The search is on for industry partners, developers, and operators for the redevelopment of the heritage-listed Clothing Store sub-precinct in Redfern, with 600 build-to-rent homes planned.
Entities to be selected for the Clothing Store sub-precinct redevelopment could secure a 99-year ground lease under an arrangement with the state government and the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). The project entails re-adapting the Clothing Store building as a new public domain for recreation and unwinding whilst integrating several affordable dwellings.
Situated in the railway precinct, the old building was built in 1913 as a facility for producing and storing uniforms for railway workers. It was designed as a warehouse-style building with few partitions, a common area, and a kitchenette on the first level.
In the modern period, the Clothing Store has been used as a community facility for the arts and creatives. Most of the building’s structures are under heritage protection and will have to be preserved with this redevelopment.
Photo Credit: TAHE-NSW
“This Government has committed to set aside 30 per cent of all residential stock on our urban renewal precincts for affordable and diverse housing and on this project we’ll deliver triple that target,” Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes in announcing the eTendering process for the project.
“This will provide much-needed secure housing for renters, with 75 per cent of the homes earmarked for build-to-rent housing and 15 per cent as affordable housing for key workers.
“This is another city-shaping precinct that will create 3,000 square metres of new, green public parkland, reimagine the heritage-listed clothing store into a space for the community, and play a critical role in bolstering Sydney’s status as a 24-hour global city.”
After seven years of ownership, W. Short Hotel Group has sold the Tudor Hotel Redfern, along 90 Pitt Street, to Universal Hotels for an estimated $17 million.
The sale serves as the latest benchmark for hotel values in the inner-city suburbs, triggering a renewed interest in the hospitality industry. W. Short Hotel Group CEO Martin Short, of the Anderson and Short families, said the decision to sell Tudor Hotel Redfern was a difficult choice but, ultimately, it was the “right next step” for the family business.
Mr Short also believes that Universal Hotels will carry on the great work that the team at Tudor Hotel Redfern has done for the last seven years. Universal Hotels, under the Kospetas family, is the operator of The Oxford Hotel in Darlinghurst, Hotel Downing in the CBD, and the Bat and Ball Hotel in Redfern.
The Tudor Hotel has a long history as a community pub. It was originally called The Cricketer’s Rest in the 1860s and was established by Australian cricketer John Louis Kettle, who wanted to take advantage of the site’s proximity to the former Albert Ground, where cricket was the most popular sporting event.
The Cricketers Rest in 1949 Photo Credit: Time Agents
However, the private owners of Albert Ground, decided to sell and subdivide their property in 1879, thus ending all sporting events in the precinct. The area was eventually used for public housing. By this time, Mr Kettle has long given up ownership of The Cricketer’s Rest, which was eventually bought and renamed to Tudor Hotel.
Today, the hotel continues to deliver the greatest pub experience in Redfern and it is regarded as one of the best dog-friendly venues in the inner-city suburbs.
Maggie Moloney, one of the pioneering women of the Rugby League, has finally gotten a fitting tribute in her hometown of Redfern after her mural has been completed by street artist Sharon Billinge.
Found at the back wall of Vinnies Redfern along James St, the mural was placed on this site because it was the street where the sportswoman grew up and practiced her skills.
Redfern historian Katherine Haines worked with Ms Billinge for the mural, alongside 107 Projects, which launched the Rugby Girls Street Mural Project initiative to protect the legacy of female Rugby players.
Ms Moloney’s granddaughter, Karen Heard, said that she’s sure her grandmother would say, “What’s all this hooha?” towards her mural. But Billinge said Ms Heard was in tears when she saw the mural for the first time.
“We had family there today from 93 years of age to just 7 months young,” Jo Black, another relative of Ms Moloney, said.
“Aunty Karen represented our family and spoke of our iconic great-grandmother. It was a huge day and I’m honoured and so so proud to be in a family of a strong incredible woman.”
In 1921, Maggie Moloney, then 15 years old, wowed more than 20,000 spectators at the first official women’s rugby match and carried her team, the Metropolitan Blues, to victory against the Sydney Reds.
She was dubbed the “feminine Dally Messenger.” Mr Messenger was one of Australasia’s most accomplished professional rugby players and heavily supported the women’s league.
Ms Haines said that Maggie Moloney’s mural will be an inspiration to many young women who love the sports and could perhaps inspire a Maggie M Medal for NRLW participants, who are presently given a Dally M Medal.
