Spider-like 3D Printing Robot Unveiled in Sydney

A six-legged robot named Charlotte, developed by Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology, was showcased in Eveleigh, highlighting how robotics and 3D printing could shape the future of sustainable housing on Earth and beyond.



Revolution in Construction Technology

Charlotte, a semi-autonomous machine, merges robotics with 3D printing to build structures directly from raw materials. It was unveiled during the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, one of the world’s major gatherings for space innovation.

The robot’s design draws inspiration from the movement of spiders, allowing it to straddle walls and print layer by layer without the need for scaffolding. Developers said this design helps it adapt to uneven ground and operate efficiently in diverse environments.

Charlotte robot
Photo Credit: Crest Robotics

Built for Speed and Efficiency

Charlotte is capable of constructing a 200-square-metre home within 24 hours. Its performance is estimated to equal the output of more than 100 bricklayers.

Instead of traditional concrete, the robot uses a cement-free combination of sand, crushed brick, and recycled glass. The mix forms fire-resistant and flood-resistant walls that harden within three days, producing a durable, stone-like surface.

By combining manufacturing, transport, and assembly into one process, Charlotte removes multiple stages of conventional building. This reduces energy use, material waste, and carbon emissions while lowering construction costs.

Research-Driven and Locally Supported

The project has been supported through the Space+ program, which backs Australian technology connecting space research and advanced manufacturing. The team behind Charlotte — Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology — said the goal is to create an efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional construction.

Researchers from the University of Sydney have also noted that automation could ease labour shortages and help smaller teams manage larger projects by reducing repetitive and hazardous work.

 Crest Robotics
Photo Credit: Crest Robotics

Responding to Industry Challenges

Developers see Charlotte as part of a broader shift toward automation in the Australian building industry. The robot is being developed in response to long-standing challenges such as labour shortages, stagnant productivity, and the need to cut carbon emissions.

Other local innovators, such as Contour3D and Contec Australia, have also been exploring large-scale 3D printing to speed up residential builds and improve sustainability.

Extending Innovation Beyond Earth

Beyond domestic use, Charlotte’s creators are working on adapting the technology for space applications. Its lightweight and foldable structure make it suitable for building research shelters and infrastructure on the Moon.

The concept aligns with future space programs such as NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to establish human presence on the lunar surface later this decade. Developers believe advancing robotics in extreme environments could make construction on Earth faster and more resilient.

Public Reactions and Future Outlook

Public reactions have ranged from enthusiasm to scepticism. Some observers praised the project for offering faster and more affordable housing, while others questioned its impact on jobs in the construction industry.



Charlotte remains in the prototype stage, but the technology has already drawn global interest. If developed successfully, it could mark a turning point in how sustainable homes are built in Eveleigh and across Australia — and eventually, beyond Earth.

Published 3-Oct-2025

What Waterloo Residents Can Expect During October Metro Quarter Works

The Waterloo Metro Quarter is a major urban renewal project, and October brings another round of intensive works. Located above and around the newly opened Waterloo Metro Station, the precinct is being delivered by the Waterloo Collective, a joint venture between John Holland and Mirvac.


Read: Waterloo Residents Given Eviction Notices as Redevelopment Begins


Once complete, the precinct will include apartments, social and affordable housing, student accommodation, retail and commercial spaces, and community facilities. With the station opened in August 2024, construction activity on the precinct is well underway.

What’s Happening in October

Photo credit: sydneymetro.info

Construction activity will continue throughout the month, with work scheduled during standard hours—Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 7.30am to 6pm.

Planned works include:

  • Deliveries and removal of heavy machinery and materials
  • Scaffold installation and removal for safe access
  • Structural steel installation and formwork for building structures
  • Concrete pours along Wellington Street and Botany Road, with some finishing works extending to 10pm on a limited basis
  • Façade installation and internal fit-outs in the southern precinct buildings
  • Rope-access façade cleaning
  • Watermain connections at the Botany Road/Wellington Street intersection
  • Utility investigations along Botany Road
  • Road re-sheeting on Wellington Street between Botany Road and Cope Street
  • Landscaping works on Wellington Street, Cope Street Plaza and Botany Road
  • Kerb and gutter works on Botany Road and Wellington Street
  • Rain garden installation requiring temporary footpath diversions

To accommodate these activities, temporary closures will affect local roads. Wellington Street will experience full closures between Botany Road and Cope Street at times, particularly when cranes and utility crews are operating. Pedestrian and vehicle detours will be signposted.

