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Redfern Welcomes The EVE Hotel with Local Design Focus

A new luxury boutique hotel, The EVE, has opened its doors in Redfern, bringing a blend of local artistic design and high-end hospitality to the revitalised Wunderlich Lane precinct.

The EVE Hotel Sydney, located at the meeting point of Redfern and Surry Hills, has been designed to reflect the area’s rich cultural history and modern lifestyle. The hotel, owned by TOGA Group and operated by TFE Hotels, features 102 rooms and aims to provide a unique Sydney experience.

The building integrates heritage architecture with modern design and is part of a larger precinct with restaurants, shops, and event spaces.

Design and Architecture

The hotel’s design connects with nature, blending indoor and outdoor areas with biophilic principles. The exterior is covered in climbing ivy and various plant species, while the interior features cream tones, curved lines, and natural light. Local designers and architects contributed to the hotel’s aesthetic, including Adam Haddow from SJB, Daniel Baffsky from 360 Degrees, and George Levissianis.

The rooms feature a colour palette inspired by Australian flora and fauna, handcrafted clay elements, bespoke lighting by Sydney designer Henry Wilson, and locally sourced fabrics. The hotel’s general manager, Ben Mellor, stated that the design aims to offer a distinctly Sydney-inspired experience rather than looking overseas for inspiration.

Rooms and Amenities

The EVE offers a range of room types, including courtyard, sunset, balcony, and suite options. All rooms include either Juliet balconies, full balconies, or private terraces, with views of the courtyard, Wunderlich Lane, or the surrounding area. The largest suites are equipped with deep bathtubs.

The hotel also features a 20-metre rooftop pool, surrounded by native plants and retro-style umbrellas. The rooftop is designed to evoke the feeling of a pleasure garden, paying homage to the precinct’s history.

Dining and Entertainment

The hotel includes two dining venues operated by Liquid & Larder. The rooftop hosts Lottie, a contemporary Mexican restaurant and mezcaleria, offering panoramic views of Surry Hills and Redfern. The lobby bar, Bar Julius, provides an all-day continental dining and drinks menu inspired by European-style bistros. Both venues offer a carefully curated selection of cocktails, wines, and food.

Community and Art

The EVE aims to connect guests with Sydney’s cultural scene, featuring curated art throughout the hotel. Pieces by Sydney artist Louise Olsen and Australian artist Tarryn Gill are displayed, and in-room amenities and glassware are provided by Australian brand Saardé. The hotel’s leaders have emphasised a desire to celebrate local creatives.

Launch Offer

To mark its opening, The EVE offers a special launch package called “The Reveal.” This package includes overnight accommodation, signature cocktails at Bar Julius, and a gift. The offer is available for stays between 14 February 2024 and 30 June 2025, with bookings required by 1 June 2025.

Published Date 18-March-2025

Regina La Pizzeria Redefines Italian Pizza in Redfern

Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram

A new contender for Sydney’s best pizza has arrived in Redfern, with Regina La Pizzeria offering an authentic Italian experience unlike any other in the city. Co-owned by experienced pizzaiolo Matteo Ernandes, the pizzeria brings a unique mix of woodfired, deep-dish, and fried pizzas to the vibrant Wunderlich Lane dining precinct.

authentic Italian pizza experience — *Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram*

A Sicilian Legacy Comes to Redfern

Regina La Pizzeria is the realisation of Matteo Ernandes’ lifelong ambition. Growing up in his family’s pizzeria on the remote Sicilian island of Lampedusa, Mr Ernandes learned the craft from his father before moving to Sydney in 2014. His experience includes time at Matteo (Double Bay), Da Orazio (Bondi), and Avoja, where he worked with Federico Zanellato, the chef-owner of Lumi Dining and Lode Pies.

fried pizza — *Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram*

Now, in collaboration with Mr Zanellato, chef Karl Firla (Restaurant Leo, Oscillate Wildly), and Lumi co-owner Michela Boncagni, Mr Ernandes has launched Regina, meaning “queen” in Italian, with the goal of elevating Sydney’s pizza scene.

