A small, dilapidated inner-city terrace house at 14 East St, Redfern is drawing the attention of young families despite its uninhabitable condition, thanks to its potential and unique features.
The two-bedroom, two-story home on a 101sqm plot was purchased by the late academic Alida Whiting over 30 years ago in 1993 for $169,000. Whiting, a linguist who taught at the University of Sydney, used the property as a meeting spot, filling the home floor-to-ceiling with books.
Since Whiting’s passing and the decline of her health in recent years, the property has fallen into disrepair. BresicWhitney sales agent Michael Kirk, who is tasked with selling the property on behalf of Whiting’s two nieces, describes it as “unlivable” — with peeling paint, a rudimentary kitchen, and the most unusual feature, a toilet bowl in the corner of the “master suite” without any surrounding walls.
Despite its uninhabitable state, the home is attracting interest from young families who can see its potential. Kirk notes that buyers “love the north-facing backyard and the potential” of the property. He has set a price guide of $1.2 million ahead of the November 2 auction, with the books included as part of the deal.
Recent sales in the neighbourhood have shown the potential payoff, with a home at No. 10 East St selling for $1.4 million in 2020 after being purchased for $1.01 million in 2013.
While the “unlivable” state of 14 East St may deter some buyers, the draw of its potential and prime Redfern location appears to be enough to capture the imagination of young families seeking an affordable foothold in the competitive inner-city market.
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.
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.
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.
The notorious “murder mall” in Redfern has undergone a $500-million transformation, turning the once troubled shopping centre into the new Surry Hills Village.
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.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
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.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
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.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Receivers and managers have been appointed to take over The Norfolk, a popular pub in Redfern, due to the financial struggles facing Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group.
The decision came earlier in September 2024 when insolvency specialists from FTI Consulting stepped in to manage not only The Norfolk but also four other Sydney-based properties including Oxford House, The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove Hotel, and The Exchange Hotel. All venues are to be put on the market promptly, aiming to find new ownership to secure their operational future.
In the heart of Redfern, The Norfolk is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the cult food favourite, Ricos Tacos. The community has shown concern over the potential changes in management, hoping the venue maintains its unique character and continues to serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Photo Credit: The Norfolk/Facebook
FTI Consulting’s Vaughan Strawbridge remarked on the situation, saying, “We will work closely with the management of the venues to ensure they continue uninterrupted by this process while we seek new owners for the venues to secure their future.”
He expressed confidence that the hotels would sell quickly due to substantial interest in these properties.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Public Hospitality Group’s portfolio, including venues in Melbourne and Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi, remain unaffected. This financial restructuring follows a series of setbacks for the group, which lost management of the hatted Alpha restaurant and parted ways with the team behind the award-winning Maybe Sammy cocktail bar earlier in the year.
The financial reshuffle extends to the creditors, including drinks producer Michael Clifford, who is anxious about the outstanding debts owed to his company. A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for October 21, where further details will be discussed and possibly clarified.
This transition period marks a critical juncture for the future of The Norfolk and its role within the Redfern community, with hopes high for minimal disruption and a continuation of the pub’s legacy under new stewardship.
The Redfern All Blacks, Australia’s oldest Indigenous rugby league club, marked its 80th anniversary at Redfern Oval, coinciding with the club’s appearance in the 2024 South Sydney District Rugby League A-Reserve grand final.
Over the decades, the club has been a hub of cultural pride and resistance, especially in the face of social and political challenges. From its early beginnings, when Aboriginal families moved to Redfern in the 1920s to find work, the club has offered many Indigenous Australians a sense of belonging and identity.
According to Nathan Moran, a former Redfern All Blacks player and now CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, rugby league was more than just a game.
“Footy and boxing were always our avenue out – literally off the mission and then later as a chance to get ahead,” Moran said, reflecting on how sports provided an escape for many in the community.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebook
Generations of Family and Community
The club’s legacy is reflected in its people. Long-time members like John Young, known as “Uncle Blackdog,” have witnessed generations of players come through the ranks. At almost 70 years old, Young has been involved with the club for 47 years, working as a coach and, today, as a team strapper. He proudly described one player, nicknamed “Bubba,” saying, “I coached Bubba in nappy grade and now I am strapping him in men’s footy.”
Keith “Kip” Munro, the club’s junior convenor, has also been integral to the club’s continued success. A few years ago, the All Blacks were down to five teams. The club has expanded to 20 teams through Munro’s dedication, providing role models at every age level.
