Surry Hills Archives - Page 9 of 15

Meet Leonardo Urbano, the Surry Hills Man Giving Discarded Goods a Sustainable Second Life

For most people, a walk down a Surry Hills street involves navigating past piles of kerbside items – that broken chair, the stained mattress, the rusted fridge destined for the dump. But Leonardo Urbano sees treasures where others only see trash. To him, these discarded items are diamonds in the rough, full of potential waiting to be restored.

Read: Small, Sustainable Surry Hills Home Wins Robin Boyd Award

The 29-year-old hospitality worker had his hours reduced during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney. To supplement his income, Leonardo began scouring the streets of Surry Hills, rescuing and restoring discarded items to sell on Facebook Marketplace.

Leonardo’s thriftiness runs in the family. His mother Ana enjoyed vintage fashion and shopping second hand. His father Oliviero, who moved to Australia from Italy in 2016 with Leonardo and Ana, was skilled at restoring old furniture.

Leonardo Urbano — Photo credit: TheTrashLawyer/Instagram

Leonardo has since developed his own eye for spotting treasures in the trash. He shared he would even rent vans to carry large discarded items he plans to refurbish and resell.

One day he salvaged a stainless steel fridge in good condition. Another time he found a painting by renowned Australian artist Dapeng Liu, valued at $3,000.

When Leonardo contacted Liu about the discovery, the artist was delighted his work would find a new home.

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Since beginning his trash treasure hunting in 2020, Leonardo has earned about $40,000 selling refurbished items online. But for him, it’s not just about the money. Leonardo hates to see useful things go to waste.

Hoping to inspire others to adopt a sustainability mindset, Leonardo created the Instagram account TheTrashLawyer, where he posts his kerbside finds, demonstrating how with some DIY skills and elbow grease, trash can become treasure.

Read: Sketch Collective: New Surry Hills Gallery Focuses on Affordable, Original Art

Leonardo is proof one man’s trash can become another’s treasure, whilst promoting reuse and keeping useful items from landfills. Thanks to sustainable-minded residents like Leonardo Urbano, Surry Hills is becoming a cleaner and greener neighbourhood.

Published 13-November-2023

Mural Honouring AFL Legend Buddy Franklin in Surry Hills Rejected

Photo Credit: Buddy Franklin/Instagram

Did you know that plans for a Surry Hills mural seeking to immortalise the moment AFL legend Lance “Buddy” Franklin achieved his remarkable 1,000th goal at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2022 have been rejected? Find out why.

Staff members who assessed the mural proposal argued that it amounted to advertising, a violation of state laws within the Bourke Street South heritage conservation area, where it was planned. They contended that the mural would detract from the area’s character and contribute to visual clutter.

Controversy Surrounds Proposed Mural

The company behind the mural, Apparition Media, has a history of disputes with the City of Sydney over murals, some of which were commissioned without council approval. Notably, the company was fined $30,000 for a 36.8-meter avocado-themed mural in Darlinghurst in 2021.

However, Apparition Media sought permission for the Buddy Franklin tribute, believing it would resonate with the community. This stance received support from the Sydney Swans, who were not the mural’s commissioners but expressed their disappointment with the City of Sydney’s decision.

Diverging Perspectives

Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon expressed his perplexity at the council’s assertion that the mural would diminish the heritage value of the area, describing the building’s current appearance as “derelict.” On the other hand, Councillor Yvonne Weldon, who is Indigenous, pointed out the popularity of nearby murals depicting Aboriginal footballers Adam Goodes and Greg Inglis, indicating that a Buddy Franklin tribute would have been well-received.

Mayor Clover Moore underscored the council’s commitment to delivering public art and increasing recognition of Indigenous heritage in the public domain, but emphasised the need for murals to be created by artists, rather than advertising companies.

A council spokesperson defended the rejection, stating that the mural’s size and location, the extensive Swans branding, and a perceived lack of underlying artistic integrity categorised it as advertising. The council’s stance is consistent with the broader state government legislation.

