Surry Hills Archives - Page 5 of 19

Heritage Oxford Street Site Revived as 25hours Hotel The Olympia

Australia’s first 25hours Hotel will open in September on Oxford Street near Surry Hills, transforming a heritage-listed site into a 109-room boutique property.

Historic Site Converted to Boutique Accommodation

25hours Hotel The Olympia will open on 25 September 2025 at 1–11 Oxford Street, positioned at the intersection of Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, and Moore Park. The location occupies the heritage-listed site of the former West Olympia Theatre and Grand Pacific Blue Room, venues that once played a central role in Sydney’s cultural and social life.

Surry Hills 25hours Hotel — *Photo Credit: 25hours The Olympia*

Film-Inspired Room Design

The property will feature 109 guest rooms, including three themed suites. Rooms are divided into two styles: “Dreamers” on levels two and four, designed with light tones and a calm atmosphere, and “Renegades” on levels one and three, featuring darker colours, bold carpets, and art with a more adventurous tone.

The building’s design draws from its cinema history, with the lobby and shared spaces incorporating elements linked to film and theatre.

The Olympia Sydney — *Photo Credit: 25hours The Olympia*

Dining and Entertainment Venues

Four food and beverage outlets will operate within the hotel:

The Palomar, a 110-seat restaurant influenced by Southern European, North African, and Levant cuisines, led by Culinary Director Mitch Orr.
The Mulwray, a wine and cocktail bar focusing on biodynamic wines and classic drinks.
Jacob The Angel, a coffee house on the ground floor.
Monica, a rooftop bar with patterned floors and local murals inspired by a 1960s Hollywood style.

Community Access and Facilities

The Olympia does not provide on-site parking but is close to public transport, with bus stops nearby and a train station within a 15-minute walk. Guests will have access to bicycle hire to explore the surrounding area, including nearby Centennial Park.

Opening Events and Bookings

A program of local events will coincide with the hotel’s launch. Bookings are available now, with nightly rates starting from $399.

book now

Published 12-Aug-2025

Haven House South Dowling Supported by Industry in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Property Industry Foundation

A major youth housing initiative is underway in Surry Hills, with construction industry partners including Mapei supporting the delivery of 19 bedrooms at Haven House South Dowling.

Industry-Backed Youth Housing Project Advances in Surry Hills

A large-scale residential development aimed at addressing youth homelessness is moving forward in Surry Hills. Haven House South Dowling, led by the Property Industry Foundation in collaboration with Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, The Salvation Army, and industry partners including Mapei, will deliver 19 supported bedrooms for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24.

Multi-Partner Collaboration to Deliver Long-Term Support

Mapei, joining the Foundation as a Platinum Partner, is contributing high-performance building materials and on-site technical expertise to the South Dowling project. This contribution supports the overall construction process, with a focus on product sustainability, durability and efficiency.

The initiative brings together over 20 firms from the construction and property sector, including Charter Hall, Lendlease, ISPT and The GPT Group. A combined $3 million in funding from Homes NSW and a $5.9 million discounted lease from the City of Sydney underpin the project, while Goodman Foundation has contributed $1.5 million.

Construction of the 799 sqm development will be managed by Essence Project Management, with design by Fitzpatrick + Partners.

Program Structure and Resident Pathways

The building will consist of nine two-bedroom units and one single-bedroom unit. Each tenancy will be managed by The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services. Residents will receive ongoing support in areas including education, employment readiness, financial management and living skills.

The program will follow a stepped rent model to help residents establish a rental history, supporting future applications in the private housing market once full-time employment is secured.

This approach aims to provide a pathway out of homelessness, offering young residents both stable accommodation and tools for long-term independence.

*Photo Credit: Property Industry Foundation*

Industry’s Role in Social Outcomes

Mapei’s involvement reflects a wider industry shift towards social impact, with the company aligning this contribution with its broader values of sustainability and community engagement. As part of its role, Mapei will also participate in fundraising activities to help the Foundation reach its target of 300 completed bedrooms by the end of 2025.

