Surry Hills Archives - Page 4 of 19

Former Cue Clothing Headquarters in Holt & Hart Building Now For Sale

A slice of Sydney fashion history has hit the market, with the former Cue Clothing headquarters now available for sale in Surry Hills’ landmark Holt & Hart building.

The sprawling double-storey penthouse at 50 Holt Street offers 4613 square metres of premium office space across levels six and seven, connected by an open internal staircase. The property comes with landscaped balconies, rooftop entertainment areas and panoramic views across the city skyline.

Built specifically for the fashion label, the space reflects Cue’s creative vision throughout its design. Level six spans 1908 square metres, while level seven covers 1890 square metres and features a distinctive sawtooth roof with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to pour in from three sides.

According to Matt Pontey, national director and co-head of investment sales at Cushman & Wakefield, the property has already attracted considerable attention from potential buyers in fashion, design and technology sectors, as well as institutional investors seeking a prominent presence in the tightly held precinct.

The building itself dates back to 1968, when it was originally constructed to serve Sydney’s garment industry. A comprehensive renovation in 2010 transformed the structure into what’s been described as a vertical creative village, playing a key role in establishing Surry Hills as a centre for design, architecture and technology businesses.

Today, the Holt & Hart building houses more than 50 premium firms and sits within the Tech Central Innovation Precinct, just 300 metres from Central Station.

Harry George, director of commercial sales at Savills, notes the property’s position at the convergence of design, commerce and innovation within the building.

Privacy and exclusivity feature prominently, with a dedicated express lift and ground-floor car park offering discreet access to the penthouse levels.

The site’s mixed-use zoning opens up various potential future applications, from boutique hotel development to luxury residential conversion, providing flexibility for owner-occupiers or investors.

Cushman & Wakefield and Savills are jointly marketing the property, with a price guide between $35 million and $40 million. Expressions of interest close at 2pm AEDT on Thursday, 4 December.

The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire space in one of Surry Hills’ most recognisable buildings, in an area that has become increasingly sought-after by creative and technology companies.

Published 11-November-2025

$250m Heritage Precinct Planned in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: DKO Architecture

A $250 million proposal to redevelop a collection of Edwardian-era warehouses on Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills has been submitted, aiming to create a new commercial and hospitality precinct while preserving the area’s architectural heritage.

Heritage Warehouses Set For Redevelopment

Willow Group, in partnership with Pongrass Properties, has lodged plans with the City of Sydney to redevelop five adjoining warehouses at 4–22 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. The project represents one of the last major heritage renewal opportunities on Sydney’s city fringe.

Originally proposed as a hotel development in 2019, the site has since evolved into a mixed-use commercial precinct combining retail, hospitality, and office spaces. The five buildings, which were progressively acquired by a single owner over five decades, will be adapted to modern use while retaining their heritage character.

Design and Architectural Approach

Following a six-week City of Sydney Design Excellence Competition, DKO Architecture and Aileen Sage were announced as the winning team. Their proposal maintains the distinct façades of the existing warehouses while incorporating new elements such as a three-storey glass atrium, sculptural staircases, and rooftop terraces featuring native vegetation.

The redevelopment spans between five and thirteen storeys and delivers over 7,000 square metres of net lettable area. Landscape designer Dangar Barin Smith has been engaged to design two entrance lobbies and internal green spaces.

The architectural team’s approach focuses on adaptive reuse, ensuring that new structures remain secondary to the original buildings. The project will employ Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and glulam construction to minimise embodied carbon and improve environmental performance.

Wentworth Avenue — *Photo Credit: DKO Architecture*

Commercial and Leasing Opportunities

The completed precinct is expected to provide 16 leasing opportunities, including high-end food and beverage venues, laneway cafés, and A-Grade commercial offices. The Rubinstein Group has been appointed to manage leasing for the development, with Head of Projects James Nixon confirming active discussions with leading national and international hospitality operators.