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Community Feedback and Local Opinions

Notably, there was a mixture of public opinion on the mural’s fate. While some residents and local sports enthusiasts lamented the rejection, several of the 11 public submissions expressed concerns about the prevalence of male sports stars in street art. An anonymous individual went as far as to suggest that AFL supporters should “go back to where they have come from.” They criticised the mural as “commercial kitsch” that relied on size for impact, branding it as visual pollution.

Amidst the controversy, the lone supportive submission came from the property owner, Alex Perina, who viewed the mural as a “wonderful homage” to Mr Franklin, expressing no financial gain from the artwork. Gannon, the Liberal councillor, asserted that the situation should not be framed as a “male versus female” dilemma and called for more murals celebrating women athletes in Surry Hills.

A Disappointing Outcome

The Sydney Swans, saddened by the mural’s rejection, expressed their belief that it would have made a significant contribution to Surry Hills’ street art. Despite this setback, Mr Franklin’s illustrious career and his achievement of 1000 goals remain a source of inspiration for many in the world of Australian Rules Football.

His status as an all-time great player is undeniable, with his accomplishments earning him an eventual place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and potential Legend status.

Mr Franklin, 36, retired in early 2023.

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Published 9-Nov-2023

Small, Sustainable Surry Hills Home Wins Robin Boyd Award

Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Anson Smart

Small, sustainable homes take the spotlight in Surry Hills as Sydney architect Adam Haddow clinches the prestigious 2023 Robin Boyd Award from the Australian Institute of Architects for his compact 69-sqm residence.

As Surry Hills residents grapple with a housing crisis of significant magnitude, architects are redefining the landscape. In an era when the traditional four-bedroom standalone house, averaging 229 sqm, faces scrutiny., Haddow’s 1.5-bedroom home on a modest 30-square-meter parcel of land challenges conventional city living.

Repurposing unloved materials is the hallmark of Haddow’s design. Broken bricks from the Phoenix Central Park project and budget-friendly marble and tiles found new life in his creation. This resulted in a home that’s both functional and whimsical, inside and out, proving small can indeed be beautiful.

**19 Waterloo Street**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Anson Smart

Sustainability is the name of the game. Smaller, more eco-friendly homes are on the rise, with architects increasingly drawn to these projects. They recognise the unique challenges these compact designs present, making the recognition even more remarkable.

**Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Chris Bennett

The renewal and restoration of the Sydney Opera House’s concert hall by ARM Architecture also earned resounding applause from the jury. It’s deemed “awe-inspiring” and scooped top awards in interior architecture and heritage categories.

**Cranbrook School – Hordern Oval Precinct Redevelopment**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Brett Boardman

In NSW, accolades extend to educational and public architecture. Cranbrook School’s Hordern Oval Precinct Redevelopment and Architectus’ partnership with SANAA for the new wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales have both earned national recognition.

**Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Modern building, Gallery Shop**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Rory Gardiner

In Victoria, it’s all about creative use of readily available materials. Merricks Farmhouse and Spring Creek Farm House showcased what can be achieved with off-the-shelf products from Bunnings.

**Merricks Farmhouse**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Tom Ross

Architects urge a reevaluation of the notion that bigger is always better. Battisson, the outgoing national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, suggests smaller, well-designed homes, ideally suited for couples, could alleviate the housing crisis.

**Nightingale Village**
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects / Tom Ross

Melbourne’s Nightingale Village offers a blueprint for affordable and sustainable living. The village features apartments designed by six architectural practices, providing diverse solutions to the housing challenge.

Overall, Battisson urges a shift in how homes are portrayed in photographs, favouring a more realistic, lived-in approach. Homes are meant to be lived in, with all their joy and occasional messiness.

This recognition of small, sustainable, and innovative housing solutions marks a pivotal moment in Surry Hills’ architectural landscape, offering hope and inspiration for residents facing the housing crisis.

Published 4-November-2023

Japanese and Italian Flavours Converge at Ito Izakaya in Surry Hills

Check out this unique gastronomic fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine that challenges traditional culinary boundaries at Ito Izakaya in Surry Hills.