Close to $1 million in pro bono consulting services has been delivered to date, with contributions from engineering, design and legal firms such as MinterEllison, Northrop, ADP Consulting and Arcadia.

A further $1 million in building costs is expected to be covered by donated materials from suppliers including Brickworks, CSR, and KONE.

Surry Hills Flagship Nears Construction Phase

Haven House South Dowling is expected to begin construction within the year. Once completed, it will be one of the few long-term supported housing facilities for young people in Sydney. The facility will feature communal areas, an outdoor terrace and landscaped green spaces designed to support both wellbeing and development.

The project is positioned as a model for industry-government-community collaboration in addressing youth homelessness.

Published 28-July-2025

B&B Italia Outdoor Store Opens in Surry Hills

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A new B&B Italia Outdoor showroom has opened in Surry Hills, marking the brand’s first standalone retail space dedicated entirely to its outdoor collection.

Background of the Brand Expansion

Italian furniture company B&B Italia has expanded its global presence with the opening of its first standalone showroom focused exclusively on outdoor furniture. The launch was carried out in partnership with Space Furniture, a retail design business that has operated in the Australian market for over 30 years.

B&B Italia established its outdoor division in 1975 under the name Compagnia delle Filippine. The collection was developed in collaboration with designers Afra and Tobia Scarpa, combining traditional weaving techniques from the Philippines with what was then regarded as cutting-edge Italian design. The outdoor offering was further developed in 2007, with new designs led by Patricia Urquiola.

A Dedicated Space in Surry Hills

Situated at 85 Commonwealth Street, the 450-square-metre Surry Hills showroom presents the full B&B Italia Outdoor range. The layout was developed by the company’s in-house design team and provides a comprehensive view of the brand’s outdoor product offering.

The opening forms part of B&B Italia’s global distribution strategy, which includes operations in more than 80 countries and over 800 retail locations worldwide.

Outdoor Collection Highlights

The B&B Italia Outdoor collection is designed to provide durability and comfort suitable for open-air use. Items in the range include sofas, chairs, armchairs, dining and nesting tables, and sun beds. Designs and materials are developed to manage environmental exposure while retaining functionality.

Featured items include the Erica ’19 range by Antonio Citterio and the Canasta collection by Patricia Urquiola. Other designers featured in the outdoor catalogue include Naoto Fukasawa, Vincent Van Duysen, and Mario Bellini. Legacy items, such as the La Bambola range originally designed in 1972, have been updated using outdoor-ready finishes and textiles.

Strategic Location in Surry Hills

The showroom is located in Surry Hills, an area identified for its growing residential development and active design culture. The suburb has seen a rise in architectural, cultural, and retail activity, aligning with the brand’s strategy for location placement.

Future Direction

The opening reflects B&B Italia’s ongoing collaboration with Space Furniture and signals a continuation of its product-specific retail approach. The Surry Hills showroom allows the company to present its outdoor collection in a dedicated environment, reinforcing its expansion into focused retail formats.

Published 14-July-2025

Deaths of Elderly Men in Cleveland Street Home Not Deemed Suspicious

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Two elderly men have been found dead in a Surry Hills home on Cleveland Street, with police confirming their deaths are not believed to be suspicious.

The bodies of the men, aged 74 and 83, were discovered on 5 July after a friend of their 63-year-old housemate contacted police requesting a welfare check. Emergency services arrived at the property around 2pm and initially found one body before locating a second man in another room within the terrace house.

According to NSW Police, both men are believed to have died at different times within the past month. The woman who lived with them, Eleanor Barker, had been residing in the home both before and after their deaths occurred.

Police have spoken with Barker but no charges have been laid. Detectives conducted door-to-door inquiries along Cleveland Street as part of their investigation to establish when the men were last seen alive.

Local resident Mitchell Morri described the deceased men as friendly neighbours who were well-known in the area. He recalled one of the men would often sit out the front of the house with a beer, and both were pleasant when encountered on the street.