The site’s location near Hyde Park positions it within walking distance of Central Station and Sydney’s emerging tech precinct anchored by the Atlassian building. The project aims to attract a diverse mix of creative and corporate tenants, reflecting current demand for high-quality fringe commercial spaces.

Surry Hills redevelopment — *Photo Credit: DKO Architecture*

Sustainability and Environmental Features

The project incorporates a range of environmental initiatives designed by sustainability consultancy Finding Infinity. These include advanced displacement ventilation systems, natural lighting, and low-carbon materials rarely seen in heritage conversions.

Rooftop gardens, bio-solar roofs, and vertical greenery will feature endemic plant species, reinforcing the design’s connection to local ecology. The development targets zero-waste and zero-carbon outcomes, integrating sustainability with heritage preservation.

Development Timeline and Outlook

Pending final approval from the City of Sydney, construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. Willow Group and its planning team continue to work collaboratively with local authorities to progress the proposal.

The Wentworth Avenue redevelopment represents a significant investment in Surry Hills, combining heritage preservation with environmentally responsible urban renewal to reshape the suburb’s commercial landscape.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Woman Hospitalised as Severe Winds Bring Down Tree in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Facebook / Julie Williams

A Surry Hills woman remains in hospital after she came into contact with live power lines when severe winds caused a large tree to crash across Bourke Street this afternoon.

The dramatic incident unfolded during severe weather conditions that battered Sydney’s inner suburbs, with the fallen tree bringing down power lines, crushing multiple vehicles and damaging several properties along the street.

NSW Ambulance crews treated the woman, believed to be in her 30s, at the scene before transporting her to St Vincent’s Hospital in a stable condition for ongoing monitoring.

The collapsed tree has left approximately 50 local businesses and residences without power, including the well-known Bourke Street Bakery. Energy provider Ausgrid has indicated the outage should be resolved within hours.

The tree’s fall has caused significant damage to the streetscape, with parked cars crushed beneath its branches and at least one property currently listed for sale among those affected by the incident.

Emergency services, including Fire and Rescue NSW and energy crews, have been working at the scene throughout the afternoon to make the area safe and begin restoration work.

The incident comes as Sydney experienced a particularly violent bout of weather today, with the Bureau of Meteorology having warned residents about strong and potentially damaging westerly to north-westerly winds across greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains.

The NSW State Emergency Service had urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and secure loose items ahead of the wild weather, which was expected to ease during the early evening.

Weather-related incidents were reported across Sydney throughout the afternoon, demonstrating the widespread impact of today’s conditions on the city’s infrastructure and residents.

Published 12-October-2025

Tech Central’s Expansion Brings Fresh Energy to Surry Hills

Surry Hills is back in focus as Sydney’s inner-city tech scene continues to expand around Central Station. The renewed activity signals that the wave of redevelopment first seen in lower Surry Hills is set to continue, with more investment, job opportunities, and business growth expected in the area.

A Growing Hub of Innovation

Once known for its mix of heritage warehouses and creative studios, Surry Hills is now seeing steady interest from tech firms and start-ups looking for space close to the city’s digital core.

The surrounding blocks near Central Station and Chippendale have become part of Sydney’s broader push to build a technology and innovation corridor. This shift has drawn new businesses, co-working spaces, and commercial refits into once-quiet streets, reshaping the local economy while keeping its character intact.

The Policy Behind the Push

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey recently confirmed that the NSW Government will continue supporting large-scale private investments that drive jobs and innovation. Through a new Investment Delivery Authority, the state will fast-track approvals for billion-dollar data, energy, and infrastructure projects, with $17.7 million allocated in the 2025–26 Budget.

*Photo Credit: Daniel Mookhey MLC/Facebook*

The initiative builds on earlier commitments to transform underused urban sites into productive spaces that attract both local and global investors.

