Haymarket’s Bold New Hotel to Bring Tokyo-Style Design to Sydney

A narrow strip of land in Haymarket is set to become the site of a striking 14-storey hotel that will bring a touch of Tokyo-style architecture to Sydney’s city centre.



Development Targets a Challenging Site

The proposed 14-storey hotel at 651 George Street will rise from a narrow 190-square metre lot, with 42 compact rooms, ground-floor retail and a rooftop garden overlooking Darling Harbour. 

Designed by Sydney architect Tone Wheeler, the $14.55 million project draws on efficient, space-savvy architecture seen in cities like Tokyo and Osaka to add character to Haymarket’s changing streetscape.

Timeline and Council Involvement

The development application, lodged with the City of Sydney on April 9, is on public exhibition until May 16. If approved, the hotel will join a wave of projects supporting Haymarket’s growth and Sydney’s recovery. 

Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com

Planning documents note the building’s shape responds to site constraints while boosting street-level activity, with a rooftop garden offering guests skyline views in a compact space.

Growth in Haymarket’s Night-Time Economy

The George Street hotel is one of several new projects in Haymarket, including a $63 million plan for a 31-storey hotel nearby. These developments aim to boost Sydney’s night-time economy and attract more visitors as tourism rebounds. 

Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com

The boutique site sits near Chinatown, the Capitol Theatre and key transport links, aligning with efforts to cater to both local and international travellers.

Community Interest and Cultural Influence

Haymarket, one of Sydney’s most diverse neighbourhoods, could see its international flavour grow with the addition of Japanese-inspired design. The focus on compact form, greenery and smart use of space aims to draw interest from both tourists and locals. 



The City of Sydney is inviting community feedback during the exhibition period, with residents and businesses hopeful the project will boost foot traffic while preserving the area’s unique character.

Published 1-May-2025

Ultimo Community Challenges Blackwattle Bay Redevelopment Plans

Local community group Friends of Ultimo is voicing strong opposition to the NSW Government’s plans for the high-density Blackwattle Bay redevelopment, raising fears that urgent needs for affordable housing and public services are being ignored as major developers are chosen for Ultimo’s last piece of available public land.



Project Moves Forward

Blackwattle Bay
Photo Credit: Blackwattle Bay

The state government has advanced its plans for transforming the 3.6-hectare government-owned site, currently occupied by the Sydney Fish Market. Three experienced development companies – Lendlease Development Pty Ltd, Mirvac Office Developments Pty Ltd, and Stockland Urban Development Sub 2C Pty Ltd – were shortlisted following an Expression of Interest process to partner with the government.

These companies are known for urban renewal projects involving housing, public areas, shops, and offices.

The government is seeking changes to planning controls for the site. It says this allows a more flexible mix of land uses, including more homes and potentially up to 1,100 new residences. These changes are not intended to alter the approved building heights or total floor area.

This redevelopment is part of a larger renewal of the Blackwattle Bay area, which includes the new Sydney Fish Market site and a planned 1.1-hectare harbourfront park at Bank Street. Authorities state delivering world-class public spaces is a priority, including finishing a missing section of the 15-kilometre harbourside walk between Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.

Residents Raise Concerns

Blackwattle Bay
Photo Credit: Blackwattle Bay

However, the local community group Friends of Ultimo has expressed significant worries about the project. Jean-Pierre Alexander, a key campaigner for the group active in the area for over ten years, stated that their main objection is the planned density.

He suggested the location is not ideal for future residents or workers and that the tall buildings proposed near the Anzac Bridge will block views and sunlight for people living in nearby Jacksons Landing. The group believes the scale of the development does not fit the surrounding neighbourhood.

Friends of Ultimo highlighted that the current proposal comprises only private apartments and commercial offices. Alexander pointed out the lack of public or social housing in the plans, which the group argues is desperately needed for essential workers like nurses, doctors, and police who struggle to afford housing in the area and often have to live far away.

He also noted the absence of planning for vital community facilities, stating there is no provision for amenities such as schools, medical services, or spaces for sport, leisure, and culture. The group feels this is a missed chance to use public land to build what the community requires, recalling a past situation where land intended for a school in Ultimo was sold for luxury apartments instead.

