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Entertainment Bans Lifted at Erskineville Hotel

The Erskineville Hotel and several other venues across New South Wales, will soon be able to host live entertainment again as restrictions previously imposed are set to be lifted.

For years, the Erskineville Hotel has been unable to offer live performances due to rules set during the development approval (DA) process. Despite being located in a vibrant nightlife area, the venue was barred from providing entertainment, frustrating both the owners and patrons.

Restrictions Across Venues

These limitations weren’t unique to the Erskineville Hotel. Many other venues have faced similar challenges. The Mitch Hotel in Alexandria was restricted from offering acoustic performances on Sunday afternoons due to a “no entertainment” clause in its consent. The Petersham Public House was banned from having amplified music in outdoor areas like beer gardens, and Barangaroo House had restrictions on strobe lights and disco balls.

In regional areas, rules also limited entertainment choices. For example, the South Dubbo Tavern only permitted small cover bands, meaning original rock bands were prohibited. These restrictions created difficulties for venue owners trying to bring a variety of performances to their customers.

Action to Remove Bans

In response to widespread frustration from venue owners and local communities, live music and entertainment bans are being removed. This change is part of broader reforms aimed at boosting the local entertainment scene and simplifying the regulations that have hindered live performances.

Local business owners have expressed relief, as the previous system allowed local councils to dictate specific entertainment options. In some cases, venues were allowed to host certain performances, like rock bands, but were barred from hosting choirs or other group performances due to strict performer limits.

These changes are expected to give venue owners more flexibility, allowing them to offer a wider range of entertainment without the burden of excessive restrictions.

Impact on Local Communities

Venue owners across the state have welcomed the removal of these entertainment bans, citing long-standing frustrations with the old system. Karl Schlothauer, owner of the Pocket Bar in Terrigal, explained how the restrictions affected his ability to host unique performances. He could not book four poets for a reading because the rules only allowed a maximum of three performers at a time. Schlothauer noted that despite the bar’s beachfront location, where noise is not a major concern, these restrictions made it difficult to provide diverse entertainment options for patrons.

With these rules lifted, communities can expect to see a broader variety of live music, poetry readings, and other performances returning to their local venues. This is likely to have a positive impact on the local nightlife and economy, as outdated and often arbitrary rules will no longer limit venues.

Looking Ahead

The changes are part of ongoing efforts to support the music and night-time economies across New South Wales. By simplifying regulations and allowing venues like the Erskineville Hotel to offer more entertainment options, the hope is to revitalise local communities and support the state’s cultural and social life.

As these reforms take effect, venues across the state are looking forward to greater flexibility in hosting live performances, which will bring more choice and vibrancy to the local entertainment scene.

Published 23-Oct-2024

Sydney Seeks First Nations Artists for Redfern Terrace Transformation

The historic Redfern Terrace, currently adorned with the iconic ‘Welcome to Redfern’ mural, is set to be transformed into a living museum celebrating Aboriginal history and culture in the heart of Sydney’s most significant Indigenous urban community.

Read: Redfern Terrace House, Abandoned for 30 Years, Selling for Over $1 Million

The City of Sydney is calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to reimagine the narrow Caroline Street terrace, which stands as a silent witness to decades of Indigenous life, activism, and community building in the area known as The Block.

“It could be a museum, an artist studio or artwork, and somewhere community can share knowledge and creativity,” says curator Emily McDaniel, who envisions the space as a dynamic repository of local memories and nationally significant events.

The project represents more than just a building renovation. In an area experiencing rapid urban development, with new stations and increased construction around Redfern, the terrace transformation symbolises the city’s commitment to preserving Indigenous heritage and storytelling.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore frames the initiative as part of Sydney’s broader Eora Journey program, which aims to promote cultural, economic, and social sustainability for Aboriginal communities.

“Converting this old terrace in the heart of an area synonymous with First Nations community, culture and activism reflects our commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place,” Mayor Moore said.

The terrace’s history mirrors the broader story of Indigenous Redfern. Originally a shop and residence built in the 1880s, it later served as a dressing room and storage space for a neighbouring sawmill. Meanwhile, The Block emerged as a crucial Aboriginal hub from the 1930s Great Depression onward, as extended families moved to the area seeking work and community.

Today, the building’s exterior features the Welcome to Redfern mural, completed in 2013 by Reko Rennie and young local Aboriginal artists. The city now seeks to extend this artistic legacy inward, inviting First Nations artists, architects, filmmakers, and sound designers to reimagine how the interior space can showcase both contemporary and archival materials.

The project aligns with other Indigenous initiatives in the area, including a recently opened knowledge and cultural centre on Redfern Street and the ambitious Yananurala project – a 9km harbour foreshore walk celebrating Aboriginal heritage through installations and artworks.

