Merivale CBD Pty Ltd and JH Clarence #2 Pty Ltd submitted a development application (DA) to the City of Sydney Council on 11 November 2024. The project proposes to transform 71-75 York Street, 46-52 King Street, and 104-118 Clarence Street into a vibrant 24-hour hospitality precinct. This development aims to adaptively reuse five heritage-listed buildings to create a hub for dining, entertainment, and accommodation. Consequently, it is designed to revitalise Sydney’s CBD while celebrating its architectural history.
Proposal Details
The development seeks to integrate food and drink venues, hotel accommodation, and ancillary office spaces within the existing buildings. Moreover, the DA includes a proposal to extend the current liquor licence to cover the entire precinct. Indoor areas are proposed to operate 24/7, while rooftop and ground-level terraces will open from 10:00 am to midnight daily.
As part of the redevelopment, planned construction works include new rooftop terraces, internal openings between buildings, and upgraded elevator shafts. Furthermore, the development also features new stairwells to enhance safety and accessibility. Importantly, the proposal respects heritage preservation by maintaining facades and key architectural features.
The site’s maximum population capacity is set to increase from 7,500 to 10,000 patrons. Subsequent detailed applications will refine the designs for individual venues and confirm final patron numbers.
Artist Impression by Wood Bagots
What the Development Replaces
Currently, the five heritage buildings serve mixed purposes, including bars, offices, and apartments. By consolidating these uses into a unified hospitality precinct, the project aims to create an exciting destination. As a result, it is expected to attract more visitors and enhance foot traffic in the area, significantly boosting Sydney’s day and night-time economies.
Heritage Compliance and Preservation
The site contains five heritage-listed buildings of both local and state significance:
- Gardiner House (71 York Street): Recognised for its Victorian Free Classical architecture.
- Henley House (73 York Street): A fine example of Victorian Mannerist style.
- National House (75 York Street): Known for its detailed Victorian Italianate facade.
- York Hotel facade (46-52 King Street): A reminder of Sydney’s 19th-century hotel heritage.
- Gardiner & Co. Warehouse (104-118 Clarence Street): Features a richly decorated late-Victorian design.
Importantly, the development complies with the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012. For instance, it ensures no significant changes to building heights and focuses on preserving historical facades and interiors. Additionally, supporting strategies from Woods Bagot, Arup, and Ethos Urban ensure that heritage conservation remains a central focus of the project.
Economic and Social Benefits
The precinct is expected to generate approximately 1,800 hospitality jobs and 500 construction jobs. Consequently, it will activate surrounding streets and provide new venues, drawing workers, residents, and tourists to the area. This aligns with the NSW Government’s 24-hour Economy Strategy, which aims to expand Sydney’s nightlife options.
Moreover, the project will provide safe and engaging spaces that encourage community activity. Sustainability is also a core feature of the proposal, with plans to minimise demolition waste and employ efficient waste management systems.
Project Team
- Developer: Merivale CBD Pty Ltd and JH Clarence #2 Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Ethos Urban
- Architectural Drawings: Woods Bagot
- Heritage Assessment: City Plan
- Traffic, Servicing, and Waste Management Strategy: Arup
- Acoustic Assessment: The Acoustic Group
- Flood Risk Assessment: Arup
- Site Survey: C&A Surveyors
- Social Impact Assessment: Ethos Urban
- BCA Compliance Report: Technical Inner Sight
- Access Design Review: Ergon Consulting
For more information, search application number 2220169 on the City of Sydney Council’s website.