Station Works and Road Upgrades

Photo credit: johnholland.com.au

Inside and around Waterloo Station, further utility and defect rectification works will take place. Crews will continue façade installation on the southern station box, while civil works will occur at the Botany Road and Henderson Road intersection.

Along Botany Road, smart pole piling and conduit installation will progress. Wellington Street will also undergo additional utilities, landscaping, and milling and re-sheeting between Botany Road and Cope Street. These improvements are expected to enhance the long-term streetscape and traffic conditions.

Out-of-Hours Work

Some activities cannot be completed during standard construction hours. Out-of-hours work is scheduled between 6pm and 7am on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 7am on Sundays.

The project team has indicated that noisy work will not occur at the same location for more than two consecutive nights.

Social Housing Milestone

October will also mark a milestone for the precinct: the first tenants will move into the new social housing building mid-month. The Waterloo Collective is working with Homes NSW to ensure the transition is smooth. This move marks a shift from construction towards occupation, and is part of the project’s stated social housing outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The Waterloo Metro Quarter has been described in project materials as a “place to gather and grow”—a vision for a mixed-use precinct that caters to residents, students, businesses and visitors. With work on the southern precinct well advanced, planning continues for the northern and central areas.


Read: Waterloo Metro Rail Platform Taking Shape After 7 Months of Work


For locals, October brings ongoing construction activity alongside milestones such as social housing handovers. Once complete, the Waterloo Metro quarter will deliver new homes, community facilities, public spaces and retail offerings to the heart of the suburb—anchored by one of Sydney’s newest metro stations.

Published 29-September-2025

Sydney Ceramics Market 2025 Brings Over 130 Makers to Carriageworks in Eveleigh

When the Sydney Ceramics Market returns to Carriageworks in Eveleigh this October, it will do so with its biggest line-up yet, bringing together more than 130 ceramic artists from across New South Wales and the ACT.


Read: Eveleigh Rail Yards Poised for Screen Hub and New Homes


Now in its fourth year, the market has become a regular feature of Sydney’s cultural calendar. It was established to showcase the ingenuity and diversity of ceramic practice, and it continues to serve as a meeting point for makers, collectors and the curious.

The two-day event will be held indoors at Carriageworks, the former rail yard turned arts centre on Gadigal land. Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of handmade work, spanning functional tableware through to sculptural pieces.

A market celebrating clay and community

The Sydney Ceramics Market is known for fostering connections between makers and visitors. It offers people the chance to shop directly from local artists while also learning about their processes. Visitors can watch wheel-throwing demonstrations, meet makers, and browse tools and materials to support their own practice.

This year’s roster includes well-known names such as Milly Dent, Simon Reece, Studio Elke, Sooty Ceramics, Everything Flows Studio, Trade The Mark, Vanessa Bean, All Day Clay and Bernadette Huang. Emerging artists will also present new work.

At the entrance, a curated exhibition will display one-off works by 30 Sydney ceramicists, highlighting a variety of techniques and approaches from local artists.

Sydney Ceramics Market
Photo credit: Facebook/Sydney Ceramics Market

Hands-on experiences are a key part of the program. Clay Sydney will host live wheel-throwing sessions across the weekend, showing how clay is shaped on the wheel. Artist Juz Kitson will introduce her new Porcelain Queen range, which includes clays and artisan brushware. Specialist tools will also be available from Meet Ceramics and local engineers Homespun.

The market is part of Sydney Craft Week, a city-wide festival celebrating handmade work across different mediums. The event reflects the growing public interest in ceramics and gives the community direct access to makers and their creations.


Read: South Eveleigh at the Heart of Tech Central’s New Innovation Push


For Redfern and inner-city residents, Carriageworks is within easy reach. Known for hosting major creative events, the venue will once again provide the setting for a large gathering of ceramic makers.

The Sydney Ceramics Market will feature everything from statement sculptures to simple handmade cups, appealing to a wide range of visitors.

Event details
📅 Saturday 18 October 2025, 10am–5pm
📅 Sunday 19 October 2025, 10am–4pm
📍 Carriageworks Bays 22–24, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
🎟 Tickets available via Humanitix or at the door (free entry for children under 13)

Published 29-September-2025

Redfern Streets Turn into Torrents as Families Count Cost of Repeated Floods


When floodwaters swept through Redfern streets and poured into homes, the community was left grappling not only with damage but also with a lack of clear answers about why their neighbourhood continues to be at risk.



