Taylor Square Landmark in Surry Hills to Get a Vertical Addition

An iconic Taylor Square landmark in Surry Hills is set to get a vertical addition if plans for the redevelopment are given the green light.

David Mitchell Architects designed an extension to the historic building’s facade that creates a green three-storey addition to the red brick structure. The extension aims to revitalise the iconic site by adding more uses and opportunities for commercial, retail, creative and cultural activities.

Archon Property Pty Ltd is behind the development after buying the property on Flinders Street for $6.85 million in 2018. Previously, plans were also filed to turn Taylor Square into a nightclub and a cycling hub, although these did not pan out.

The Flinders Street building stands on one of the oldest commercial sites in Sydney. The property is under the Oxford Street Heritage Conservation Area, but it is not part of the NSW Heritage Register, National Heritage List, Commonwealth Heritage List, National Trust Register (NSW) or the former Register of the National Estate.

Taylor Square — Photo Credit: D/2023/119

“These new land uses will be facilitated through a sensitive refurbishment of the heritage listed building, and provision of new contemporary additions above the existing buildings contributing to the streetscape and character of Oxford Street and Taylor Square,” the developer cited in its development application (D/2023/119).

“They will result in retail ground plane activation and a publicly-accessible rooftop restaurant and bar.”

The Taylor Square landmark was formerly the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales and the Commonwealth Savings Bank. It was also known as the Taylor Square Hotel before it was shut down in 2008.

Published 3-May-2023