Ito, located at 413-415 Crown Street, officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023, and has since caught the attention of food enthusiasts seeking an innovative dining experience.

Ito boasts a distinctive approach to blending two diverse culinary traditions. Headed by Italian-born chef Erik Ortolani, the restaurant refrains from overt fusion but instead seeks to naturally intertwine the flavour profiles of Japanese and Italian cuisines. The result is a menu that offers a rich blend of the two traditions, with ingredients such as sashimi, crudo, ponzu, and lemon acting as common ground.

Surry Hills: The Perfect Backdrop

The restaurant is a fresh addition to the vibrant Surry Hills neighbourhood, known for its diverse dining scene and trendy atmosphere, making it the perfect location for this innovative culinary experiment. Ito’s approach to fusion cuisine is marked by a dedication to preserving the authenticity of each cuisine while finding creative ways to unite them.

Surry Hills, renowned for its diverse dining scene and trendy ambience, provides an ideal backdrop for Ito’s innovative approach to cuisine. The restaurant aims to deliver a unique experience where Japanese and Italian flavours converge seamlessly, setting the stage for unforgettable dining experiences.

Exploring the Culinary Intersection

Chef Erik Ortolani’s journey into the realm of Japanese-Italian fusion is inspired by his childhood in northern Italy’s lake district. He found solace in Asian food and culture, which served as a departure from the homogenous environment of his surroundings. Chef Ortolani honed his skills in Italian fine-dining restaurants in Milan before embarking on a journey to Australia to explore his passion for elevating cuisines.

The chef spent years perfecting the art of slicing sashimi at Cho Cho San in Potts Point, eventually rising to the position of head chef. After further honing his craft in other Japanese restaurants, he was approached by restaurateur Ibby Moubadder to open Ito in the former location of Cuckoo Callay on Crown Street.

Ito’s menu showcases a variety of dishes, with some staying true to traditional Japanese preparation and others creatively incorporating Italian elements. An example is the slow-cooked wagyu with white shimeji mushrooms and miso, paired with ribbon-shaped mafaldine pasta.

One highlight of the menu is the yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved Italian bottarga, adding complexity and a long finish to the dish. Chef Ortolani also points out the Japanese equivalent of bottarga, emphasizing the synergy between the two cuisines.

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Essence of Izakaya

Ito invites patrons to embark on a culinary journey where tradition inspires creativity, offering a dining space for 85 guests and 25 alfresco seats. The restaurant embodies the essence of an izakaya, a place for socialising, sipping sake, and indulging in delicious dishes, all while overlooking the lively streets of Sydney.

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The restaurant’s carefully curated drinks menu complements its unique personality, featuring Japanese-inspired classic cocktails, a selection of wines from Japan and Italy, as well as an extensive range of sake, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes.

For ESCA Group, the restaurant’s co-founder, Ibrahim Moubadder, and architect Matt Darwon, the aim was to create a vibrant and flexible space that harmoniously blends the indoor and outdoor areas. The restaurant’s decor combines clean lines, bespoke Tasmanian blackwood furniture, leather furnishings, Japan-black stained floorboards, and bold pops of colour, resulting in a modern and inviting atmosphere.

Experience Ito, Surry Hills’ new Japanese izakaya, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisines that define this exciting culinary destination.

Follow Ito izakaya on Instagram for updates.

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Unexpected Alliance Forms to Tackle Housing Affordability Crisis in Surry Hills

An unexpected alliance of major businesses, unions, and university leaders has come together to address the housing affordability crisis in Surry Hills.

The newly-formed group, Housing Now, unveiled a manifesto on Monday in Surry Hills with seven key demands aimed at helping New South Wales reach its ambitious goal of constructing 375,000 homes over the next five years.

Their proposals include the adoption of a “pattern book” approach to streamline planning and pre-approve certain housing designs for use across Sydney.