Instead of moving to New York, mother and daughter pair, Bernadette Sheppard and Anna Berlyn, decided to bring NYC-style bagels and lemonade to Redfern by opening the cafe, George St Deli.
Bernadette ate bagels and lemonade most of her lunchtime as a child because of her mum, Colleen, who lived in New York after World War II. The food and drink became a staple in the family that Bernadette passed on to her children when she became a mum.
Anna, who is the youngest of five kids, recalls enjoying batches of toasted bagels regularly with salmon, pastrami, and homemade cream cheese. Thus, when she and her mum planned their move to New York and had been checking Google for information, they soon found themselves shifting gears.
The mother and daughter duo realised that opening an NYC-style bagels shop, inspired by Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters, made the most sense, especially since Sydney is experiencing a sandwich obsession phase.
Photo Credit: George St Deli/Instagram
Bernadette, who also runs a real estate company, believes there is a market for American-style deli amidst heaps of Italian cafes in town. Anna said that bagels are in their blood, so opening a shop would make her grandmother mighty proud.
George St Deli opened in late August 2022, offering plain or poppy seed bagels with everything in between. Their most popular variety is the Lox Classic with pastrami, smoked trout, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes and red onion, which perfectly pairs with the homemade lemonade drinks.
Photo Credit: George St Deli/Instagram
For the sweet tooth, George St Deli has sweet bagels filled with Nutella, or peanut butter. The store also serves NYC-style pretzels and Jewish-style babkas for quick bites.
Brews by Will & Co Coffee and tea by Apotheca by Anthia are also on offer.
The cafe reflects a classic New York aesthetic from the 50s and 60s with retro monochromatic decorations.
Photo Credit: George St Deli/Instagram
“In creating the authentic atmosphere of these New York establishments the interiors have been modelled to reflect these iconic delis. As you dine on the mouth-watering bagels, music from the 50s and 60s (think Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald) fills the space and friendly staff attend to your needs,” the duo said.
Since working at the deli, Bernadette has told her son he can take charge of the real estate business while she focuses on hospitality, as she and Anna are looking to expand George St Deli.
Fitzroy Terrace is a colonial Georgian terrace with seven two-storey homes that stand on a lot owned by Dr. William Redfern. These iconic buildings on Pitt St are culturally and socially significant to the evolution of this Sydney suburb.
Before the good doctor bought the property, this area was once known as Roberts Farm, after Williams Roberts, who was granted the land in the 1790s by Lieutenant Governor Francis Grose after Mr Roberts’ sentence expired.
Mr Roberts was tasked to cultivate and improve the land. By 1800, Roberts Farm was sold at least four more times to different owners, including Dr Redfern.
Who was Dr William Redfern?
Dr Redfern was a British-born surgeon who was transported as a convict to Australia in 1801 for his involvement in the Mutiny of the Nore in the Royal Navy. He was originally sentenced to death but was granted mercy due to his profession.
After spending years in a British prison, the doctor requested transportation to New South Wales, where he was tasked to help with the establishment of a new colony and given a conditional pardon.
Dr Redfern served as the assistant surgeon on Norfolk Island until 1808. Following his full pardon, he moved to Sydney and was appointed the assistant surgeon of a new Sydney Hospital.
In 1811, he married Sarah Spencer Wills, proceeded with his private practice and then co-founded the Bank of New South Wales. Although he was regarded as an emancipist, Dr Redfern established the largest private practice in Sydney and became the first person to gain an Australian medical qualification and the first teacher of Australian medical students.
Upon the arrival of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, Dr Redfern’s status further amplified as a premier medical worker for his work with emancipated convicts. The governor wanted their rehabilitation and chose four distinguished men for this task, including Dr Redfern.
The doctor’s report on the sanitary problems of the ships that transported convicts to New South Wales ushered in major reforms. He resigned from government work in 1819 when he was not appointed to succeed D’Arcy Wentworth as the new principal surgeon.
After receiving a grant from Gov Macquarie, Dr Redfern, who already owned 70 acres of land, consolidated his property with the 30 acres owned by his wife’s family. Today, these properties are believed to be bordered by Cleveland, Regent, Redfern, and Elizabeth Streets.
Dr Redfern’s properties were subdivided in the 1840s, two decades after his death. Mr John Alexander developed Lots 10 and 12 to what is now known as Fitzroy Terrace, with 6 to 18 Pitt St as its present-day address.