The night the water rose

In early September, Sydney was hit by one of its heaviest rainfalls in decades. Across the city, more than 850 calls for help were made to the State Emergency Service as flash flooding, fallen trees and power outages spread from the east to the west. But in Redfern, the scene took on an unusual character.

Video recorded by neighbours shows stormwater surging out of drains linked to the Eastern Distributor and racing down South Dowling, Mount and Charles streets. Objects weighing dozens of kilograms were lifted and carried along as if the streets had turned into a river. Locals said it looked like footage from a disaster overseas rather than an inner-city Sydney suburb.

For many families, it was not the first time. They say their homes were also inundated during a downpour in 2024, and this time they came prepared to film what was happening in order to prove their claims.

Community impact

The damage has left lasting scars. Some households were forced to leave while professional drying equipment ran day and night. Others returned to find cupboards lined with mud, warped timber and belongings beyond repair.

The financial strain is escalating. Several families report that repeated floods have already resulted in six-figure insurance claims. One household has logged four separate claims in the past 18 months. Now, they fear that insurers may either sharply raise premiums or withdraw flood coverage entirely.

It is not only money at stake. Neighbours describe the emotional weight of living with the constant threat of inundation every time a storm is forecast. Parents worry about children walking home. In contrast, others say they can no longer feel secure in their own houses during heavy rain.

Who is responsible?

The City of Sydney has acknowledged concerns about a “surcharging event” in the drainage system connected to the Eastern Distributor. Council engineers said the problem was raised in 2024 and some drainage pits had since been upgraded. They believe the latest flood suggests the issue persists and have indicated they will take the matter to the New South Wales government.

Transurban, the private operator running the toll road on behalf of Transport for NSW, has rejected responsibility. A company spokesperson stated that no water was pumped from the tunnel into local streets; instead, they pointed to the excessive stormwater runoff from Moore Park. They argued that a nearby retention basin, which Transurban does not maintain, had overflowed under the weight of the rainfall.

The back-and-forth has left Redfern residents frustrated. They say the video evidence points directly to the tollway infrastructure and that the flooding is not simply the result of unusual weather.

A wider storm

While Redfern bore the brunt in its low-lying streets, Sydney overall was hammered by the downpour. Reports cited more than 120 millimetres of rain fell in 24 hours at the city’s weather station, the wettest September day since 1879. The storm also brought damaging winds and forced closures across the metropolitan area.

Authorities described it as an exceptional event, but for Redfern residents, that explanation is not enough. They argue their suburb suffers from repeat flooding whenever the tollway drainage system is pushed to capacity, putting them at risk far more often than other parts of the city.

Talk of a class action is now circulating, with locals exploring legal options to force a solution. They say they cannot continue to shoulder the cost of repairs while agencies and a private company exchange responsibility.



For many, the call is simple: they want clear accountability and infrastructure that keeps their homes dry. Without it, each forecast of heavy rain brings back the same fear and uncertainty. Until that changes, Redfern remains a community living under the shadow.

Published 27-Sept-2025

Erskineville Oval Grandstand May Carry Name of Boxing Great Johnny Lewis

Erskineville Oval, the heart of local sport since 1940, could soon carry the name of boxing trainer Johnny Lewis, whose journey began there.



A Local Sporting Ground with Deep Roots

Erskineville Oval has long been a landmark for the inner Sydney community, with its grandstand overlooking matches and training sessions since 1940. Now, the City of Sydney is considering naming the grandstand in honour of boxing trainer Johnny Lewis, a man whose career and influence began only a stone’s throw from the oval. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps
Photo Credit: Google Maps

While a public consultation on the proposal closed in March 2025, the community focus remains firmly on why this venue is so closely linked to Lewis’s life and achievements.

From Erskineville Streets to the Boxing World

Lewis grew up in Erskineville and began sparring as a teenager at the Newtown Police Boys Club. He later became a trainer at just 18, learning from seasoned mentors and adopting traditional techniques that shaped his style. 

Photo Credit: Gairy St Clair/Facebook

His connection to the oval and the surrounding neighbourhood was constant, and locals recall his presence at community clubs and gyms across Sydney. His early exposure to sport at Erskineville Oval left a mark that would echo through his approach to coaching and mentoring.