The Housing Now Coalition

Housing Now brings together a diverse coalition, including Business NSW, the state’s prominent business advocacy group, the Health Services Union (HSU), the Shoppies (Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association), the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Sydney YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard), and the Committee for Sydney think tank. The union’s involvement, particularly the HSU, highlights the dire impact of the housing crisis on essential workers like nurses, who can no longer afford to live near their workplaces.

HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes emphasized the connection between the housing and health crises.

“This is as much a health crisis as it’s a housing crisis,” Mr Hayes said. He cited the detrimental effects of healthcare workers’ housing struggles on patient care and staff shortages.

Building 30 More Surry Hills

The central focus of Housing Now’s manifesto is a call to transform 30 suburbs into inner-city Surry Hills equivalents by increasing housing density and constructing medium-rise apartment buildings. Surry Hills was chosen as a blueprint because it currently hosts approximately 10,000 homes, featuring tightly packed terraces and low-rise apartment blocks—housing models that the coalition aims to replicate in other areas.

The coalition is advocating a return to the past with the concept of a “design pattern book.” This approach would bring architects and communities together to pre-approve a range of designs for townhouses, terraces, and low-rise apartments. These pre-approved designs could then be implemented across Sydney without requiring extensive additional consultations.

In addition to the pattern book idea, Housing Now is pushing for several other reforms to alleviate the housing crisis, including:

Clearing a backlog of planning proposals.
Prioritizing and expediting land rezonings near transport corridors using a template approach.
Increasing affordable housing options.
Providing incentives for councils to surpass their housing targets.
Reforming the planning system to facilitate faster approvals.

Voices from the Frontline

Kascha Chin-Potter, a 26-year-old Sydneysider who rents a 1.5-bedroom apartment, shared her experiences of the challenging housing market. She emphasized the urgency of finding solutions, given the desperate situation many people face. Chin-Potter’s mother, in her mid-50s, is currently sharing housing with a friend because she can’t afford a place on her own.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed openness to Housing Now’s pattern-book proposal. He acknowledged the need for challenging conversations with communities to address the housing crisis effectively. The government is expected to announce new housing targets and plans for transit-oriented developments, especially near metro stations, in the near future.

Barney Glover, convenor of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, underscored the importance of evidence-based policy and industry partnerships to address the housing crisis effectively.

Experts have noted that pattern books have been used since ancient times and have contributed to iconic housing designs in Sydney, such as Georgian-era terraces and art deco apartments. However, they emphasized the need for flexibility in design to accommodate varying local conditions.

Published 12-Sept-2023

Armorica Brings a Taste of Paris to Surry Hills

The aroma of roasted meats greets patrons as they step through the doors of Armorica Grand Brasserie, the latest addition to Sydney’s booming French dining scene.

Read: Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

Located at 490 Crown Street in the heart of Surry Hills, the new restaurant pays homage to the foods and flavours of France.

Named after the ancient Celtic region of Armorica, which spanned parts of modern-day Brittany and reached into what would later become Paris – Armorica Grand Brasserie celebrates both Parisian cuisine and French cooking traditions. At the heart of the kitchen lies a custom-built Josper grill, used to replicate the time-honoured technique of wood-fire cooking.

Leading Armorica’s culinary program is chef Jose Saulog, who curated a menu showcasing French classics with modern flair.

Diners can enjoy small plates like beef tartare and rigatoni, before moving on to larger entrees such as spaghetti or the restaurant’s signature Steak Frites. Cooked to perfection on the Josper grill, the steak is served alongside crisp fries and your choice of bone marrow butter, béarnaise or mushroom sauce.

Armorica — Photo credit: Annie Guo/Google Maps

Seafood also features prominently on the menu, with dishes like whole rock lobster and oysters. Those with a sweet tooth can end their meal on a delightful note, indulging in desserts like their signature chocolate bar from pastry chef Travin DeHoedt.

With seating for up to 150 guests, Armorica’s recently renovated space includes two large dining rooms centred around a striking marble bar. Patrons can watch Armorica’s chefs hard at work preparing meals behind the bar, which helps create an engaging, bustling atmosphere.