The property was believed to be named after Gov Charles Augustus Fitzroy, who arrived in Sydney just after the terrace finished construction.
Fitzroy Terrace was designed by Mr James Hume, a famous Sydney architect credited for the St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Great Synagogue. The terrace was built to address the growing need to produce housing for the burgeoning suburb of Redfern.
The very first occupants of Fitzroy Terrace were middle-class professionals who worked as barristers, accountants, clerks, or civil engineers. Fitzroy Terrace has a beautiful front garden with old frangipani and elm trees that were added by its new owners.
The houses are characterized by their gable roof and attic, their verandah with corrugated iron or terracotta tile, and semi-circular fanlights over French doors. The houses were set back from Pitt St, with cast iron picket fences and stone retaining walls.
Over the years, Fitzroy Terrace has had alterations and experienced degradation due to its separate ownerships. The front of the terrace remains well-preserved, whilst the rear side has had several additions and extensions that have impacted the appearance and order of the properties.
Some of the buildings on Fitzroy Terrace, particularly 16 and 18 were completely restored and enhanced by its owners in the early 2000s whilst some of the elm trees were uprooted due to poor health.
Did you know that ownership of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence economic hub on George St, has now been handed over to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council?
NSWALC Chairman Danny Chapman welcomed the development of the transfer after ironing out the acquisition’s many “complex layers.” With the arrangement finalised, following discussions with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), Chapman said they could look forward to working with the community.
Mr Chapman added that the site is “synonymous with the uplift of our people.” With NSWALC’s ownership, the full potential of National Centre of Indigenous Excellence will be fully achieved.
The Redfern property was once the former Redfern Public School but was bought in 2010 by the ILSC for the Federal Government. ILSC Group chief executive Joe Morrison said the handover aligned with its thrust to return assets entitled to the First Nations people.
The ILSC is shifting its objectives and plans to provide more support and means to allow Indigenous Australians to manage their own assets.
The decision comes after ILSC’s controversy in 2021 when several of its board directors and executives resigned amidst the negotiations of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence turnover.
The NCIE is regarded as the “beating heart of urban Aboriginal Australia,” according to a former executive. Its heritage-listed buildings as office spaces, accommodation, conference rooms, a purpose-built gym and aquatics centre, and a sports field.
Luck must run in the family of this Redfern man who recently gained an unexpected $100,000 windfall, two decades after another family member received a similarly unexpected blessing!
Twenty years ago, the Redfern man watched with joy as another family member also gained a surprise windfall. He said it’s been mind-blowing to think that it has happened in their family again.
“I’m lost for words!” the winner said. “I had to check my ticket five times before I accepted the fact that I’d won $100,000.”
The Redfern man played the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot and his numbers were drawn on Friday 8 July 2022. He bought his winning entry from the Redfern Newsagency at 130 Redfern St.
The staff at Redfern Newsagency has been over the moon after learning that their outlet sold a major prize-winning ticket. They wished the winner all the best for the future.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
That future will likely involve a home renovation, as the winner said he has thought of where the money should go. He’s been saving for the upgrade for some time but now he has the extra funds to finally get his renovation plans off the ground.
He’s also planning to take his family on a holiday in Italy.
“I love playing, but this time I went away from my usual strategy,” he said.
“If I hadn’t done that, who knows, you might be calling someone else with this incredible news.
“Thank you so much! This just goes to show anyone can win.”
Some $3 million have been set aside as funds for Precinct Activation Grants to boost the Redfern Street Party and 13 other programs, in an effort to revive participation in activities previously affected by Covid lockdowns.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that these grants were designed to also help local businesses forge long-term relationships with the community. The programs were developed following consultations with stakeholders, local business chambers, and the Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel.
In February, over 40 programs applied for the grants and 14 were chosen to receive the funding. Some of these programs include the following:
Redfern Street Party – A celebration of all things Redfern including a community engagement program, festival and month-long exhibition program – $288,172
Art in the Heart of Haymarket – Combining the contemporary and traditional Asian cultures of Chinatown, this public art activation in Haymarket will unite the community and audiences – $300,000 and $3,132 value-in-kind
The Hollywood Precinct – A 6-week activation in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills involving local bars and restaurants to showcase art, music and culture – $292,000
Secrets on Stanley Street – Stanley Street in Darlinghurst will host a festival of food, drinks and music over six weekends – $100,000
Quay Quarter Live – Monthly growers and producers markets at Circular Quay and quarterly art and music events, including digital art and light installations throughout the year – $294,905 and $6,400 value-in-kind
Kensington Street Festival – A festival activating Kensington Street in Chippendale with cultural and creative programming to coincide with Sydney Festival – $100,000
Neon Playground by Chinatown – A 2-month activation featuring contemporary art, light installations and music – $300,000 and $2,900 value-in-kind
Sound Out the Street – Six months of Friday night programming of music, sound installations and workshops in Erskineville, culminating with a 3-day festival – $299,300 and $5,068 value-in-kind
These activities are set to take place from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2023. Additional fees and applicable services for the event hire will also be waived for these programs.