Training Champions and Changing Lives

Over six decades, Lewis guided boxers such as Jeff Fenech, Jeff Harding and Kostya Tszyu to world titles. His work was not limited to elite fighters; he coached the Australian Olympic boxing team, supported rugby league squads, and remained active in youth programs. 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Former athletes and community members have described him as someone who changed the direction of their lives, offering discipline and encouragement when it was needed most. Many speak of him as a figure who treated everyone equally, regardless of their background.

Recognition Beyond the Ring

Lewis has been inducted into both the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the sport’s most respected figures. At his 80th birthday tribute, athletes and community members described how he inspired strength and confidence in others. 



He still trains fighters in Erskineville, showing the same dedication that began at the oval. For locals, naming the grandstand after him would honour both his legacy and the oval’s role in shaping the community.

Published 19-September-2025

From Factories to Families: Green Square Transforms Five Suburbs


Green Square, stretching across Beaconsfield, Zetland, Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo, is being reshaped into one of the country’s largest new urban communities, set to welcome about 63,000 residents once construction is complete.



A new chapter for Inner Sydney

What was once a district of warehouses and industrial yards is undergoing one of the most ambitious urban renewal programs in Australia. Covering 278 hectares, the Green Square project is valued at $22 billion in private development, with the City of Sydney investing $1.8 billion in public infrastructure. The City has already delivered more than $700 million worth of projects, with another $80 million planned in the next five years.

The redevelopment is not simply about building apartments. The goal is to create a neighbourhood where people can live, work and spend time together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, community spaces and accessible services.

Homes and jobs for a growing population

Once complete, Green Square will provide 33,000 new homes across the five suburbs. Around 63,000 people are expected to move into the area, nearly doubling the population of Sydney’s inner south. The project is also forecast to generate up to 22,000 permanent jobs, creating opportunities for residents to work close to where they live.

The scale of change is already visible. Zetland and Waterloo have seen new apartment towers rise over the past decade, bringing young professionals and families into the area. Shops, restaurants and cafés have followed, reshaping what were once quiet industrial streets into active neighbourhoods.

Community facilities at the heart of planning

Beyond housing, the City of Sydney has prioritised new public infrastructure to support daily life. Green Square Public School is set to open in 2025 on the former Royal South Sydney Hospital site at 3 Joynton Avenue. The award-winning Green Square Library and Plaza has already become a community hub, while the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is providing new opportunities for health and sport.

Photo Credit: City of Sydney

Open space is central to the vision. More than 40 parks and playgrounds are being created, giving families access to outdoor recreation and places for neighbours to meet. The former Royal South Sydney Hospital site is also home to the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre, preserving a cultural link to the area’s past.

Designing for sustainability

Green Square has been planned with long-term environmental goals in mind. It hosts one of Australia’s largest residential stormwater harvesting and reuse systems, designed to capture and recycle up to 320 million litres of water a year. Energy-efficient LED street lights line the precinct, while self-watering raingardens reduce water use and improve the health of local plants.

Green Square
Photo Credit: City of Sydney

The development’s commitment to sustainability has earned it a 6 Star “Green Star – Communities” rating from the Green Building Council of Australia — the highest level achievable. This recognition highlights the integration of green design into housing, infrastructure and open spaces.

Moving around the city

Transport has been a major consideration in the renewal. The Green Square train station connects directly to the Sydney CBD and airport, making it one of the best-served suburbs for public transit. City planners have also prioritised cycling and walking, with separated cycleways and wide footpaths encouraging active travel.

The City of Sydney is advocating for a new light rail link between Green Square, Central and Parramatta Road/Broadway.

Balancing growth with community needs

With such rapid development, concerns have also been raised. Housing affordability remains a challenge, as new apartments are often priced beyond the reach of many long-term residents. Increased population density will also put pressure on transport networks, schools and health services if growth outpaces planning.

City of Sydney officials acknowledge these challenges but emphasise the scale of investment being made in community facilities and open space. The goal is to ensure Green Square develops as a balanced neighbourhood rather than just a cluster of high-rise buildings.

A model for the future

Green Square is being closely watched as a test case for urban renewal in Australia. If successful, the project could influence how other cities approach redevelopment, combining sustainability measures with housing growth and public infrastructure.



For residents of Beaconsfield, Zetland, Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo, the changes are more immediate. In place of warehouses and factories, new parks, libraries, shops and homes are taking shape. The project is reshaping not just the skyline, but the way people live and interact in the heart of Sydney’s inner south.