Read: ‘Murder Mall’ in Redfern Transforms into New $500-Million Surry Hills Village

Artists interested in contributing to this historic transformation can attend a briefing and site visit on October 22, with project submissions open until 19 November 2024. Visit the City of Sydney’s website for more details.

Published 22-October-2024

Eve Hotel to Open with a Twist: Liquid & Larder Takes the Helm in Redfern

Photo Credit: The Eve

Redfern is about to get much cooler with the November opening of The Eve, a stylish new hotel boasting 102 luxurious rooms, two distinct dining experiences, and poolside relaxation.

This boutique project by TFE Hotels, the team behind Brisbane’s The Calile, is taking a fresh approach by entrusting its entire food and beverage operation to local hospitality group Liquid & Larder.

This partnership departs from the usual hotel playbook of enlisting a celebrity chef. Instead, Liquid & Larder, known for its trendy bars like The Rover and the meat-centric Bistecca, will bring its edgy, street-smart Sydney vibe to The Eve. They’ll oversee an all-day bar and restaurant on the lobby level and a rooftop Mexican restaurant featuring a mezcaleria and poolside dining.

James Bradey, co-owner of Liquid & Larder, sees this as an exciting opportunity. He believes their experience creating vibrant, welcoming spaces will draw in hotel guests, Redfern locals, and a wider Sydney crowd. “We don’t have the hotel culture of Asia where you get what I call over-servicing,” Bradey notes. Australians are more laidback than that.”

The Eve is nestled within the burgeoning Wunderlich Lane precinct, joining other established Sydney hospitality players. The Potts Point’s The Apollo team will launch Olympus restaurant in late 2024, and a pizzeria from the owner of Pyrmont’s acclaimed LuMi is also in the works. The group behind CBD favourite Hinchcliff House will also open two new venues.

While Liquid & Larder’s Mexican restaurant concept is new, Bradey is confident in its ability to deliver. He emphasises that their shared vision with TFE Hotels to create Sydney’s best hotel experience was critical in their decision to take on this project.

With its prime location, stylish design, and Liquid & Larder’s culinary expertise, The Eve is poised to become a new hotspot in Redfern. It’s a testament to the suburb’s evolving landscape and a sign of exciting things.

Published Date 28-August-2024

Redfern Station Incident Causes Peak Hour Delays Across Sydney

Photo Credit: Google Maps

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Sydney’s train network experienced significant delays during the evening peak hour due to an incident at Redfern station. At approximately 3 PM, a man was spotted on the tracks, prompting immediate action from authorities and causing delays across multiple train lines.

The incident affected several key routes passing through Redfern, including the T1, T2, T3, T8, and T9 lines. Transport for NSW issued warnings to commuters about potential delays in both directions.

T9 Sydney Trains posted an alert on social media, advising passengers: “Allow extra travel time due to an incident requiring emergency services at Redfern. Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing. Please listen for announcements and check information screens before getting on trains.”

Allow extra travel time due to an incident requiring emergency services at Redfern.

Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing.

Please listen for announcements and check information screens before getting on trains. pic.twitter.com/2Y9HQMq3Gy
— T9 Sydney Trains (@T9SydneyTrains) October 15, 2024

Police were called to the scene to address the situation. The presence of a person on the tracks posed serious safety concerns and necessitated the temporary disruption of services.

The incident’s timing during the afternoon rush hour amplified its impact on commuters, many of whom faced extended travel times and potential alterations to their usual routes.

After police intervention, the man was safely removed from the tracks. However, the knock-on effects of the incident continued to affect evening commuters as the network worked to resume normal operations.

Commuters were advised to continue checking for announcements and updates for the most current information on their travel routes.

Published 15-October-2024

New Aged Care Facility Set to Transform Redfern Community

A new aged care facility is planned for 49 Cope Street, Redfern, bringing much-needed affordable housing for elderly residents in the rapidly changing inner-city neighbourhood.

The City of Sydney has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for registered not-for-profit organisations to design, build, and operate the residential aged care facility. Applications close on Thursday, 19 December 2024, and are part of the city’s efforts to address housing shortages for older locals while fostering greater community involvement, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Purpose of the Development

The new aged care facility will replace an underused 1,925 square metre public car park currently at the Cope Street site.

The City of Sydney aims to create a minimum of 50 affordable residential aged care places to serve the local community. The facility will focus on supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, with a requirement for the aged care service to be delivered by, or in partnership with, local Aboriginal organisations.

The proposal ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and staff will be an integral part of the facility’s operations.

In addition to the aged care spaces, the successful bidder must build a 55-place underground car park, which will be handed back to the City of Sydney for continued operation as a paid public car park.