Neighbours who spoke with Barker in the days leading up to the discovery described her as appearing upbeat and chatty during their interactions.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police preparing a report for the coroner. The identities of the two men have been confirmed, though their details have not been publicly released.

The incident has prompted discussions among residents about the importance of regular welfare checks, particularly for elderly community members living in share housing arrangements.

Published 10-July-2025

Police Investigate After Two Elderly Men Found Dead in Cleveland Street Home

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A quiet Cleveland Street home became the centre of a police investigation last week after two elderly men were discovered dead inside the residence.

NSW Police responded to a welfare concern at the Cleveland Street address on Thursday afternoon, 3 July, at approximately 2pm. Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command established a crime scene after locating the first body inside the home, with a second man’s remains found in another room shortly after.

The deceased men, now identified as aged 74 and 83, are believed to have died at different times within the past month. Police have confirmed the deaths are not believed to be suspicious.

A 63-year-old woman who lived at the property, identified as Eleanor Barker, has been interviewed by detectives as part of the investigation. According to reports, Barker owned the Cleveland Street property since the 1980s and had rented it to the two men for at least a decade.

Local residents expressed shock at the discovery, with some describing the men as familiar faces in the neighbourhood. The community had grown accustomed to seeing them around the area over the years.

The investigation began after a friend of Barker contacted police with welfare concerns, prompting the initial response from authorities. Detectives spent time in the area conducting door-to-door enquiries to establish a timeline of when the men were last seen alive.

Neighbours reported the property appeared somewhat run-down, with some unsure whether people actively lived there. However, those who knew the residents described friendly interactions with them over recent times.

Police have stated that a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner, which is standard procedure in such cases. No arrests have been made in connection with the deaths.

The Cleveland Street address remains part of the ongoing investigation as authorities work to piece together the final weeks of the two men’s lives.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Surry Hills Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can also be provided online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, with all reports treated confidentially.

The matter will now proceed through the coronial process to formally determine the cause of death for both men.

Published 4-July-2025

Surry Hills Bin Clutter Could Soon Need Council Permits Under New Plan

Surry Hills residents could soon need council permits just to leave their bins on the kerb, as overflowing footpaths prompt a citywide plan to clean up the streets.

A Local Nuisance Turning Into a Larger Problem

The City of Sydney Council is considering a plan to tackle overflowing kerbs in suburbs like Surry Hills, where bins are often left out long after collection. Narrow streets and dense housing in Surry Hills mean many properties have little space for off-street bin storage.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

As a result, residents frequently leave bins outside, causing blocked walkways, vermin issues and illegal dumping. The problem is made worse by short-term rentals, where cleaners often leave bins out without returning them.

Locals say the clutter makes it hard to walk safely, especially for seniors and parents with prams. The proposal comes amid rising complaints from inner-city residents and will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

Council’s Permit Plan Explained

The City of Sydney is looking at a new bin management plan to address footpath clutter. Under the proposal, households without space for off-street storage could apply for a permit. Approved bins would get a council-issued sticker with a serial number and address.

This would help compliance officers identify which bins are allowed on the kerb and which aren’t. The goal is to keep footpaths clear while offering flexibility to those with limited space. Council says the plan aims to improve accountability and reduce dumped rubbish often linked to unattended bins.

Focus Areas: Surry Hills and Beyond

Although the policy would apply across Sydney, Surry Hills has been singled out as one of the worst-affected areas. Councillor Adam Worling, who proposed the plan, also named Millers Point as a concern.

He said the aim is to balance resident needs with keeping streets liveable. Older suburbs like Surry Hills, with smaller blocks and limited storage, face greater challenges. The council will assess permit eligibility based on property layout and dwelling type.

What Residents Can Expect

If approved, the new rules would be rolled out in stages with support through community education. Residents without space to store bins on their property would need to apply for a permit.

While enforcement details are still being decided, those who don’t follow the rules could face penalties. The council hopes clearer guidelines will encourage better bin habits. The aim is to improve safety, cleanliness and footpath access across the city.