Three Distinct Pizza Styles

Unlike most pizzerias that focus on a single style, Regina La Pizzeria offers three:

Woodfired Pizza: Made in Sydney’s only Fazzone oven, known for its volcanic stone base and superior heat retention. The pizzas, including the classic Margherita and the Bocelli (a blend of six cheeses with truffle honey), emerge with a perfectly crisp crust and airy interior.
Padellino (Pan-Baked) Pizza: A lighter deep-dish style, blind-baked and then stuffed with ingredients like white bolognese, provolone, or duck ragu. This Sicilian and Calabrian tradition is given a contemporary twist by Ernandes.
Pizza Fritta (Fried Pizza): A twice-cooked pizza that is first fried and then finished in the oven. Unlike traditional deep-fried pizzas, Regina’s version remains light, airy, and crisp.

Each pizza showcases Regina’s signature high-hydration dough. The dough undergoes extended cold fermentation for optimal flavour and texture.

Fazzone oven — *Photo Credit: Regina La Pizzeria/Instagram*

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A Unique Dining Experience in Redfern

Regina La Pizzeria’s 85-seat restaurant combines a mid-century Italian aesthetic with modern design. The cream and emerald interiors, checkerboard floors, and an open pizza kitchen provide diners with a front-row seat to the pizza-making process.

The wine list, curated by Angelo Cristella, features organic and sustainable wines, while the cocktail menu includes a Negroni Sbagliato (Campari, prosecco, sweet vermouth) among other Italian-inspired drinks.

For those who prefer a more immersive experience, counter seating allows guests to watch the pizzaiolos at work, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

Community Reception and Customer Reviews

Since opening, Regina La Pizzeria has received glowing reviews. Local guide Elia Longo described it as a “true gem” with pizzas that transport diners “straight to Italy”. Another reviewer, Grace, praised the staff’s hospitality and recommended sitting at the pizza bar to watch the process unfold.

Diners have also highlighted the friendly atmosphere, high-quality ingredients, and authentic Italian flavours as standout features.

BOOK A TABLE

How to Visit Regina La Pizzeria

Address: Shop RL 107/109, 2 Baptist Street, Redfern
Website: reginalapizzeria.com
Phone: 0416 172 280

Regina is located in Wunderlich Lane, accessible from Cleveland Street or Baptist Street. Free two-hour parking is available in the Wilson Car Park on Baptist Street.

Published 12-Mar-2025

Haymarket Glows as Neon Playground 2.0 Lights Up Chinatown

Photo Credit: Neon Playground Sydney/Facebook

Haymarket is all set to transform into a glowing hub of art, food, and entertainment as Neon Playground 2.0 returns for a three-week celebration of culture and creativity. The festival will take over Chinatown , bringing large-scale neon light installations, food experiences, and community events that highlight the area’s deep-rooted Asian-Australian heritage.

Running from 15 March to 6 April, Neon Playground 2.0 features 14 original light sculptures created by Asian-Australian artists, a series of food tours, live performances, and exclusive dining offers from local businesses.

Organised by the Haymarket Alliance and supported by NSW and the City of Sydney, the festival aims to breathe new life into a place rich in history but often overlooked in the city’s fast-changing landscape.

A Festival for the Community

The centrepiece of Neon Playground 2.0 is a stunning collection of neon light installations displayed across Haymarket and Chinatown. These works, crafted by a lineup of Asian-Australian artists, will illuminate the streets throughout the festival, offering visitors a unique visual experience.

Beyond the artwork, the festival is designed to reinvigorate the local area, providing a platform for creative talent and small businesses. The former Marigold Chinese Restaurant, once a popular dining institution, will host Asian film screenings, while other venues will feature stand-up comedy, a karaoke competition, and arts and crafts markets.

Bringing Haymarket Together Through Food and Art

Food lovers can take part in the Chinatown Street Food and Stories walking tours on 19 March and 2 April, guided by Local Sauce Tours. These tours will showcase some of Chinatown’s most iconic eateries, offering visitors the chance to sample traditional dishes and learn about the history of Chinese-Australian contributions to Sydney’s food scene.

Local businesses are also joining the festival with special promotions. Kura Kura Japanese will offer a free Asahi beer with a minimum spend, while Spicy World Hot Pot will include a complimentary lamb belly or beef brisket with orders. Good Luck Hot Pot will provide a free lemon tea, and Super Emoji is offering half-price drinks with every purchase.

Neon Playground 2.0 — *Photo Credit: Neon Playground Sydney/Facebook*

A City Backing Its Cultural Hubs

As the festival continues, it’s clear that Neon Playground is about more than just temporary excitement. Community leaders have expressed their commitment to revitalising Sydney’s iconic precincts, and Haymarket is at the centre of these efforts.