Read: Adge Hotel + Residences Expansion Adds Exciting New Update to Surry Hills Hospitality Scene

Armorica Grand Brasserie is open for lunch on Fridays through Sundays from 12:00 p.m., and serves dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00 p.m. The new French eatery comes from the same team behind nearby restaurants Franca Brasserie and Parlar, so guests can expect the same high-quality ingredients and service that have defined those two venues.

Visit their website for more information.

Published 6-September-2023

Sydney Endorses Cycleway Projects Connecting Ultimo to Surry Hills

After public consultations held earlier this year, the Ultimo to Surry Hills cycleway project and two other proposed cycleways for Sydney could soon be underway.

Read: Pop-up Cycleway on Moore Park Road Secures Three-Year Extension

The proposed route from Ultimo to Surry Hills will link Omnibus Lane in Ultimo to the extended Castlereagh Street cycleway, running along sections of Ultimo Road and Campbell Street with a shared path connection on George Street. The scope also includes a shared path along part of Darling Drive.

In areas with low vehicle traffic, the city will build ‘quiet ways’ where cyclists and local traffic can share the space whilst still allowing property access and opportunities for widening footpaths and planting trees.

Once complete, this project will connect with a new cycleway being built on Mary Ann and Kelly Streets to the west, offering a key east-west link through southern Sydney.

The other cycleway projects will run along O’Dea Avenue in Waterloo, Wellington Street in Zetland and will support those who are already riding, but also encourage more people to use cycling as active transportation.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said he was pleased cycling infrastructure continues to grow across the city.

“Having safe and dedicated bike lanes is exactly what our residents want. We’re expanding our network with work on Castlereagh Street and the upcoming Oxford Street West and Glebe to Ultimo projects,” he said.

The City of Sydney will move forward in developing detailed designs and plans for the three cycling infrastructure projects.

Read: The Incredible Secrets of Strawberry Hills in Surry Hills, including a Velodrome and a visit from Queen Elizabeth

The new cycleways aim to make cycling a more attractive and safer transportation option for Sydney residents and visitors. Officials hope the projects will lead to fewer cars on the roads and a more sustainable, healthy city.

Check out the (unofficial) Greater Sydney Bike Trail Map here.

Published 28-August-2023

Surry Hills Fire: Two 13-Year-Old Boys Charged Over Destructive Sydney Building Fire

Arson squad detectives have formally charged two 13-year-old boys in connection with a devastating Surry Hills fire that engulfed a historic seven-storey building.

The blaze, which occurred on 25 May 2023 and required the efforts of over 100 firefighters to contain, left the 111-year-old former hat and headwear factory on Randle Street reduced to ruins and wreaked havoc on the surrounding area.

The inferno’s intensity was such that two adjacent structures suffered irreparable damage and had to be demolished, adding to the mayhem that unfolded as thick plumes of smoke billowed across the city.

The fiery incident, which witnesses described as creating a “tornado of smoke,” drew widespread attention and concern. The heat generated by the blaze was so intense that it could be felt from a block away, and the building itself was nearly entirely reduced to rubble within a matter of hours. Chunks of debris from the building’s roof and walls fell onto the streets below, as shocked commuters and onlookers watched in disbelief.

The chaotic scenes witnessed hundreds of residents and office workers being urgently evacuated from nearby buildings, whilst a contingent of firefighters fought tirelessly to control the blaze.

The boys, whose identities are protected due to their age, face a range of serious charges. They are accused of deliberately causing destruction to property using fire, with the loss estimated to be upwards of $5000. Additionally, they have been charged with unlawfully entering enclosed premises without a valid reason.

One of the boys faces further allegations, charged with two counts of shoplifting that are said to have occurred at a grocery store on Elizabeth Street on the same day as the fire.

Initially, four teenagers were brought in for questioning in relation to the Surry Hills fire. However, charges were not filed at that time. It was only after further investigation that the two 13-year-old boys were formally charged with the series of offenses.

