.

Following the extinguishment, crews conducted a detailed inspection of the premises to check for any remaining hot spots that could reignite. Superintendent Dewberry said firefighters were also working to ventilate the building and clear hazardous smoke from the structure.

The disruption to light rail services and local traffic was necessary to ensure public safety during the emergency response, though authorities worked to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and Fire and Rescue NSW will continue investigating the incident. An assessment of the damage to the popular local venue is still underway.

Local authorities have indicated they will keep the community updated as more information becomes available about the incident and any ongoing impact on the area.

Published 23-December-2025

New Paramart Vending Hub Opens Inside Hotel Lobby in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Paramount House Hotel

A new self-serve mini mart and vending machine called Paramart has opened inside the Paramount House Hotel lobby in Surry Hills, offering round-the-clock access to locally sourced food, drinks and in-stay items.

Background on the Surry Hills Project

Paramart launched on 14 November 2025 inside the lobby of the Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills. The space was created as an all-hours mini mart and vending point for hotel guests and for anyone passing through the area.

The nook was designed by Awa Studio, the practice led by Anna Wu, with visual direction shaped by artist Sonny Day. Domus Vim supplied the illuminated signage, while the styling drew from both retro Australian milk bars and Japanese vending culture.

How the Paramart System Works

Paramart operates 24 hours a day and combines a snack fridge, wine fridge and a customised vending machine. Guests can access food, drinks and in-room additions without needing hotel staff.

The selection includes onigiri and mochi from Parami, chocolate chip cookies and bread from AP Bread, taramasalata and chocolate yoghurt pots from Baba’s Place, tiramisu from Cicerone, and preserved items such as pâté, sardines, caviar and pickles. Single-serve bottled cocktails were developed with Bar Planet, alongside a stocked fridge of wine and liquor options.

Paramart system — *Photo Credit: Paramount House Hotel*

Borrowable Items for Hotel Guests

Beyond food and beverages, Paramart also provides items for guests to borrow through a custom locker system. The options include vintage Nintendo Game Boys, cassette players, tarot cards, chess sets, a pocket-sized drum machine, a curated reading library by Btwnlns and stretch kits by The Calmm.

Sydney food makers — *Photo Credit: Paramount House Hotel*

Design and Presentation in Surry Hills

The vending machine sits in a bright corner of the lobby, built with bold colours, mixed textures, mirrors and light features. A glowing sign marks the entrance beside the hotel lift, signalling the location for visitors and guests moving through the reception area.

Community and Visitor Use

Paramart offers a convenient option for hotel guests and locals in Surry Hills who want access to food and items outside standard trading hours. The model functions as both a contemporary amenity for visitors and a curated showcase of Sydney makers.

What Comes Next

Paramart operates continuously at 80 Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, with the hotel indicating it will remain a permanent amenity for guests and a public point of access for nearby visitors.

Published 21-Nov-2025