Transport and Roads Minister John Graham has said that events like Neon Playground are vital for keeping Sydney’s cultural spaces thriving, ensuring they remain vibrant and welcoming for both locals and visitors.

Published 12-March-2025

St Andrew’s Theological College and Byzantine Music School Celebrate Graduation in Redfern

Photo Credit: St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College/Facebook

Graduates from St Andrew’s Theological College and the Byzantine Music School were honoured in Redfern during a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady.

Redfern graduation ceremony — *Photo Credit: St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College/Facebook*

Graduation Ceremony in Redfern

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Doxology Service, recognising the dedication of the graduates and awarding certificates to those who successfully completed the four-year Byzantine Music course.

His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia also awarded the degrees. He was joined by Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.

Alongside them are senior clergy and academic representatives, including the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Christophoros Krikelis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. Families, faculty members, and friends gathered in support of the graduates during the ceremony.

Byzantine Music School’s Role in Church Services

During his address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the significance of the Byzantine Music School. He founded the school shortly after his arrival in Australia. He highlighted the school’s vital role in preparing individuals to serve within the Church, particularly in sacred chanting alongside clergy and bishops. The Archbishop praised the graduates for their commitment to preserving this integral tradition within the Greek Orthodox faith.

Graduates at Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady — *Photo Credit: St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College/Facebook*

Theology as a Transformative Gift

Addressing the graduates of St Andrew’s Theological College, Archbishop Makarios emphasised that theology is not merely an academic pursuit but a divine gift. Citing James 1:7, he described theology as a revelation that offers believers an encounter with God’s love and truth. The Archbishop urged the graduates to carry forward this transformative knowledge in their future ministries.

The Archbishop underscored the importance of theology’s role in shaping Christian life and ministry. He stressed that theology must remain genuine and forward-looking, ensuring it continuously reflects Christ’s kingdom’s essence.

Looking Ahead

The graduates will embark on their respective journeys. The Greek Orthodox Church of Australia will remain committed to fostering theological education and musical training for future generations. The completion of studies at St Andrew’s Theological College and the Byzantine Music School marks the beginning of new opportunities for service within the Church and broader community.

Published 7-Mar-2025

Waterloo Residents Given Eviction Notices as Redevelopment Begins

More than 100 housing residents in Waterloo have been given eviction notices as part of a major redevelopment project that will reshape the area. The first group of tenants has been given six months to relocate, marking the beginning of a long-debated plan to replace public housing with a mix of market, affordable, and social housing. Many residents fear they may never return to the neighbourhood they have called home for years.

A Community in Transition

The Waterloo Estate, one of the largest in Australia, has been earmarked for redevelopment for over a decade. The project, valued at $4 billion, will see the construction of 3,000 new homes, with only 30 per cent reserved for social housing. Half of the development will be private housing, while the remaining 20 per cent will be offered at lower-than-market rent.

The first stage of the project affects 150 households in an area bordered by John, Cope, McEvoy, and Mead streets. Homes NSW hand-delivered these residents’ official eviction notices on 27 February.

The remaining tenants of Waterloo South will be relocated in stages over the next two years, while those living in the high-rise buildings have been told they will not have to move for at least a decade.

The government has offered support in the form of relocation officers, who will assist tenants in finding alternative housing either within the local area or elsewhere in the state. Additionally, 70 new social housing units above the Waterloo Metro station are expected to be available within six months.

Waterloo South redevelopment — *Photo Credit: NSW Land and Housing*

Residents Fear Losing Their Community

Despite assurances, residents remain deeply concerned about the future of their community. Many have lived in Waterloo for decades and fear they will be permanently displaced. Some say moving into another public housing unit only shifts the housing crisis elsewhere, as new residents will take up available spaces.

A survey conducted in 2023 showed 43 per cent of Waterloo Estate tenants were open to leaving the neighbourhood if given the chance, but 35 per cent strongly opposed relocating. The figures suggest mixed feelings, though concerns are particularly high among Aboriginal tenants, who make up 22 per cent of the affected residents and may have stronger cultural and community ties to the area.

Local advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the lack of additional social work and case management support for affected tenants. While Homes NSW has funded Redfern Legal Centre to provide independent tenant advocacy, critics argue that this does not address the broader displacement concerns or the emotional and logistical challenges of relocation.