CategoryDetails
Location278 hectares across Beaconsfield, Zetland, Rosebery, Alexandria, Waterloo
PurposeMajor urban renewal project – transforming old industrial area into sustainable, mixed-use community
Population & Housing~33,000 new homes; ~63,000 residents when complete
Jobs~21,000 permanent jobs expected
SustainabilityStormwater recycling scheme (one of Australia’s largest); LED streetlights; self-watering raingardens; cycleways, wide footpaths
Green Star Rating6 Star “Green Star – Communities” rating (highest possible)
Public Infrastructure– 40+ parks, plazas, and playgrounds- Library, plaza, aquatic centre, community spaces- New primary school- Redevelopment of old Royal South Sydney Hospital site
TransportCycling network, integrated public transport, planning for light rail
FundingPrivate development: ~AUD $22 billionPublic infrastructure: ~AUD $1.8 billion (City has spent $700m, with another $80m planned)
Overall GoalCreate a vibrant, sustainable, well-connected urban community with housing, jobs, green space, and amenities

Published 16-Sept-2025

Off-Leash Dogs Leave Pets and Residents Injured in Redfern

Redfern residents fear for their safety as reports of incidents of off-leash bull breed dogs attacking pets and people repeatedly come in, raising concerns about public safety.



Escalating Attacks

In recent months, Redfern and nearby Waterloo have experienced several attacks by large, off-leash dogs, mainly American staffies and pit bulls. In mid-May, security footage showed three dogs attacking a smaller dog near a child on a bike. 

In June, the same dog fatally injured a small dog on Regent Street. Locals report that they frequently see these dangerous dogs in the area, and authorities largely fail to intervene despite repeated complaints.

Community Impact

Victims have faced serious physical, emotional, and financial impacts from dog attacks in Redfern. A pit bull severely injured assistance dog Ahnala, forcing nine surgeries over 12 weeks at a cost of $15,000 and ending its ability to work in its role.

Photo Credit BanPitBulls/Reddit

Another dog, Marco, survived an attack by two staffies, but the pet sitter who intervened was hospitalised, and vet bills approached $30,000. Residents now avoid parks and streets, frustrated that dangerous dog orders seem unenforced.

Police and Council Response

The City of Sydney Council has received multiple reports of dog attacks this year, investigating each case and issuing warnings or orders where possible. Identifying the dogs or owners in several incidents has been challenging. 

Photo Credit: Danie Swanepoel/Flickr

NSW Police have patrolled the area and responded to emergencies, including a Waterloo attack that left a woman with a 14cm ankle laceration requiring surgery. Despite these efforts, residents remain concerned about dangerous dogs and continue to fear for community safety.

Expert Perspective

Canine expert Mark Ehrman notes that the size and breed of these dogs increase the potential harm during attacks. He explains that bull breed dogs have genetic tendencies from being historically bred for fighting, which can make them highly reactive if they feel threatened. 



Repeated attacks show that owners cannot easily control or rehabilitate some dogs through training alone, highlighting the need for responsible ownership and strict adherence to regulations.

Published 21-August-2025

Jet City Sports Club Honour Redfern in Unreleased Track

Sydney indie-pop band Jet City Sports Club have highlighted Redfern through their unreleased track Redfern Station, performed during their debut session at “Live at Enmore”.



Redfern Station as Inspiration

Jet City Sports Club performed their unreleased track Redfern Station at “Live at Enmore”, drawing on the suburb as the central theme. The song reflects a moment in July 2020, when members observed the sunset over Redfern Station and later developed it into music, shaping one of their most personal works.

Jet City Sports Club
Photo Credit: Jet City Sports Club/Instagram

Band Background and Direction

Formed in Sydney/Eora, the group has developed a sound blending 1990s-style instrumentation with modern indie elements. Led by Lilla Obradovic, the band’s music balances atmospheric melodies with driving guitar riffs. Their influences span from Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy to The Beths, Julia Jacklin, Phoebe Bridgers, and DMA’s, reflecting both international and Australian inspirations in their sound.

From Formation to Recognition

The four members came together through mutual connections, with Obradovic taking on vocals during their first practice. Since then, they have established themselves on the national live circuit, performing at festivals including Rolling Sets, Lost Paradise, The Gum Ball, and Party in the Paddock. They have also supported acts such as Ruby Fields, Old Mervs, The Temper Trap, Dear Seattle, and DICE, building their reputation as a strong live act.