Community Action and Demands

Blackwattle Bay
Photo Credit: Blackwattle Bay

Friends of Ultimo organised a protest outside the Fish Market to raise awareness of their campaign. Alexander reported that the event in March went well, attracting many people, including the local Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty, who spoke at the gathering.

The group actively tries to influence the project through submissions, community forums, and meetings with officials. They encourage other residents to voice their disagreement by writing to the Planning Minister, the Infrastructure Minister, and the City of Sydney.



Alexander clarified that the campaign aims not to stop development completely, but to push for a smarter, more inclusive plan. Friends of Ultimo wants to see a mixed-use development that includes genuinely affordable housing and the public facilities needed to support the community, building something that benefits everyone rather than just another set of luxury towers.

Next Steps

According to the government’s earlier announcements regarding the project timeline, the shortlisted developers were expected to be invited to submit a request for proposal in early 2025.

Published Date 30-April-2025

Redfern Residents on Edge After Aggressive Dogs Attack Pets in Public Spaces

Two large, aggressive dogs have been roaming the streets of Redfern, frightening residents and leaving several local dogs injured or dead in a string of alarming incidents.



Community on Alert as Dog Attacks Continue

Since mid-April, Redfern locals have spotted two brown or tan staffy-type dogs roaming the streets. Social media posts show them on Turner Street and allege they attacked a small dog in a nearby laneway. One resident said the dog survived by playing dead before the staffies ran off.

Police were called to investigate but arrived after the dogs had left the area. According to updates from residents in contact with Redfern Police, the animals’ owner has not yet been identified. Officers believe it’s likely the dogs returned home or were picked up by someone before authorities arrived.

Police Confirm Reports, Issue Safety Warning

Redfern Police confirmed they responded to reports about the two dogs but couldn’t find them at the scene. Officers are still investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward. Locals, especially those with children or pets, are being advised to stay alert.

Photo Credit: Danie Swanepoel/Flickr

Residents described the dogs as large and intimidating, and said they were seen near Redfern Park, where they’re believed to have killed two dogs. One local said police stopped them while walking their dog and told them to leave the park for safety.

Locals Share Experiences Online

Images and warnings on the Inner West Dog Shaming Facebook page have added urgency, showing the two dogs roaming without an owner and alarming locals.

One user shared that police had warned them directly about the danger, confirming that two dogs had already been killed in the area. Others have speculated that the dogs may live locally, given the frequency and concentration of the sightings.

Ongoing Concerns and What Residents Can Do

The Redfern incidents reflect a wider rise in dog attacks across Sydney and beyond. Locals are urged to keep pets indoors, avoid walking small dogs alone, and report sightings to police.



Anyone with information that might help identify the dogs or their owner is encouraged to contact Redfern Police on (02) 8303 5199.

Published 24-April-2025

Redfern Hosts Rabbitohs’ Junior Grand Final Qualifiers and Senior Clashes

Redfern Oval will host a major weekend of rugby league as South Sydney Rabbitohs’ junior and senior pathways teams compete in crucial fixtures.



Full Weekend of Rugby League at Redfern Oval

South Sydney Rabbitohs are set for a busy weekend at Redfern Oval, with both junior and senior squads scheduled to play across two days in critical matches. The venue will see Grand Final-qualifying games for junior representatives and Round Eight contests in the senior men’s pathway programs.

Junior Sides Eye Grand Final Berths

The Harold Matthews Cup under 17s team will meet the Warriors at 11 a.m. on Sunday, 27 April, followed by the SG Ball Cup under 19s side facing the Parramatta Eels at 1 p.m. Both are Preliminary Finals, with winners progressing to the Grand Finals next weekend.

Harold Matthews head coach Kell O’Brien leads a squad captained by Keone Anitelea Tsioussis, with players including Darcy Feltham, Hudson Warren, and Zane Hill.

SG Ball coach Nathan Hogan will oversee the under 19s side led by halves pairing Taj Alvarez and Matthew Humphries, supported by players such as Charlie Poynton, Dayne Jennings, and Cody Hill.