Published 27-June-2025

Wimbo Park in Surry Hills Recognised at NSW Design Awards

Wimbo Park in Surry Hills has received an Award of Excellence from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in the state’s annual design honours.

Recognition for Green Space in Surry Hills

Wimbo Park in Surry Hills has been acknowledged with an Award of Excellence at the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards. Designed by Sue Barnsley Design and commissioned by the City of Sydney, the park was recognised in the Parks and Open Space category by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Chapter.

Wimbo Park Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Project Background

The redevelopment of Wimbo Park followed the delivery of the South-East Light Rail, which enabled the expansion of the site along Devonshire Street. Planning for the project began in 2016. The park now functions as a public open space and connects the urban area of Surry Hills with regional parklands, including Moore and Centennial Parks.

Design and Features

The jury noted the project’s restrained design, highlighting how its simplicity addressed complex site conditions. The reconfiguration of Parkham Lane into a shared zone and the linking of Devonshire Street’s green infrastructure were part of the project’s ecological and community-focused outcomes.

Key heritage features preserved in the park include the Wimbo Paddock Mural and a Stonemasons monument. These elements were viewed as contributing significantly to the park’s identity and integration with the local context.

Although the project did not include a First Nations cultural collaborator, Sue Barnsley Design indicated that the practice advocated for Country throughout the design process. The park is located on Gadi Country.

NSW design awards — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Broader Landscape Architecture Recognition

Other award recipients at the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards included Parramatta Square, Barangaroo Station Park and the Parramatta Light Rail project. All NSW award recipients, including Wimbo Park, will proceed to the national awards to be held in Hobart in October this year.

Published 26-June-2025

Surry Hills Cyclist Critical After Truck Crash at Busy Intersection

A man is fighting for his life after being hit by a truck while riding his bicycle through a Surry Hills intersection, in an incident that’s shaken the local community.

Evening Crash Leaves Cyclist in Critical Condition

The crash happened just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, 2 June, at the intersection of Bourke and Rainford Streets in Surry Hills. According to NSW Police, the 40-year-old cyclist was riding through the area when he was struck by a truck. The man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the truck, a 34-year-old man, was not physically injured. Police confirmed he was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing, a standard part of investigations in incidents involving serious injury or possible impairment.

Police Call for Witnesses and Footage

Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command closed off the area and established a crime scene shortly after the crash. Specialist police are now reviewing the scene and are working to piece together what led to the collision.

Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the crash or who were in the area at the time. They are especially keen to obtain dashcam or mobile phone footage that could help in the investigation.

People with information are being urged to contact Surry Hills Police Station directly or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can also be made confidentially online through the Crime Stoppers website.

Community Impact and Road Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked renewed concern in the local Surry Hills community about the safety of cyclists on shared roads. The intersection where the crash occurred includes a bike path that merges into a one-way street, a setup that some residents say can be confusing for both drivers and cyclists.

While no official statements have been made about the cause of the crash, the layout of the intersection and surrounding bike infrastructure may be considered as part of the investigation. Residents and cycling groups have previously called for clearer signage and safer crossing points in the area.

Ongoing Investigation

As of Monday, police had not laid any charges and confirmed that inquiries are ongoing. Investigators will continue to review CCTV, speak with any available witnesses, and wait for the results of the driver’s hospital tests.

The name of the injured cyclist has not been released, and his condition remains critical.

Published 3-June-2025

Surry Hills Residents Face Fewer Local Festivals Due to Park Policy

Photo Credit: Night Noodle Markets/ Facebook

Surry Hills and other Sydney communities will have fewer opportunities for local festivals and gatherings after authorities reaffirmed their ban on many events in local parks.

Initially made in 2022, this decision has sparked debate about its impact on community spirit and the city’s economic vitality.

Council’s Reasoning and Premier’s Disagreement

local festivals — *Photo Credit:* *Night Noodle Markets/ Facebook*

Council has stated that the increasing severity of weather events due to climate change, particularly heavy rainfall, has caused significant damage to parklands during and after large outdoor events. They argue this damage disrupts public access and requires costly repairs.