Photo Credit: Redfern Blacks/Facebook
A Symbol of Resistance
The Redfern All Blacks have been at the heart of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil rights movement. In the 1970s, the club established Aboriginal-controlled organisations in Redfern, including legal, housing, and medical services. In its early years, the club faced scrutiny for its links to the Black Power movement and activism, yet it remained a symbol of defiance against assimilation.
Even in today’s landscape, where gentrification is impacting Redfern and pushing some families to Western Sydney, the All Blacks remain a symbol of resilience. Members now commute back to Redfern to play, keeping the club’s spirit alive.
Growing Opportunities for Women
One of the club’s most significant developments in recent years has been the growth of its women’s program. Women and girls now make up 45% of the All Blacks’ players, with four of them representing Australia as Jillaroos.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebooke
Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, a community matriarch who has been part of the All Blacks since she was 16, is thrilled to see women taking such an active role. She remembers when women were primarily responsible for fundraising and jersey washing, and she notes the positive change in opportunities for young girls.
A Narrow Grand Final Defeat
Despite the celebrations, the Redfern All Blacks were narrowly defeated in the grand final last 8 September, losing 16-12 to Mascot. The loss didn’t dampen the spirits of the team or its loyal supporters, who gave the players a standing ovation.
For Moran, the defeat was just a temporary setback. “We’re resilient, still here and strong, and there’s always next year,” he said.
The Redfern All Blacks have spent the last 80 years keeping the ball in motion, both on and off the field, and their story continues as a powerful example of community, resilience, and cultural pride.
Atomic Brewery had become a staple in Redfern’s vibrant community, known for its innovative beers and lively atmosphere. Established in 2019 and opening a year later, the brewery had offered a range of unique brews and hosted numerous community events.
Despite their best efforts and strong local support, Atomic Brewery succumbed to the same financial pressures plaguing many small breweries around Australia in the pandemic era. The decision to close was described as being made with a “heavy heart,” reflecting the emotional impact on both the owners and their patrons.
In their final message to customers, the owners expressed gratitude for the support and memorable moments shared.
“It’s been a pleasure Redfern, join us for a final froth and a nod to the good times,” the owners shared.
This sentiment was echoed on their website with a heartfelt goodbye, acknowledging the “excellent vibes” brought by their patrons over the years.
Industry-Wide Challenges
The closure of Atomic Brewery is part of a broader trend affecting the Australian brewing industry.
Experts like Nick Boots, an industry consultant, cite multiple factors contributing to these difficulties. The government-imposed excise tax, which is the largest expense for breweries, has been a significant burden, especially as it increases biannually with inflation. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries were allowed to defer tax payments, a relief that has now ended with the Australian Tax Office demanding repayment.
Community and Economic Impact
The competitive landscape is also daunting for smaller players like Atomic Beer. The market is dominated by large corporations such as Carlton & United Breweries and Lion, which control up to 90% of the market, making it challenging for independent brewers to compete.
These larger companies benefit from tax advantages and economies of scale that allow them to produce and sell beer at significantly lower prices.
The closure of these independent breweries not only affects the local communities they serve but also has broader economic implications. The loss of these businesses contributes to job reductions and lessens the cultural richness of their locales.
Thousands of Sydney commuters experienced significant delays on Tuesday morning when a man was spotted near the tracks at Redfern Station, affecting multiple train lines and requiring adjustments to travel plans.
The disruption began just after 8:00 a.m. on 3 September 2024, when commuters were first alerted to the presence of a person near the tracks.
This led to halted services across several key lines, including the Airport & South Line, Bankstown Line, Inner West & Leppington Line, North Shore Line, Northern Line, and Western Line. Sydney Trains advised passengers to anticipate changes to stops and potential delays, urging them to stay informed via announcements, information screens, and transport apps.
New South Wales Police confirmed that the incident was mental health-related. Authorities safely removed the man from the tracks and into police care by approximately 9:00 a.m.
Despite the resolution, residual delays continued to affect the network, with Sydney Trains recommending that commuters allow for an additional half-hour of travel time.
Community Impact and Reactions
The morning’s events significantly disrupted the daily routines of many, impacting students, professionals, and other city dwellers. Social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, saw a flurry of activity from frustrated commuters sharing their experiences.
Some praised the Sydney Metro for its efficiency and isolation from such disruptions, while others expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, with one commuter’s journey tripling in expected duration.
Sydney Trains reiterated the importance of passenger safety and the unpredictability of such incidents, reminding travellers to plan for additional travel time and stay alert to updates during their commutes.
Ongoing Effects and Future Precautions
As the morning progressed, normal train operations gradually resumed. Still, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in public transport systems, especially in densely populated urban areas like Sydney.
Transport authorities continue to evaluate their response protocols and communication strategies to better manage and mitigate similar situations in the future, ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters.