Keeping the Tech Central Momentum

Lower Surry Hills sits within the Tech Central precinct, a six-suburb innovation zone stretching from Central Station to Camperdown. The precinct is home to start-ups, research institutions, and creative industries, many of which rely on strong links between business, education, and digital infrastructure.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

The new policy ensures these developments continue at pace, encouraging private investment that complements the area’s urban renewal and technological focus.

What It Means for the Community

For locals, the continued growth means more nearby jobs, improved transport connections, and new small businesses opening to serve the growing workforce. Heritage buildings will likely see further adaptive reuse, supporting a mix of traditional and modern architecture that keeps Surry Hills’ identity alive.

While fast-tracked approvals promise efficiency, planners are expected to maintain consultation processes to ensure development fits the community’s long-term needs.

Published 6-October-2025

Reader’s Digest Building in Surry Hills Finds New Purpose in 21st Century

Photo Credit: Twentieth.org.au

Sydney’s Reader’s Digest Building in Surry Hills, once labelled one of the city’s most unusual structures, is set for a major refresh into a creative hub that reworks its mid-century character while keeping its heritage features intact. The $23-million project will adapt the Brutalist building for contemporary use while preserving its distinct personality and architectural value.

Restoring a Local Icon

Built in 1967 at 26–32 Waterloo Street and heritage-listed by the City of Sydney, the Reader’s Digest Building remains a standout of postwar design. Architect John James combined expressive concrete forms with artistic detail rarely seen in commercial buildings of that era. The sculptural ironwork by Douglas Annand and rooftop garden by Bruce Mackenzie helped establish its reputation for experimentation, though some pieces—considered too suggestive at the time—were removed before the building opened.

Architects Adam Haddow of SJB and Matthew Byrnes of Design 5 – Architects are now leading the refurbishment. Planning documents from the City of Sydney outline improvements to accessibility, natural light and sustainability.

Media coverage also notes the retention of original features such as handrails, lighting, and other mid-century details.

Creative Energy in Surry Hills

Haddow said the project is designed to create a “honey pot for creative activity” in Surry Hills, describing it as an informal town hall for the community. The redevelopment includes a ground-floor café and new tenancy areas, with upgraded entries and access from Cooper Street. The team’s approach builds on James’ use of the Fibonacci sequence to achieve human-centred proportions—a concept that remains central to the redesign.

Reader's Digest Building — *Photo Credit: Twentieth.org.au*

The building owner, Barana Group, which purchased the site in 2019, is collaborating with Design 5 on heritage refurbishment and SJB on interior design. The Reader’s Digest Building is recognised in heritage documentation as an important example of 20th-century architectural innovation. The structure has also been the focus of an earlier Environmental Upgrade Agreement, which aimed to enhance energy performance.

The current works will reinstate Annand’s sculptural elements, some of which were stored for decades. The restoration will also rebuild the rooftop garden and integrate new systems that bring the building in line with modern performance and accessibility standards.

Reviving the Surry Hills Spirit

Project teams see the redevelopment as part of Surry Hills’ continuing shift from industrial zone to creative district. Once known for print and publishing, the suburb is now filled with studios, cafés, and small design firms.

Haddow, a nearby resident, says the renewed Reader’s Digest Building should serve as a local gathering place, continuing the building’s original mission to connect people through ideas and creativity.

Works are slated to begin in late 2025; a public completion date has not yet been announced.

Published 6-Oct-2025

Ach And Shaffa Collaborate On Levantine Menu In Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Shaffa

Shaffa in Surry Hills will host Brisbane restaurant Ach for a one-night 10-course Levantine tasting menu, bringing together two distinctive culinary styles.

Culinary Collaboration In Surry Hills

On Monday, 13 October 2025, Shaffa will stage a one-off dining event featuring a collaborative menu created with Ach from Brisbane. The menu will cost $140 per person and includes a welcome cocktail, with optional wine pairings offered on the night.

The 60-seat venue, located on Albion Street and framed by heritage-listed sandstone buildings, will host the evening in its open atrium dining space where guests can watch the chefs at work.