Long-Term Impact and Housing Debate

The redevelopment has reignited debate over housing availability in NSW, where more than 63,000 households are currently on the waiting list. Critics argue that demolishing existing structures to build a mix of private, affordable, and social units does not adequately address the shortage. The construction process is expected to take a decade, leaving questions about where displaced residents will live.

Residents and housing advocates believe the project prioritises developers over community needs. They point out that many of the existing homes in Waterloo South are still structurally sound, making demolition seem unnecessary at a time when construction materials and labour shortages are already delaying housing projects.

NSW has defended the redevelopment, saying it will provide modern, high-quality homes while increasing the overall housing supply. Housing Minister Rose Jackson has stated that affected residents will have the opportunity to return to the new estate once construction is completed.

However, critics remain sceptical about whether displaced tenants will be able to afford to return or if they will be permanently priced out of the area.

Published 7-March-2025

Redfern Exhibition Marks 60 Years Since the Freedom Ride

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

A new free exhibition in Redfern highlights one of Australia’s most significant civil rights protests. On the Road to Justice: Remembering the Freedom Ride commemorates 60 years since a group of university students took a stand against racial discrimination in regional New South Wales.

Freedom Ride Redfern — *Caption: The Freedom Rides SAFA (Student Action For Aboriginals)*
*Photo Credit: NSW State Library*

A Protest That Sparked Change

On 12 February 1965, 29 students from the University of Sydney set off on a journey that would make history. Led by Arrente/Kalkadoon activist Charles Perkins, the Freedom Ride was inspired by similar protests in the United States. The students wanted to expose the racial segregation and discrimination faced by Aboriginal communities.

Over 15 days, they visited 16 towns. The group witnessed and challenged segregation in cinemas, swimming pools, and Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL) clubs. In Walgett, their bus was forced off the road after they protested outside an RSL that refused entry to Aboriginal people. In Moree, they attempted to break a long-standing ban on Aboriginal children using the public swimming pool, leading to a heated confrontation. Their efforts attracted widespread media attention. This placed the issue of racism in Australia under the national and international spotlight.

Racial segregation. — *Caption: An example of racial segregation.*
*Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Capturing History Through Photography

The On the Road to Justice exhibition features powerful archival photographs documenting the Freedom Ride, from the students’ protests outside businesses to their interactions with local Aboriginal communities.

Alongside these historic images, the exhibition includes contemporary portraits and personal stories from people who were there. Some were children at the time, watching the protests unfold, while others share first-hand experiences of the discrimination the students fought against.

*Caption: Students preparing picket signs in Walgett*.
*Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

A Legacy That Lives On

The Freedom Ride played a crucial role in Australia’s civil rights movement, helping to pave the way for the 1967 referendum, which gave the federal government more power to legislate for Aboriginal people and ensured they were counted in the national census.

The protest also inspired grassroots activism. In Redfern, efforts toward Indigenous self-determination gained momentum in the 1970s, leading to initiatives like establishing Aboriginal-run services. Though the original Freedom Ride lasted just over two weeks, its impact continues to shape conversations about Indigenous rights and equality in Australia today.

Student protest during Freedom Ride — Caption: Student protest outside Moree Town Hall.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The City of Sydney has recognised the exhibition as an important reflection on how civil rights movements, both here and abroad, have influenced policy and public attitudes.

Exhibition Details

On the Road to Justice: Remembering the Freedom Ride is open to the public at 119 Redfern Street until 13 March. The free exhibition runs on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Published 19-Feb-2025

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Research Institute Unveiled to Revolutionise Cancer Treatment

Photo Credit: Google Photos

The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has launched a new research institute to fast-track cancer breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes.

The facility focuses on translating lab discoveries into real-world treatments, ensuring that research leads directly to better care.

By collaborating with universities and research organisations, the institute aims to develop innovative treatments and secure funding for critical projects.

Professor Lisa Horvath, Lifehouse’s Chief Clinical Officer and Research Director, emphasised the institute’s commitment to progress.

With about 50 new research projects per year, the institute aims to advance progress in cancer research.“Without patients, this is just knowledge. Without the patients what we do isn’t progress,” Horvath said.

Patients Receive Personalised Care

Melanie McQuire, who lives with stage 3 ovarian cancer, said the institute’s medical team made her feel truly seen and cared for. Instead of treating her like just another patient, they took the time to understand her specific needs.