Photo Credit: Saowanee Sapphet/Facebook
“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for all of us, particularly our city centre as venues were capped, people began working from home and domestic and international travel ground to a halt,” the mayor said.
“But we’re starting to see the city buzz once again, and our new precinct activation program will help drive that recovery further.
“This innovative grant program was designed to encourage businesses, creatives and communities to collaborate and bring cultural activity to precincts and local neighbourhoods.
“That means we’ll not only see great events taking place right across the city, we’ll also see neighbouring businesses and communities working together, building relationships and capacity to ensure such events and collaboration continue long term.
“From Circular Quay to Surry Hills, Redfern to Haymarket, we have so many wonderful events in the works that will give you a chance to support local businesses and rediscover all the city has to offer.”
A proposed Aboriginal Knowledge and Culture Centre in Redfern is now up for community feedback and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are invited to weigh in on how the building should be used by the community.
The centre will be located at the former Redfern Post Office, a two-storey building at 119 Redfern Street.
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The site is located in the heart of Redfern, which is synonymous with Indigenous activism for civil rights and self-determination.
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The acquisition is to provide the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a culturally safe space where they could practice and share cultures; a need identified by the City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel.
Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre Ground-floor plan Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Plans for the premises include two levels of multipurpose community and commercial space. The ground floor will have a new accessible entry and lift, a reception area and two shopfront displays/spaces.
There will also be two rooms – an 87.5-sqm room with floorboards, storage, a service bar with sink and dishwasher; and a 19.5-sqm room with floorboards, a kitchenette and an adjoining verandah.
First-floor plan
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Meanwhile, the first floor will include a new accessible lift and landing, two new toilets (including an accessible toilet), a 77.4-sqm room with floorboards and an adjoining verandah, a 21-sqm room with floorboard, and a storeroom. The accessibility upgrades are now being undertaken with completion expected by August 2022.
Interest in leasing opportunities has been growing for Tech Central, the country’s most exciting development for startups, innovative institutions, and commercial or retail businesses. Here are four ways this massive revitalisation project could soon outstrip other precincts in Sydney’s CBD.
Even at this early stage, industry insiders have seen some movement in companies, businesses, or establishments seeking opportunities to move into Tech Central. Because the precinct covers six neighbourhoods — Redfern, Surry Hills, Haymarket, Ultimo, Eveleigh, and Chippendale — areas that were once under-utilised for such a long period could become stronger markets for many types of businesses.
These neighbourhoods have three major universities and more than a hundred research institutes, filled with millennials who prefer riding e-bikes, that are within walking distance of each other.
2. Atlassian is building its headquarters in Tech Central.
Atlassian is set to build its 40-storey headquarters, with retail amenities and new YHA accommodation space at its base, adjacent to Central Place. Dexus is working with Atlassian to develop the site as the “benchmark in sustainability and smart workplace.”
The development is projected to cost $1.4 billion and will start construction in mid-2022. It is expected to welcome thousands of workers as well as new tenants by 2026.
Photo Credit: Dexus
According to property developers, companies have been asking about space availabilities and what their investments could potentially yield. The completion of the Atlassian will drive new retailers in the precinct.
3. Night-time economy will boom.
Tech Central will expand Sydney’s night-time economy to these six neighbourhoods as there will be opportunities for 24-hour trading with the arrival of the new workforce and residents. In fact, Fortius has already announced its plans to build a gaming centre, which will open as late as 2:00 a.m., at the Central Park Mall in Chippendale.
4. Business opportunities will impact demand for public transport, more recreational spaces.
Local councils of the six neighbourhoods are already finding ways to improve active transport, connectivity, outdoor and recreational spaces. Investors are looking into plans to build mini-golf sites, escape rooms, karting facilities, as well as heaps of food and beverage outlets that will allow the workforce and its residents hours of relaxation and enjoyment.