The two boys are now set to appear before a children’s court on 4 Oct 2023, where the gravity of the charges will be addressed.

Published 28 Aug 2023

Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills Gets Green Light for $2.8-M Revamp

Approval has been granted for a $2.8-million revamp and expansion of the historic Hollywood Hotel located in Surry Hills, marking the culmination of a lengthy dispute between the new owners of the iconic pub and the City over the proposed renovation plans.

The Hollywood Hotel, a revered establishment that has stood since the 1940s, is set to undergo a transformative revamp, including the addition of a new storey and a verdant rooftop garden. The project, spearheaded by the Peterson Group, aims to pay homage to the venue’s rich history while adapting it to contemporary needs.

This victory comes two years after the Peterson Group acquired the Hollywood Hotel from the late Doris Goddard, a former Hollywood actor who famously purchased the pub for a mere $175,000 in 1977. Following Goddard’s passing in 2019 at the age of 89, the new owners embarked on a mission to revitalise the iconic space.

The ambitious development plans (D/2022/200) include partial demolition of existing sections, refurbishment of internal areas, and the construction of a two-storey addition. The first to third floors will transition from accommodation to commercial offices, while a new fourth floor will house additional office spaces. Most notably, a “green garden” will grace the rooftop, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the venue.

Despite opposition from the City of Sydney, which cited concerns about the proposed development exceeding height limits, the Land and Environment Court sided with the Peterson Group.

The court’s decision followed constructive conciliation meetings between the developers and the council, leading to the recognition that the expansion was not only “in the public interest” but also compliant with the site’s zoning regulations.

“I have considered the submissions made by the Council in the Jurisdictional Statement and Statement of Reasons for entering into the agreement, filed with the Court on 3 July 2023, and I am satisfied on the basis of the evidence before me that the agreement of the parties is a decision that the Court could have made in the proper exercise of its functions,” Commissioner of Court Susan O’Neill wrote in her decision.

“Development Application No D/2022/200 for alterations and addition to a commercial development at 2 Foster Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 (legally known as Lot 1 in DP 1186940) as amended, is approved, subject to the conditions of consent at Annexure A.”

Local cultural historian Warren Fahey welcomed the expansion, noting that many Sydney venues have transitioned away from offering accommodations in favour of more financially viable options.

“Accommodation in the upstairs areas of hotels used to be important for pubs but now people tend not to want to stay in pubs where they have to walk across the hallway to have a shower and things like that,” Mr Fahey said.

Adge Hotel + Residences Expansion Adds Exciting New Update to Surry Hills Hospitality Scene

Photo Credit: Adge Hotel/Instagram

On the streets of Surry Hills, a neighbourhood that has come a long way from its manufacturing past, change and growth have been the new constant. One recent and exciting update is the expansion and transformation of the Adge Apartment Hotel into the Adge Hotel + Residences.

The new Adge Hotel + Residences, a $65-million project, aims to reshape the hospitality landscape of what is now considered one of Sydney’s most happening districts.

The expansion project, spearheaded by the private Ciena Group and managed by La Vie Hotels and Resorts, involved taking over adjoining properties, including the former Cambridge Hotel.

The venue now boasts a total of 242 lodgings, with 93 rooms set to open in mid-August. The shift from an apartment-only model to a more diverse offering now caters to a wider range of travellers.

The most striking aspect of the hotel’s transformation is its unique and playful design. A signature spiralled carpet pattern runs throughout the rooms, symbolizing the establishment’s fun and fresh approach to hospitality.

Polished concrete, psychedelic colour schemes, and whimsical art installations contribute to the hotel’s youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Architectural firms Tzannes in association with Team 2 Architects and SJB Interiors have masterfully blended the hotel’s design with the character of the local built environment.

The hotel’s culinary offerings add yet another layer of excitement for expectant locals. The much-lauded Korean café, Soul Deli, has found its new home within the hotel, while an Italian eatery is slated to open on the premises in the coming year.

Adge Hotel + Residences represents a five-year endeavour. For more information and to receive continuing updates, visit adgehotel.com.au.