She highlighted the collaborative effort of her oncologist, surgeon, psychologist, and acupuncturist, who worked together to personalise every aspect of her care. “I’ve never felt like a number.”

Advancing Cutting-Edge Treatments

The institute is already working on several groundbreaking projects, including:

3D-printed, custom-made jaw implants
Research into nerve damage caused by chemotherapy

Chris O’Brien’s Vision: A Legacy of Hope

The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Research Institute carries forward the powerful vision of Professor Chris O’Brien. Renowned as a compassionate head and neck surgeon and former director of the Sydney Cancer Centre, O’Brien made a lasting impact, both on his patients and through his appearances on the RPA TV show. His caring approach to medicine left a strong impression on the Australian public.

In 2006, O’Brien was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. His experience as both a doctor and a patient inspired him to push for a comprehensive cancer centre in NSW. A place where patients and their families wouldn’t have to face the challenges of cancer care alone.

As his vision goes, “Everyone needs hope. We live on hope.”

Though he passed away in 2009, O’Brien’s vision became reality when the institute opened in 2013. Now, the research institute continues to build on his legacy. It ensures that cancer patients receive not only the most advanced treatment but also the personal care and support that O’Brien championed throughout his career.

Published 17-Feb-2025

Southeast Asian Flavours Shine at Island Radio’s Noodle Bar in Redfern

A new player has entered Sydney’s bustling dining scene, and it’s setting its sights on becoming one of the city’s best-value banquets. Welcome to Island Radio, a vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant and noodle bar that’s already making waves in Redfern.

Read: Taguan Cafe: Redfern Filipino Hideaway Serving the ‘Second-Best Adobo’

A Taste of Southeast Asia

Opened in November, Island Radio is bursting with colour, music, and an inviting laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in bold flavours.

At the Noodle Bar, diners can pull up a stool from Wednesday to Friday as drinks start pouring at 4:00 pm, with the noodle action kicking off from 5:00 p.m. The menu boasts a tempting lineup, including spicy pork noodles with sambal matah and garlic shoots, and the must-try sambal fried rice loaded with calamari and prawns—smoky, spicy, and packed with flavour.

For those craving a more extensive feast, the Eating House delivers with a menu crafted by Chef Andy Wirya (formerly of Bondi’s Easy Tiger), drawing inspiration from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Great value abounds with a $39 three-dish lunch menu and a six-dish banquet starting at just $44.50. Wines start at $10.50 per glass, while spicy noodle bowls begin at $15, ensuring top-notch dining without the hefty price tag.

Cocktails, DJs, & Private Karaoke

Island Radio isn’t just about the food—it’s quickly gaining a reputation for its tropical-inspired cocktails and zero-proof refreshments. Whether you’re sipping an ice-cold beer or diving into a bold new cocktail, the drinks menu delivers perfect summer vibes.

If you’re after a little more action, Thursday to Saturday nights bring a live DJ into the main dining room, creating an electric atmosphere. Or, if you’re in the mood for a private party, their 12-person private dining rooms come equipped with a karaoke lounge, setting the scene for an unforgettable night.

Read: Get Ready for Sana: South Eveleigh’s New Healthy Dining Destination

With its dynamic energy, bold flavours, and unbeatable value, Island Radio is already shaping up to be Redfern’s newest go-to dining spot. Whether you’re after a quick noodle fix, a banquet feast, or a night of drinks and music, this lively venue has you covered. Pull up a stool, grab a cocktail, and let the good times flow.

Published 17-February-2025

City of Sydney Backs $490m Life Sciences Campus in Waterloo

Photo Credit: D/2024/937

Did you know that Waterloo could soon have a new, $490-million life sciences precinct? The new development will mark a significant step towards establishing Australia’s first commercialised life sciences campus.

The project (D/2024/937), led by Kurraba Group, aims to advance medical and health sciences research while creating thousands of jobs in the region.

Life sciences campus — *Photo Credit: D/2024/937*

Project Scope and Development Timeline

The precinct, which will span 26,000 square metres at 74-108 Botany Road and 86-100 Wyndham Street, will feature advanced laboratories, collaborative research spaces, and commercial infrastructure. If planning approvals proceed as expected, construction could commence by early 2025.

The design includes:

A stepped building along Botany Road, ranging from seven to eleven storeys.
A five-storey research facility on Wyndham Street.
A Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Centre, providing advanced cancer treatment options.