Ten Dishes, Two Approaches

The menu alternates between five courses from Shaffa and five from Ach, highlighting different interpretations of Levantine cuisine. Shaffa will feature seafood-focused dishes with herb-driven notes, while Ach will present land-based plates with fermented and textural elements.

Dishes set for the evening include Sydney Rock Oysters with celery and caraway, a snack course featuring Renga Doughnut with smoked fish, Tahdig crisp with Wagyu Nayyeh, Moroccan Carrot Spiral, and Fried Tart with Pepita Zhoug. Mains will include Ach’s Braised Oxtail Kibbeh with Bone Marrow Sabzi, Wagyu Tri Tip, and Shaffa’s Grilled Murray Cod with sunflower tarator and artichoke chips.

Shaffa’s Setting And Story

Shaffa was established by Erez Nahum, who based its concept on the street markets of Tel Aviv where he grew up. The restaurant is known for share-style Middle Eastern plates prepared with fresh ingredients, alongside cocktails inspired by regional flavours and a diverse wine list.

The venue is uniquely located between the circa 1855 Appletree Inn and the circa 1884 former Catholic church, adding to its historic setting.

Booking Information

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, 13 October 2025 at Shaffa, 80 Albion Street, Surry Hills. Reservations are required and can be made via shaffa.com.au.

Shaffa can accommodate dietary requirements if notified at least 48 hours in advance but cannot guarantee allergen-free meals. For bookings of seven or more, a set menu applies along with a 10 per cent service fee.

Looking Ahead

The one-night collaboration between Ach and Shaffa will give diners in Surry Hills an opportunity to experience two culinary perspectives on Levantine cuisine in a single shared menu.

Published 28-Sep-2025

New Surry Hills 40Res Offers Intimate Wine Bar Experience

Photo Credit: 40Res

Surry Hills has welcomed a charming new addition to its dining scene with the opening of 40Res, a cosy neighbourhood wine bar that prioritises genuine hospitality over flashy trends.

Located at 40 Reservoir Street, the intimate venue is the first solo venture from chef-owner Josh Raine, who served as executive chef at the renowned Tetsuya’s restaurant for six years until its closure in 2024. Raine, who is also the inaugural chef-in-residence and culinary director at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Restaurant Canvas, has partnered with general manager Keliann Zellman to create what they describe as a relaxed space for locals to enjoy quality food and wine.

The 60-seat venue takes a deliberately low-key approach, situated away from the bustle of Crown Street in a quiet side street near Central Station. The pair have recruited head chef Michael Tran, whose experience includes working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Ldsgondon, including the now-closed Hibiscus, as well as Sydney venues The Bellevue and Clove Lane.

40Res opened its doors in early 2025, with the team focusing on creating an unhurried dining experience where walk-ins are welcome and there’s no time limit on bookings. The interior design makes clever use of the previous restaurant’s infrastructure, featuring whitewashed walls, dried flowers suspended from timber rafters, and artwork by Mitsuo Shoji that creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a European farmhouse kitchen.

The menu reflects both chefs’ international experience, with Raine drawing inspiration from his British heritage alongside global wine bar culture. Dishes include creative takes on familiar favourites, such as coral trout fish fingers served with a house-made pil-pil sauce, and casarecce e pepe featuring the traditional cheese and pepper combination. The kitchen also prepares fresh seafood dishes and seasonal salads to complement the wine selection.

The wine program celebrates boutique winemakers and top-tier Australian produce through a snack-driven menu inspired by the team’s travels abroad. Sommelier Lauren Baker has curated a concise list focusing on drops from boutique producers worldwide, with selections served in quality Plumm glassware.

The venue operates Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 11pm, with outdoor seating available year-round thanks to space heaters and blankets provided during cooler months. The philosophy encourages guests to “stop in for a glass, stay for a bottle” and enjoy the beauty of an unhurried evening.

book a table now!