49 Cope St Redfern — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Eligibility and Criteria

The City of Sydney has set strict eligibility criteria for this project. Only registered not-for-profit aged care providers or those partnered with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations may apply. For-profit organisations, unincorporated groups, or individuals are not eligible to participate in the EOI process.

The property will be sold to the chosen applicant for $1, but a covenant will be placed on the land title ensuring the site is used exclusively for affordable aged care purposes in perpetuity. Financial stability is also required, as applicants must demonstrate the ability to fund, build, and sustain the facility long-term.

The evaluation process will consider both mandatory and qualitative criteria, including previous experience in designing and managing residential aged care facilities, as well as the ability to provide employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community during both the construction and operational phases of the project.

Next Steps

The City of Sydney will review submissions and report the outcome of the EOI process to the council in early 2025. The council may then decide to proceed with a select tender or negotiate directly with one or more of the applicants.

The aim is to begin development as soon as possible to meet the growing demand for affordable aged care services in the Redfern area.

This initiative represents an important opportunity for the Redfern community to increase affordable housing options for its elderly population while ensuring that local Aboriginal groups play a central role in the development and operation of the new facility.

Shedding Light on Safety: Petition Launched for Erskineville Road Rail Bridge Upgrades

A community group is spearheading efforts to address long-standing safety concerns over Erskineville Road rail bridge that has left commuters feeling unsafe for nearly a decade.

Read: Developer Buys Erskineville Site for $315 Million, Aims to Deliver Over 1,000 Apartments

Friends of Erskineville, led by Debroh Gilbert, has been tirelessly campaigning for improved lighting on the footpath, located between Linthorpe and Angel Streets in Erskineville.

Residents have described the bridge as “dangerous” and a “black hole,” with many reporting difficulty seeing their own feet while crossing. The lack of adequate lighting has not only caused fear among pedestrians but also raised concerns about potential injuries.

Erskineville Road rail — Photo credit: Friends of Erskineville/Facebook

In response to these concerns, the group has launched a petition via Action Network calling for immediate action to improve bridge safety. The group is actively encouraging local residents to sign and show their support for the cause.

“The Erskineville Road rail bridge (between Linthorpe and Angel Streets) footpath is plunged into darkness at night due to the lack of footpath lighting making it unsafe for the increasing level of pedestrian traffic,” the group stated.

The petition, which has already gathered several hundred signatures, demands better lighting and proposes installing lanterns over the walkway as an interim solution.

The community group’s primary goal is to have lighting installed underfoot, which they believe would significantly improve safety for pedestrians crossing the bridge. They hope that the growing number of petition signatures will put additional pressure on authorities to take action.

Read: Community Groups Mobilise Campaign to Build Carriageworks to South Eveleigh Bridge

As the issue continues, Friends of Erskineville remains committed to their cause, determined to shed light on this dark corner of Sydney’s infrastructure and ensure safer passage for all commuters. They urge all local residents to sign the petition and make their voices heard in the fight for a safer community.

Published 11-October-2024

‘Murder Mall’ in Redfern Transforms into New $500-Million Surry Hills Village

The notorious “murder mall” in Redfern has undergone a $500-million transformation, turning the once troubled shopping centre into the new Surry Hills Village.

After four years of redevelopment, the new Surry Hills Village is nearing completion.

The project, led by the TOGA Group and designed by architect Adam Haddow, has transformed the area into a mixed-use development featuring offices, restaurants, cafes, and residential spaces, including 122 apartments. The original plan, which was 90 per cent residential, was changed to create a balance of local amenities and workspaces to foster a vibrant community.

Community Concerns

The redevelopment has sparked concerns about gentrification among residents, as the old Redfern Coles had long been a focal point for the community.

TOGA Group’s managing director, Allan Vidor, emphasised that the intention was to honour the local Redfern community rather than impose gentrification. He stated the development was meant to provide a vibrant, mixed-use area that integrates offices, dining spots, and public spaces.

Residents, including Lesley Holden, noted the vast improvement in the area. They mentioned that what was once a “dodgy parking lot” at the southern end has been replaced with a pocket park, lifting the neighbourhood’s appeal.

The upgraded centre has become a lively gathering point for locals, who are seen arriving by foot, wheelchair, and scooter, with tradies and residents using the landscaped steps and seating.

Design and Sustainability

The development features a striking architectural design, including a grand vaulted ceiling at the entrance, which sets a welcoming tone for visitors. The project also includes a six-storey commercial tower made from Swedish timber, a hotel named The Eve, and landscaped gardens that integrate green rooftops and energy-efficient buildings.

The architects created a village atmosphere by combining brickwork, varying building heights, and open spaces.