The project was designed by Gensler, a global architecture firm that won the Architect’s Design Excellence Competition. The campus incorporates sustainability principles and acknowledges the First Nations heritage of the area.

Medical research — *Photo Credit: Kurraba Group*

Economic and Employment Impact

The precinct is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Waterloo and surrounding areas.

1,200 jobs are anticipated during the construction phase.
1,700 long-term positions will be created once the precinct is fully operational.
Proximity to Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s hospitals, as well as major universities including the University of Sydney, UNSW, and UTS, will encourage collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and students.

With Australia’s life sciences industry expanding by 43% since 2019, according to Austrade, this precinct is expected to attract investment, retain research talent, and enhance Sydney’s global position in medical research.

Waterloo development — *Photo Credit: D/2024/937*

Community Concerns and Local Impact

Despite its economic and scientific benefits, the project has raised concerns among local residents.

Some have highlighted construction-related disruptions, including noise, vibration, dust, and congestion.
Others have expressed worries over privacy, overshadowing, and the impact on existing homes.

Residents have called for a balanced assessment of the project’s benefits and challenges, urging the City of Sydney to consider the implications for long-term community members.

Strengthening Australia’s Medical Research Industry

Kurraba Group has positioned the development as a major step in Australia’s life sciences growth, aiming to accelerate research and commercialisation efforts. The precinct is expected to provide purpose-built facilities to retain Australian intellectual property and medical advancements, rather than seeing them developed offshore.

This project aligns with the Botany Road Precinct Vision, a broader redevelopment strategy that was introduced in 2022. The rezoning initiative aims to add 280,000 square metres of commercial floor space and create 14,500 jobs, making the area a major centre for knowledge-based industries.

Next Steps

The City of Sydney’s Central Planning Committee is set to make a final decision on the project in the coming weeks. If approved, Waterloo will become a leading location for medical research and biotechnology, supporting Australia’s role in scientific innovation and commercial development.

Published 15-Feb-2025

Telstra to Sell Part of Redfern Exchange in $20-M Deal

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

Telstra is set to partially decommission and sell part of its Redfern Telephone Exchange, offering a significant inner-city redevelopment opportunity. The 7-storey building at 103-109 George Street, sitting on a 1,260-square-metre block, is expected to fetch around $20 million through an international expressions of interest campaign.

Telstra has been gradually selling off commercial properties in recent years, including its 16-storey Sydney CBD building, which was sold to Charter Hall for $281 million in 2020. The company has also been divesting smaller suburban telephone exchanges as it modernises its telecommunications infrastructure.

The Redfern Exchange sale follows this trend, with Telstra opting for a sale-and-leaseback arrangement, allowing it to continue operations while transferring essential infrastructure to an adjacent building.

Redfern Exchange: Site Details and Redevelopment Potential

The Redfern Telephone Exchange at 103-109 George Street is a 7-storey, 4,000-square-metre building with protected 360-degree views, thanks to heritage restrictions on surrounding properties. The site is currently zoned E1 Local Centre, allowing for a range of redevelopment options (STCA), including:

Residential housing
Student accommodation
Co-living spaces
Traditional office spaces
Medical developments

According to Knight Frank’s Will Brassil, the property’s current building envelope exceeds planning codes, making it a high-value asset for developers looking to capitalise on its existing structure and zoning flexibility.

Market Demand: Offshore Investors Show Interest

There has been renewed demand for inner-city development sites, particularly among offshore investors. Knight Frank’s Andrew Harford stated that interest from Southeast Asian capital is growing, leading to strong competition with local buyers.

Mr Harford also pointed to Knight Frank’s Australian Horizon 2025 report, which suggests that now is an optimal time to invest in commercial property, with market recovery expected from mid-2025.

Telstra — *Photo Credit: Network Architectural*

What Happens Next?

The International Expressions of Interest campaign for the Redfern Exchange is expected to attract significant developer interest, given its prime location, existing infrastructure, and zoning flexibility. The sale is being managed by Knight Frank agents Will Brassil, Andrew Harford, and James Masselos, with advisory input from Charter Keck Cramer.

Once the sale and leaseback arrangement concludes, Telstra will fully decommission the site and finalise infrastructure relocation. The new owner will then seek approvals for redevelopment based on Sydney’s evolving property market demands.

Published 15-Feb-2025