For Surry Hills residents seeking a neighbourhood spot that prioritises quality over pretension, 40Res represents a welcome addition to the local dining landscape, offering the expertise of fine-dining professionals in a relaxed, accessible setting.

More information is available at www.40res.com.au or by visiting 40 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills.

Published 13-September-2025

Cult Favourite S’wich Opens Second Location in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Google Search / S'WICH | surry hills

The sandwich scene in Surry Hills just got a serious upgrade with the arrival of S’wich, the beloved Bondi eatery that has built a devoted following since its humble beginnings as a pop-up in 2019.

The cult sandwich spot opened its doors at Wunderlich Lane on 6 June 2025, marking a significant expansion for founders and childhood mates Jordan Abram and Jay Fink. Their journey from a simple Bellevue Hill pop-up to permanent Bondi fixture in 2022, and now to Surry Hills, reflects Sydney’s growing appetite for elevated sandwich culture.

Photo Credit: Google Search / S’WICH | surry hills

Located at 2 Baptist Street within the new Wunderlich Lane precinct, which sits at the crossroads of Surry Hills and Redfern, S’wich has positioned itself alongside Regina Pizzeria in the ground level of the development. The precinct represents a significant transformation of the former Surry Hills Shopping Village site, marking nearly ten years of development coming to fruition.

The Surry Hills location isn’t just a carbon copy of the original Bondi shop. Local diners can sink their teeth into exclusive creations including the S’wich Schnit—a crispy chicken schnitzel number topped with white cabbage, pickled red onion, mayo, sticky sweet chilli, peanut chilli crack and shallots. There’s also Le Boof, featuring wagyu roast beef with horseradish mayo, baby cos lettuce, fresh tomato and pickled cucumber.

The interior design strikes a retro chord with tan brown tones throughout, complemented by both indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu extends beyond the signature sandwiches to include around ten pre-designed options, four melts, seven salads and a soup of the day. DIY sandwich enthusiasts can build their own creations with all available fillings.

One standout feature is the range of “crunches”—textural elements including dukkah, umami seeds, peanut chilli crack, honey walnuts and garlic breadcrumbs designed to add an extra dimension to each bite. Bread options span from Sonoma’s white, brown and sourdough varieties to AP Bakery’s focaccia and fenugreek sesame, plus Wholegreen Bakery’s gluten-free loaf.

A notable collaboration sees S’wich teaming up with a local Pilates studio for the Core Crunch salad, featuring Bannockburn free-range chicken, creamy dill mayo dressing, baby cos lettuce, house leaves, half an avocado, chives, fresh cucumber, tomato and honey walnuts.

The beverage selection focuses on bottled and tinned options including water, low-calorie sodas and freshly squeezed orange juice. Interestingly, coffee service is limited to tinned Suntory Boss coffee—a decision that may surprise caffeine-dependent locals accustomed to Sydney’s robust coffee culture.

Pricing reflects the premium positioning, with signature sandwiches ranging from around $20.50 for the S’wich Schnit to $24.90 for Le Boof, with specialty breads adding $2-3 to the total. French fries are available for $9.99, and the popular Green Goddess dressing can be added for $2.50.

S’wich Surry Hills operates seven days a week from 11am to 9pm, making it a convenient option for both lunch and dinner. The generous portion sizes mean many customers opt for takeaway boxes—a practical consideration for the area’s busy office workers and residents.

With Wunderlich Lane set to eventually house 30 restaurants, bars, and boutique stores when complete, S’wich’s early arrival positions it well to capture both curious locals and the precinct’s growing foot traffic.

The opening represents more than just another sandwich shop—it’s part of the ongoing evolution of Surry Hills’ dining landscape, where quality ingredients and creative combinations continue to find appreciative audiences willing to pay premium prices for elevated comfort food.

For Surry Hills residents seeking a departure from the usual lunch options, S’wich offers a compelling case for trading up from basic sandwiches to these carefully crafted creations that blur the line between casual and gourmet dining.