Rabbitohs in Redfern Oval matches
Photo Credit: Future Rabbitohs/Facebook

Senior Teams Face Eels on Saturday

Saturday, 26 April, will feature the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup squads against the Parramatta Eels, with the under 21s match scheduled for 12 p.m. and the open men’s game set for 2 p.m.

The NSW Cup side, coached by Wayne Collins, will include players such as Lewis Dodd, Josh Schuster, and Liam Le Blanc. The 19-man squad also features Carson Kaho, Declan Casey, and Ryan Gray.

Rabbitohs Junior and Senior clashes
Photo Credit: Future Rabbitohs/Facebook

In the Jersey Flegg Cup, Scott Kenna leads the under 21s squad, which will be captained by Nicholas Quinn and includes players like Dane Towns, Brent Hawkins, and Sione Lolohea.

Rabbitohs on Redfern Oval
Photo Credit: Future Rabbitohs/Facebook

Community Encouraged to Attend Redfern Weekend



Rabbitohs members will receive free entry to the matches, while general admission is priced at $5 for attendees aged 12 and over. The club is encouraging strong community attendance at Redfern Oval, especially for the junior Preliminary Finals on Sunday.

Published 24-Apr-2025

Police Seek Public Assistance in Missing Redfern Sisters Case

Police have launched an urgent appeal for public assistance to locate two missing sisters last seen in Redfern earlier this week.



Matilda Lowa, 14, and her younger sister Penelope, 11, were last seen around midday on Tuesday, April 15, in the Redfern area. When family members were unable to contact or locate the girls, authorities were notified, and Port Stephens/Hunter Police District officers began investigations.

Investigators have expressed significant concern for the welfare of both girls due to their young ages. Recent police inquiries suggest that Penelope may still be in the Sydney area, but authorities believe the sisters may have become separated.

Matilda is described as being of Caucasian appearance, standing 168 cm tall with a medium build and complexion. She has light brown shoulder-length hair.

Penelope, despite being younger, is slightly taller at 170 cm, with a thin build and medium complexion. She has distinctive curly dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Police note that the sisters are known to frequent several areas including Maitland, Newcastle, East Maitland, and Redfern.



Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either sister to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. All information provided will be treated with strict confidence.

Published 18-April-2025

NSW Heritage Status Awarded to Erskineville LGBTQIA+ Venue

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has been officially listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, recognising its cultural importance to the LGBTQIA+ community.



Historic Role Recognised in Erskineville

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has received a State Heritage listing from the NSW Government. The decision acknowledges the venue’s long-standing role as a gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community and its cultural and social significance in Sydney’s Inner West.

From Working Man’s Pub to LGBTQIA+ Hub

Originally a working man’s pub, the Imperial Hotel was purchased in 1983 by Dawn O’Donnell, a community member known for operating LGBTQIA+ venues during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in New South Wales. 

The pub became a safe and inclusive space for Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ population and remains the longest-running venue of its kind outside Oxford Street.

A Site of Cultural Identity and Visibility

The Imperial gained international attention after being featured in the Australian film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” It continues to host live drag shows inspired by the film, along with other inclusive events such as “Drag and Dine” and drag bingo. 

The venue’s operation has been maintained since 2023 by Universal Hotels, which also manages several other Sydney pubs.

Imperial Hotel
Photo Credit: Imperial Hotel/Instagram

Community Legacy Preserved

The heritage listing ensures protection of both the structure and the venue’s social legacy. It formally recognises the Imperial Hotel’s contributions to the Newtown/Erskineville LGBTQIA+ precinct and its significance in the broader social history of Sydney. 

Officials involved in the listing highlighted the importance of safeguarding stories of resilience, identity, and community.

Ongoing Role and Future Outlook



Universal Hotels has stated it will continue to work closely with the community to maintain and develop the venue’s legacy. The listing is set to support ongoing operations while protecting the cultural values that define the space. The hotel is expected to remain a place of connection, visibility, and celebration for future generations.

