Bounce Sydney, represented by Gyde Consulting, submitted a $26 million mixed-use development proposal for 806-812 George Street, Haymarket, to the City of Sydney Council on 13 January 2025. The application (D/2025/33) details plans to transform the site into a multi-functional space, combining short-stay accommodation, hospitality venues, and heritage conservation elements.
Development Overview
The proposed development includes a 14-storey mixed-use building featuring a range of facilities:
- Backpackers’ Accommodation: Levels 1 to 11 will provide 84 rooms, offering 577 dorm-style beds. Communal amenities, such as a kitchen, dining area, lounge, and laundry, will be located on Level 3 to enhance convenience for guests.
- Hotel Accommodation: Level 12 will contain eight hotel rooms, each with private amenities, catering to travellers seeking more private accommodation.
- Hospitality Spaces: A café and a small bar will occupy the ground floor, with both accessible from George Street. Additionally, the rooftop will feature a bar, swimming pool, and landscaped outdoor area, while Level 14 will include a private function space.
- Heritage Integration: The design preserves and refurbishes the George Street façade, ensuring compatibility with the historic character of the area.
- Supporting Facilities: The basement will include plant equipment, storage, and end-of-trip facilities with 58 bike parking spaces, encouraging sustainable transport options.
The site spans 565 square metres and consists of three allotments. It falls within the SP5 Metropolitan Centre zone, where the proposed uses align with the Sydney Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012. The building’s planned height of 48.35 metres complies with the LEP’s 50-metre maximum height limit.
Site and Surroundings
The site is located in the Haymarket precinct, 250 metres from Central Station and 110 metres from the Haymarket Light Rail stop. This ensures excellent connectivity for future visitors. The area features a mix of commercial, retail, and visitor accommodation properties.
Currently, the site contains two three-storey buildings used for retail and other tenancies. While the structures will be demolished, the George Street façade will remain intact. The development is adjacent to Christ Church St Laurence, a State Heritage-listed building, and the former Sutton Forest Meat building, which has local heritage significance. These surroundings have influenced the design of the proposal, particularly its efforts to respect and integrate with neighbouring heritage items.
Compliance with Planning Controls
The proposal complies with key planning controls under the Sydney LEP 2012 and Sydney Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012. Notable compliance features include:
- Floor Space Ratio (FSR): The proposed FSR of 7.77:1 includes a 0.27:1 bonus, which applies to eligible uses like hotel accommodation and retail premises under Clause 6.4 of the LEP.
- Building Height: At 48.35 metres, the building remains under the 50-metre maximum height limit.
- Setbacks: Strategic setbacks above the George Street façade minimise visual bulk and protect the views of the Christ Church St Laurence spire.
The project does not include on-site parking; however, 58 bike parking spaces will support active and sustainable transport options. A Flood Risk Management Report indicates that the building incorporates flood-compatible materials and elevated floor levels to mitigate flooding risks.
Key Features of the Development
- The building height is 48.35 metres, adhering to the planning controls.
- The gross floor area totals 4,373 square metres.
- The development offers 577 backpackers’ beds, 8 hotel rooms, and 58 bike parking spaces.
- The estimated construction cost is $26,751,298.
Heritage Considerations
Although the site itself is not heritage-listed, it is located adjacent to Christ Church St Laurence and other heritage properties. To address potential impacts, the development retains the George Street façade and incorporates setbacks to maintain the church spire’s prominence. The Heritage Impact Statement provided for the project outlines these considerations.
Project Team
The project is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Developer: Bounce Sydney
- Urban Planner: Gyde Consulting
- Architects: MKD Architects
- Acoustic Consultant: PWNA
- Heritage Consultant: Weir Phillips Heritage
- Traffic and Parking Consultant: TTPA
- Geotechnical and Flood Consultants: Geotechnical Consultants Australia and JCO Consultants
- Landscape Designer: Site Design Studios
- Construction Waste Consultant: Elephants Foot
- Structural Engineer: Structural Engineering Services
For further details, search application number D/2025/33 on the City of Sydney’s website.