Redfern Station
Photo Credit: Jet City Sports Club/Instagram

Growing Presence in Australian Music

The band has been signed to Select Music and recently announced their first headline tour. Their single In Morphine continues their presence in the indie scene, following earlier tracks such as Feeling It All, which marked a shift towards an indie-pop direction and showed their willingness to evolve creatively.

Anticipation Around Redfern Track



With Redfern Station yet to be officially released, interest has grown among fans. The combination of lyrical storytelling and live performance has positioned the track as one likely to resonate with Sydney audiences when made available, particularly those with connections to Redfern and its cultural setting.

Published 18-Aug-2025

Training and Learning Centre for Sporting Development Opens at Redfern Oval

The Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre has officially opened at Redfern Oval, providing new education and high-performance training facilities through a partnership between TAFE NSW and the Rabbitohs Institute.



Background to the Project

On 12 August 2025, the Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre was formally opened at Redfern Oval. The facility was developed through a partnership between TAFE NSW and the Rabbitohs Institute to expand access to education and training pathways linked with sporting development.

Named in honour of Reg Richardson AO, the centre acknowledges his contribution to the redevelopment of the site. Richardson has been a key supporter of initiatives designed to help young people gain skills and pursue opportunities in both sport and education.

Reg Richardson AO
Photo Credit: Rabbitohs

Facilities and Purpose

The centre features a high-performance gym and training facilities aimed at supporting the development of future Rabbitohs players. It also includes a new education hub where students can participate in TAFE-accredited programs through the Rabbitohs Institute.

These spaces have been designed to strengthen pathways for young athletes aspiring to professional sporting careers while also providing opportunities for academic achievement.

Official Opening and Attendance

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Reg Richardson AO, joined by guests from local government, the City of Sydney, and former Rabbitohs players Bob McCarthy, Michael Andrews, and Wayne Stevens. Attendees toured the facility and met with students and staff to learn about the programs on offer.

Rabbitohs
Photo Credit: Rabbitohs

Community and Educational Impact

The new hub is expected to serve as a bridge between community, education, and elite sport, creating an environment where participants can train and study in the same location. The partnership with TAFE NSW is intended to provide a direct link between classroom learning and athletic development.

Looking Ahead



With its combined focus on physical training and formal education, the Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre is positioned to support the next generation of athletes and students from the Redfern area and beyond.

Published 13-Aug-2025

Heritage Brewery and Warehouse Transformed into Hongdae Pocha in Chippendale

Hongdae Pocha, a new 172-seat Korean BBQ restaurant, has opened in Chippendale, offering street-style dishes and a vibrant dining experience in a heritage-listed former brewery and warehouse.



Background on the Venue

Hongdae Pocha has opened at 5 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale, within a heritage-listed former brewery and warehouse. The site features exposed brick, steel supports and historical plaques, with seating for up to 172 guests.

The restaurant is operated by Vuza Hospitality, the team behind Allta, neighbouring bakery Buttered, and Funda. The concept is inspired by pocha – the Korean term for casual street food stalls – and aims to recreate the social and lively atmosphere of Seoul’s late-night dining culture.

Chippendale Korean BBQ
Photo Credit: Hongdae Pocha/Instagram

Menu and Culinary Approach

Head Chef Haeseung Choi, whose background includes Firedoor in Sydney and Jueun in Seoul, has created a menu designed for sharing. Diners can choose from grill-it-yourself beef and pork cuts, seafood pancakes, ramen fried rice served in Shin Ramyun cups, and a selection of banchan.

Signature dishes include the gochujang yukhoe, a Korean beef tartare served on a crispy hash brown, and the yetnal tongdak, a whole deep-fried chicken served half with mustard-soy glaze and spring onion, and half with a sweet-sour-spicy sauce.

Atmosphere and Design

The fit-out combines industrial heritage elements with neon signage, round grill tables and a K-pop soundtrack. The layout includes communal BBQ tables, designed to encourage group dining.

Drinks and Social Dining

The drinks list features soju cocktails, Korean beers and makgeolli. The offering is designed to pair with the informal, share-style dining, reflecting the pocha tradition where food and drinks are central to a night out.

Hongdae Pocha
Photo Credit: Hongdae Pocha/Instagram

Opening Context



The venue opened in late June 2025, expanding Vuza Hospitality’s presence in Chippendale. The group’s goal is to introduce a Korean dining style that blends authentic street food flavours with a setting adapted for Sydney’s dining scene.

Published 13-Aug-2025