Artistic Impression by AJC Architects
Evolution MIT Services Pty Ltd has lodged a proposal with the City of Sydney on 1 November 2024, aiming to transform the existing vacant commercial building at 1 Smail Street, Ultimo, into a co-living residential development with integrated retail spaces. This redevelopment, valued at approximately $50 million, seeks to address Sydney’s housing needs with a focus on flexible and shared living spaces.
The proposal outlines plans to adapt the eight-storey heritage-contributory building into a 156-room co-living development. It combines residential and commercial uses, with an emphasis on community-oriented spaces and flexible living arrangements. This design includes an innovative “Live/Work/Create” apartment model, allowing for an integrated workspace within the residential units. Additionally, key heritage elements, including the building’s historic façade and wooden columns, are to be retained, alongside new features like a rooftop communal space and landscaped atrium for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
Key Development Details
The proposed development includes several key transformations within the existing building, including:
- Heritage Preservation: Core heritage elements, such as the building’s brick façade and internal columns, are to be restored. These features contribute to the architectural character of the site, and the proposal plans to reveal and upgrade existing brickwork, replace windows, and revitalise entryways.
- Flexible Apartment Layouts: The development will deliver 156 co-living residential dwellings, ranging from 23m² to 67m². A significant portion of these will be Live/Work/Create apartments, specifically designed with modular layouts to accommodate residents who work within creative industries. These units allow a combined studio and living space, arranged along the northern face of the building for optimal natural light, while standard “Live” apartments are positioned along the southern side.
- Rooftop Communal Space: The rooftop level includes indoor and outdoor communal spaces that provide residents with access to a kitchen, BBQ area, seating, and landscaped greenery. This area aims to support socialisation and interaction among residents.
- Internal Atrium: A landscaped atrium, visible from all residential levels, is planned to bring in natural light and improve ventilation throughout the building. The atrium includes planters to reinforce sustainability goals.
- Ground Floor Retail Activation: Several ground-floor retail spaces are planned to provide retail, dining, and possibly flexible workspaces, creating an active frontage on Smail Street to engage with pedestrians and the local community.
The development integrates environmentally sustainable features, including solar PV panels on the rooftop and high-efficiency windows. These features align with Sydney’s goals for reducing environmental impacts and support the co-living model’s shared-use approach.
Artistic Impression by AJC Architects
Compliance and Planning Context
While aligned with city planning objectives, the development includes requests for variations to certain local building controls, particularly for floor space ratio and building height. The proposal does not increase the building’s existing maximum height, which currently exceeds the 22m limit under the Sydney Local Environmental Plan (SLEP) 2012. In terms of floor space, the proposed development slightly reduces the overall floor space ratio by introducing an internal atrium. These deviations are addressed in the developer’s application under clause 4.6 of the SLEP 2012, which provides justification based on the site’s heritage value and intended community benefits.
The proposal aligns with strategic goals outlined in the Greater Sydney Region Plan and the Eastern City District Plan by providing adaptable housing in a central location. The building’s proximity to transport links, educational institutions, and the CBD also aligns with the City of Sydney’s Local Strategic Planning Statement, which supports socially connected developments that incorporate innovative living solutions.
Transport and Accessibility
A Traffic Impact Assessment conducted for the development confirms that the site is well-serviced by nearby public transport options, including Central Station, light rail, and bus services along Broadway. The development is planned to offer 62 bicycle parking spaces, 10 electric bike stations, eight motorcycle spaces, and four car-share spaces. This approach supports sustainable travel options, reducing reliance on private vehicles within the inner city.
Project Team
The 1 Smail Street development project involves the following companies:
- Developer: Evolution MIT Services Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Urbis Ltd
- Architects: AJC Architects
- Landscape Architect: Matthew Higginson Landscape Architecture Pty Ltd
- Structural Engineering: Northrop Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd
- Traffic Consultant: PDC Consultants
- Acoustic Consultant: Pulse White Noise Acoustics Pty Ltd
- Fire Engineering: Holmes Australia LP
- Waste Management: Elephants Foot Consulting
- Heritage Consultant: Urbis Ltd
For more information, search the application number (P0053276) on the City of Sydney’s website.