Sustainability was a central focus of the development, with efforts to minimise the site’s ecological footprint. This included water-saving technologies, energy-efficient practices, and attention to tree canopy and landscaping. The design team saw the project as a way to “stitch together” the community, building on Redfern’s working-class roots.

Future of the Village

As New South Wales pushes for more high-density development across Sydney, the Surry Hills Village has been regarded as a model for future projects. The development’s mixed-use nature aligns with the state’s goal to build upwards rather than outwards, addressing both housing shortages and urban inequality.

Redfern, a suburb with wealth and poverty and a significant Indigenous population, is a key area for such urban revitalisation efforts.

The redevelopment is set to be completed soon, with more restaurants and cafes, including a Greek restaurant named Olympus, scheduled to open by the end of the year. Residents and visitors have already begun enjoying the new spaces, and the community is adjusting positively to the changes after nearly four years of construction.

Published 8-Oct-2024

PM Meets Greek Orthodox Head in Historic Redfern Event

Photo Credit: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the worldwide head of the Greek Orthodox Church, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The event, described by Albanese as “historic,” was part of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s tour of Australia, marking 100 years since the founding of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country. Albanese and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a procession at the Redfern cathedral and met with parishioners.

This visit to Redfern is significant as it’s only the second time Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has toured Australia, with his first visit occurring in 1996. As the leader of 300 million Greek Orthodox Christians worldwide, including over 400,000 in Australia, his presence drew many members of the Greek Orthodox community to Redfern.

Albanese, who represents the nearby electorate of Grayndler, highlighted the importance of the Greek community in Sydney’s inner west. He stated, “As someone who has had the honour of representing Marrickville for nearly 30 years and called the inner west my home for even longer, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable contribution that generations of Greek Australians have made to our nation.”

The event attracted numerous community members, with crowds gathering outside the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Redfern.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s tour of Australia is set to continue over the next week, further commemorating the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country.

Published 5-October-2024

Historic Eveleigh Building Transforms into Coffee Lovers’ Paradise

A massive coffee roastery and café called The Grounds Coffee Factory has opened in a historic Eveleigh building, bringing a new level of coffee culture to Sydney.

The venue, which opened on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, is the latest project from the team behind The Grounds of Alexandria. Located at 2 Locomotive Street, the factory occupies a former railway workers’ cafeteria, blending industrial elements with old-world charm.

The Coffee Experience

At the heart of the factory is a complex coffee transportation system that moves beans across the space, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Visitors can watch Nick Ferguson, the head roaster at work, while enjoying their brew.

“Our goal is to make the art and science of coffee clear and approachable,” The Grounds’ founder and director Ramzey Choker said. “Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply seeking a great spot for a casual meal, there’s something here for you.”

The factory offers 12 different beans and roasts daily, as well as coffee cuppings, brewing workshops, and latte art classes for those keen to expand their coffee knowledge.

Food and Atmosphere

While coffee takes centre stage, the food menu is equally impressive. Former Otto Ristorante and Cafe Sydney chef James Kidman heads the kitchen, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options.

*Photo Credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory/Facebook*

The breakfast menu, available until 11:30 a.m., includes dishes like eggs soldiers with smoked salmon and dill, and traditional hotcakes with maple syrup. Lunch offerings feature items such as a fresh fish sandwich, vodka pasta, and veal parmy.

Kidman has added an “Australian fleck” to the menu, including lamingtons with Davidson plum jam. He’s also put a twist on classic dishes, like serving steak with deliberately undercooked onions to evoke memories of sporting club barbecues.

Design and Development

The Grounds Coffee Factory, designed by ACME & Co, pays homage to the site’s railway heritage. The project, six years in the making, faced several delays, including COVID-19 and technical issues with the coffee transportation system.

*Photo Credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory*

“Fortunately, we’d locked in a lot of things pre-COVID. With the way costs have gone up, there’s no way we’d have been able to do this today,” Choker explained the long development process.

The new venue will become a hub for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. It will serve as a café and roastery and an educational space where visitors can learn about coffee production and brewing techniques.

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area, making it a truly community-friendly space in the heart of South Eveleigh.

Menu and Reservations

Published 23-Sept-2024

Car Crashes into Power Pole in Redfern

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A car crashed and caused significant damage to a power pole in Redfern just this evening, September 20, 2024, prompting an emergency response.

At approximately 6:00 PM, emergency services were called to the corner of Elizabeth and Redfern streets following reports of a car crashing into a power pole. The impact reportedly split the power pole in half.

The incident drew a substantial response, with eight police cars attending the scene. A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed that no live wires were exposed as a result of the crash.

A 33-year-old man, identified as the driver, was freed from the wreckage by responding police officers. He was subsequently transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Published 20-September-2024