S’wich is located at Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist Street, Surry Hills. Open seven days, 11am-9pm.

Published 28-August-2025

Man Dies Fleeing Police After Alleged Surry Hills Robbery

A Sunday evening turned tragic in Surry Hills when a man died after falling five storeys from a unit block on Belvoir Street while allegedly fleeing police following an armed robbery at a local grocery store.

The incident began around 8pm on 24 August at Aruma Grocery on Devonshire Street, where police allege a masked man threatened staff with a large knife before making off with the cash register containing approximately $180.

Shop owner Faris Alwiswih described the frightening encounter, revealing that a customer in the store attempted to intervene by using a mop to stop the alleged robber. Despite refusing to hand over cash directly, the masked man took the entire cash register before fleeing the premises.

The alleged offender reportedly met with a 21-year-old woman outside the store, and the pair crossed the busy road and light rail tracks to reach nearby unit blocks.

Following their investigations, officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command tracked the suspects to a unit block on Belvoir Street approximately one hour later, around 9.10pm. When police entered the building, the man allegedly ran towards a unit balcony and jumped, falling five storeys to the ground.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner confirmed that police immediately provided first aid to the man, who was believed to be in his 40s. NSW Ambulance paramedics rushed him to St Vincent’s Hospital, but he died during transport.

The 21-year-old woman, identified as Tiahna Hatch, was arrested at the scene. She has been charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, destroying or damaging property under $2,000, and hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty. Hatch appeared in court on Monday and was granted bail, walking free from Surry Hills Police Station on Monday afternoon.

The incident has prompted a critical incident investigation by a team from Inner West Police Area Command. The investigation will undergo independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, with a report to be prepared for the Coroner.

For local residents and business owners along Devonshire Street, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by small retailers. The Aruma Grocery, located at 214 Devonshire Street, is a neighbourhood convenience store that serves the local community.

The man who died has not been formally identified, pending coronial processes.

The incident represents another concerning case in what police describe as an armed robbery that escalated into tragedy, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of such crimes in urban environments.

Published 25-August-2025

Surry Hills Shop Dog, Blondie, Reaches National Finals

Photo Credit: People 2 People

An Afghan Hound named Blondie spends her workday greeting customers at a small pet boutique in Surry Hills—and now she has a bigger job: she’s a finalist in a national office dog competition and carrying her neighbourhood’s hopes with her.

Blondie’s finalist spot is in the 2025 OZTOPDOG Top Office Dog category. Four years after being rescued, she became the face of LOVEDOG, a boutique created by her human to celebrate the bond between pets and people. The owner says Blondie’s daily impact at work inspired the business and continues to guide it.

A day with Blondie at the shop

On a dedicated sofa near the counter, Blondie settles in as customers come through the door. People sit beside her for a pat, take photos, and talk about the pets in their lives.

Staff note how those moments help strangers start friendly chats and make the shop feel relaxed. The dog’s presence is part of the service: an easy first step into conversation that brings regulars back.

From rescue to the shopfront

Her human describes meeting her as love at first sight. That bond grew into a plan for a community-minded boutique where dogs and their people could find products that fit their lives.

Blondie was central to that plan from the beginning and remains the brand’s in-store ambassador and “showroom manager,” a role she fills by simply being there, calm and curious.

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A post shared by Dog Photographer from Bondi Beach (@callofthewild_petphotography)

Work beyond the shop

Blondie also works as a model. Recent shoots include Vogue, ALDI and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Her earnings were put towards launching LOVEDOG, and her profile has introduced more locals to the shop. People recognise her around Surry Hills and drop in to say hello when they see her on the sofa.

The team behind LOVEDOG says Blondie highlights how pets help people connect. Quick chats in the shop add up to a stronger sense of place on the street. For them, the OZTOPDOG recognition reflects an everyday truth in Surry Hills: dogs are part of how the community meets, talks and looks out for each other.

VOTE FOR BLONDIE

Published 22-Aug-2025