The Imperial Hotel

Published 12-Apr-2025

The Norfolk in Redfern Reopens with Classic Pub Focus

A well-known Redfern pub is reopening under new management this April. It features a refurbished venue and a renewed focus on classic pub fare.



The Norfolk
Caption: GM Marcella Guilfoyle (front) and Executive Chef Toby Wilson (centre, back)
Photo Credit: The Norfolk

Historical Venue Reopens Following Change in Operators

The Norfolk Hotel on Cleveland Street is set to reopen on 23 April, marking its return after a period of closure. The venue had previously operated under Public Hospitality, which faced financial difficulty in 2024. 

Solotel is one of Sydney’s largest hospitality groups. It has since acquired The Norfolk. The group also acquired three former Public venues—The Strand in Darlinghurst, Oxford House in Paddington, and Camelia Grove in Alexandria.

Refurbishment Reflects Redfern’s Local Heritage

Solotel has completed extensive internal renovations at The Norfolk, retaining art deco elements while updating finishes with a palette of pale greens, warm reds, and soft creams. 

Timber features and exposed brick have been preserved, with new custom carpet reflecting the venue’s architectural history. The revamp marks The Norfolk as the first of Solotel’s four new venues to undergo full restoration.

Redfern pub reopens
Photo Credit: The Norfolk

Food Offering Combines Pub Staples and Local Partners

Executive Chef Toby Wilson, best known for his work at Rico’s Tacos, now leads the venue’s food operations. While Rico’s continues to operate in the courtyard space, Chef Wilson has designed a broader menu focused on pub classics.

Dishes include pork and fennel sausage rolls sold by the inch, beef and VB party pies, an Aussie rissole burger, roast chicken and sage rolls, crumbed fish sandwiches, and pastrami-cured ocean trout served with rye toast.

The menu also features collaborations with local partners. Good Ways Deli supplies daily-baked focaccia served with French onion dip, while Ciccone & Sons contributes to a lamington ice cream sandwich. The drinks menu includes a rotating wine list curated by Solotel’s Master of Wine and a dark lager brewed in partnership with Yulli’s Brews.

The Norflok revamped
Photo Credit: The Norfolk

Weekly Events and Community Offers Set

The Norfolk will relaunch with an “Everyone’s Welcome Party” on 23 April from 6 p.m., featuring 50 per cent off drinks, free menu tastings, live music, and giveaways.

Ongoing weekly events include:

  • Happy Hour (Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.) offering $7 schooners, $12 cocktails, and sausage rolls from $2 an inch
  • Trivia Tuesdays with prizes, $18 rissole burgers, and $15 beer jugs
  • Thursday Raffle (Spin the Wheel) with changing prizes
  • Friday Meat Raffle & Badge Draw
  • Sunday Specials including roast rolls and $10 Bloody Marys

On ANZAC Day (25 April), the pub will host 2UP in the beer garden from midday and donate $1 from every Resch’s schooner and pint sold to Legacy Australia. Raffles, food specials, and DJs will follow from 5 p.m.

Aiming to Restore Redfern’s Local Pub Culture

Solotel has clearly intended to return The Norfolk to its origins as a neighbourhood pub. General Manager Marcella Guilfoyle and Executive Chef Toby Wilson are leading efforts to rebuild community connection and deliver a space grounded in local flavours and relaxed hospitality.



The reopening follows several prior branding iterations, including House of Crabs, The Norfolk House & Hotel, La Salut, and Rico’s Tacos under different operators. Solotel aims to re-establish the venue as a welcoming corner pub serving the Redfern community.

Published 12-Apr-2025

Redfern’s R by Raita Noda Transforms Dining Into Theatre

In the heart of Redfern, a 15-seat restaurant is shaking up Sydney’s dining scene with a theatrical twist on Japanese fine dining. At R by Raita Noda, each dish is a performance and guests are part of the act—seated just steps from the chefs as they craft a constantly evolving 10-course menu.