However, NSW Premier Chris Minns has strongly criticised this justification, suggesting it masks Council’s reluctance to host such events and negatively affects efforts to bring life back to Sydney’s centre. He expressed concern that this stance could influence the state government’s willingness to support future parkland expansions proposed by Council.

Community Impact and Economic Concerns

The ban means that many community-focused events, especially those run by smaller organisations that cannot afford larger state-run venues like the Domain, can no longer take place in local parks. Councillor Olly Arkins had attempted to have the Council approve new commercial events in Victoria Park, highlighting the importance of these events for neighbourhood connection and celebrating local culture through music and creativity.

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou has warned that this policy harms Sydney’s cultural and economic scene, impacting its reputation as a global city. Event promoter Simon Beckingham shared that recent proposals for music festivals in Victoria Park and Sydney Park in Alexandria were rejected, placing Sydney behind other major international cities in its event offerings.

Chef Luke Mangan, who is trying to establish a new Sydney Food Festival, described the blanket ban as unreasonable and suggested a system where event organisers are responsible for restoring parklands to their original condition.

Council’s Response

A Council spokesperson suggested that the state government should make venues like the Domain and Tumbalong Park more affordable for event organisers. They argued that if these larger spaces were more financially accessible, they would provide more options for live music and other events without the risk of damaging local parks or limiting residents’ access to them.

The ban followed incidents like the Night Noodle Markets in 2022, which left Prince Alfred Park significantly damaged. Certain long-standing community events, like Mardi Gras Fair Day and the Yabun Festival, are exempt from the current restrictions.

Published Date 15-May-2025

New Figures Confirm Surry Hills Among Fastest for Police Call-Outs

Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook

Surry Hills has recorded one of the fastest police emergency response times in New South Wales, according to newly released state-wide data.

Emergency Response Gaps Across Sydney

A new report detailing emergency response times across NSW has revealed wide disparities depending on postcode, with inner-city suburbs like Surry Hills consistently receiving faster police assistance compared to parts of western Sydney and regional areas.

NSW crime data — *Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook*

Current Performance in Surry Hills

Surry Hills recorded an average response time of 5 minutes and 6 seconds for priority call-outs. This ranked it among the top three fastest areas in the state, along with Leichhardt and Kings Cross. Priority incidents include domestic violence, violent assaults, threats to life, and robberies.

Context Across Greater Sydney

In contrast, suburbs west of Sydney’s CBD reported significantly slower response times. Camden topped the list with the slowest average at 12 minutes and 6 seconds—almost double that of Surry Hills. Other western regions such as Bankstown, Fairfield, Campbelltown, and Liverpool also lagged behind, all falling outside the seven-minute threshold.

Statewide Trends and Regional Delays

The state’s slowest response time was recorded in the Barrier police district, which includes Broken Hill and spans over a quarter of NSW’s land area, with an average of 18 minutes and 21 seconds. Several regional districts, including the Mid North Coast and Murrumbidgee, also exceeded 15-minute averages.

Challenges in Service Delivery

NSW Police have cited several contributing factors to slower response times, including traffic congestion, call volume, and distances required to travel. Population growth and officer availability have also been identified as ongoing challenges, particularly in western and regional areas.

Staffing and Capacity Issues

Official data indicates a drop of 1,096 serving officers across NSW compared to five years ago. Recruitment challenges and officer leave have been highlighted as contributing factors. Despite this, statewide performance has improved, with 79.8 per cent of urgent calls met within the 12-minute benchmark, up from 73.9 per cent the previous year.

Public and Government Commentary

NSW opposition figures have flagged the regional discrepancies as a concern for public safety. While they suggest the trends may indicate an under-resourced frontline workforce, NSW Police maintain that high-risk incidents are prioritised and that response benchmarks vary by district.

Looking Ahead

Although areas like Surry Hills continue to meet or exceed response benchmarks, other districts face ongoing pressures from infrastructure, staffing, and demographic shifts. NSW Police have reiterated their commitment to improving service delivery across all regions.

Published 3-May-2025