A Family Affair with Global Roots

The latest project from renowned chef Raita Noda, who launched Sydney’s first omakase restaurant over two decades ago, R by Raita Noda is a more immersive spin on the tradition. Now joined by his son, Momotaro, Noda shifts the focus to guest interaction, offering diners a front-row seat to the kitchen and chefs all night long.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. until late. Located in Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane, it was designed by local architect Koichi Takada to feel like a rainy night in Tokyo. The space features mirrored ceilings, dim lighting, and black chain curtains to create a moody, cinematic feel.

Dining as Performance

There’s no set menu here. Each dish highlights seasonal Australian produce, crafted with Japanese technique and theatrical timing. Some courses arrive on custom Perspex staircases, like the “Stairway to Heaven” sashimi with aged wild tuna, Tasmanian sea urchin, and house-made ravioli.

Each night’s service is choreographed into acts, chefs prepare, plate, and serve each dish in a way that draws the eyes as much as the palate. The aim, according to the team, is to entertain and surprise guests through both flavour and visual drama.

Premium Drinks to Match

To complement the food, the restaurant offers more than 200 wines, 70 new-world whiskies, and 30 premium sakes. Guests can choose between two drink pairings: one with boutique wines and sake at $180 per person, and another featuring more rare and prestigious selections at $240. 

The team recommends booking early, as the seating is limited to just 15 people per evening. Dietary requirements, including a vegetarian option, can be handled with prior notice, but not on the day of dining.

Culinary Tradition Meets Community

While the restaurant brings high-end dining to Redfern, it also aims to connect with the local community. Its small size encourages conversation, and its theatrical style draws attention to Sydney’s evolving food culture. 



R by Raita Noda carves out a unique place in the city’s dining scene by focusing on seasonal ingredients and personal service, turning each meal into an experience rather than just a meal.

Published 8-April-2025

Taste the World in Haymarket: What to Try at Sydney’s Biggest New Food Hall

A 3,000-square-metre food hall in Haymarket is turning heads with its mix of global eats, local flair and the kind of energy that makes people linger. Located inside the historic Paddy’s Markets, the newly opened Hay St Market brings together over 48 traders offering food, drinks and artisan products from more than 25 cultures. 



It’s Sydney’s first fully licensed market, and it’s designed for all-day wandering—coffee in the morning, lunch with friends, late-night snacks, and drinks to go.

Start with the Stars

Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen is behind several standout venues at the market. At Pho Chu Lap, his father’s closely guarded pho recipe is served with a slow-cooked broth that simmers for 24 hours.

Hay St Market Chefs
Photo Credit: Hay St Market/Instagram

Just a few steps away, Luke Luk Dumplings packs big flavour into dumplings filled with Singapore chilli crab and laksa. Another of Nguyen’s spots, Madam Banh Mi, dishes up wagyu brisket rolls dipped in salsa, giving the traditional Vietnamese sandwich a bold upgrade.

Hay St Market Bahn Mi
Photo Credit: Hay St Market/Instagram

Mark Olive, a well-known Indigenous chef, brings native ingredients to the forefront at Little Midden. His grilled skewers of barramundi and prawns are seasoned with pepperberry and saltbush, offering a taste of local culture that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Go Global with Every Bite

Photo Credit: Hay St Market

The market isn’t just about local names—it’s a food trip around the world. Taco Nixtamal serves tortillas made using the traditional nixtamal technique, offering rich textures and flavours in every taco.

Nico’s Cypriot Chargrill has house-made lamb and pork sausages seasoned with cinnamon and mint, alongside crispy loukamades drizzled with honey or miso butterscotch. El Mercado Spanish Deli stocks fine olives, aged vinegars, and premium tinned seafood for those who want to take a little Europe home.

Photo Credit: Hay St Market

The Cheese Table, curated by expert Christina Murphy, features a changing range of international cheeses with classic pairings. On the meat front, butcher Tim Casey—formerly of Rockpool—runs Love Me Tender, offering everything from prime cuts to charcuterie.

See, Sip and Snack

Hay St Market is built for grazing. Sip as you wander thanks to Sydney’s first drink-as-you-shop licence. Cans & Crates has over 180 canned beverages—ranging from international cocktails to local craft sodas—while Traders Bar pours nostalgic cocktails and wines from across Australia in a venue styled after Sydney’s mid-century bars.

Coffee lovers can stop at Hay St Roasters, where beans are roasted on-site using blends from Genovese. And for those with a sweet tooth, Biaggio Coffee & Cannoli pipes each cannoli to order. Fresh pastries also line the counters at Thomas Hay Bakery and Paddy’s Patisserie.

Take Something Home

The market isn’t just a place to eat. There are seasonal flowers from Flowers by Agnes Harrington, homewares and crockery at The Goods, and fresh produce grown and sold by Urban Farm by Greenspace. It’s a place where the everyday and the special occasion meet—whether you’re stocking up for dinner or just picking up a gift.

Hay St Market Vendors
Photo Credit: Hay St Market
Hay St Market Map
Photo Credit: Hay St Market

What Locals Are Saying

While some have noted that the market’s polished look doesn’t quite match the character of old-school markets overseas, the setup is designed to evolve. Every stall is operated under a central management structure, allowing vendors to rotate based on demand. Organisers say this helps keep things fresh and relevant to what people want to eat.



Haymarket has always been one of Sydney’s most diverse neighbourhoods, and Hay St Market adds a modern, food-focused layer to its story. Whether you’re popping in for pho or settling in for late-night cocktails, it’s a space built for the community—with enough variety to bring you back again and again.

Published 4-April-2025

Redfern Mosque Opposes Brothel Expansion in Nearby Surry Hills

A group of Redfern mosque members has voiced strong concern over a plan to expand a Surry Hills brothel just 45 metres from their place of worship, citing fears about its impact on families and the broader community.



The issue surfaced following a proposal by The Ginza Club (DA 2024/1069), a sex services premises located on Cleveland Street, to increase its number of service rooms from nine to 19 by converting two neighbouring heritage-listed terraces. 

The Redfern Islamic Society, which operates the Redfern Mosque nearby, believes the development risks undermining community values, particularly during late-night prayer times in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Redfern Mosque to The Ginza Club
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Concerns From the Local Faith Community

Leaders from the Redfern Mosque say the brothel’s location already causes discomfort among families and worshippers, who frequently walk past the venue. They believe increasing its size would only make matters worse. They are particularly worried about the visibility of clients coming and going, sometimes lingering in parked cars outside the premises.

There is concern that the brothel’s presence may influence young people passing through the area or create an atmosphere that doesn’t align with the mosque’s purpose and values. Members of the mosque say the overlap between late prayer services and the brothel’s business hours, especially during Ramadan when services can finish around 10:00 p.m., puts their community in an uncomfortable position.

While some acknowledge there may be a need for such services, they question the appropriateness of its location in close proximity to places frequented by children and families.

Brothel Operators Say Policies Are in Place

In response to community concerns, the business behind The Ginza Club submitted a detailed Plan of Management outlining health and safety protocols, access restrictions, and procedures designed to minimise any impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. The document, prepared in consultation with urban planning consultants, details how the premises would operate discreetly, with no visible signage, controlled access via security cameras, and professional conduct expected from both staff and clients.

According to the Plan of Management, all service rooms are monitored for safety, and staff are trained to manage behaviour, support safe practices, and maintain cleanliness. The business also emphasises that the extended premises will operate within its current hours — from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

the Ginza Club plans
Photo Credit: DA 2024/1069

The business further argued that its operations align with existing council policies, particularly since sex work has been decriminalised in New South Wales. They stressed that the building’s exterior would remain discreet and that all personnel are trained to prevent antisocial behaviour and ensure safety for all visitors.

Council’s Decision and Community Response

Despite receiving multiple submissions from residents opposed to the development — raising issues around parking, noise, and proximity to Inner Sydney High School — the City of Sydney’s Local Planning Panel approved the expansion. The council found the application complied with zoning laws and noted that the neighbourhood already hosts a mix of commercial uses.

Some local residents fear the expansion could change the character of the area, drawing comparisons to the former red-light district of Kings Cross. Community members, including those from the mosque, have expressed disappointment in the council’s decision and are considering options to appeal or challenge the outcome.



A meeting with nearby homeowners has since been planned to explore further steps that can be taken.

Published 1-April-2025