1831 Boutique Hotel – 635 George St Sydney

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Professional Associations

About the project
Key Details
  • Project summary

    In the late 1800s one of Sydney’s first coffee houses and shopping arcades was built on George Street (1890s). In the mid -1930s, the Haymarket post office was constructed. Today, these 2 buildings stand together as 635 – 790 George Street, Sydney. In the year 2000, both building were purchased by Eight Hotels – the client.  The buildings were converted into one of Sydney’s first backpacker accommodation.

  • What was done

    Firstly, the 2 buildings were joined internally across all floors of the building. Approximately 80 separate accommodation spaces were achieved. The ground floor arcade was maintained and conserved under Heritage 21s guidance and 11 new micro-shops were installed. Both facades were completely conserved by reinstating all original materials like-for-like. The original staircase of the older building was also conserved. This stair remains as the principal entry into the backpacker accommodation.

  • Time frame

    The project commenced in the year 2002. The DA was achieved in 2003 and construction was completed in 2004. It is estimated that the project cost was $6 million.

Services provided
  • Photographic Archival Recording
  • Conservation Management Plan
  • Interpretation Strategy
  • Detailed Technical Drawings
  • Onsite Heritage Architect
  • Liaison with Council, Owner, Builder and Sub-contractors
  • Numerous Heritage Impact Statements
Why was the work undertaken?

The client (Eight Hotels) wished to convert the former coffee house and later post office into backpacker accommodation. The project met with the then strategic planning outlook for Sydney’s gradual integration of residential accommodation into the previously exclusive commercial zone in the CBD.

Who was the work completed for?

The work was undertaken for Eight Hotels

Outcome

The 2 buildings were conserved, and all their high significance elements were reinstated. The facades were completely cleaned up and repaired. The original Arcade in the Coffee Building were reinstated along with the stairwell. Internally, the two buildings were repurposed, and the ground floor shopping was reactivated along George Street.

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What our clients
& partners say:

“'I have had some involvement with Heritage 21 in working through the design and documentation currently taking place at the Exchange Hotel in Balmain, and have appreciated the ability to provide recommendation on potential design outcomes that are able to be supported as consistent with heritage requirements' ”

Liam Corr
Registered Architect

“It has also been a pleasure working with Paul and your team on this project. To be honest, I had not done heritage projects before and it was only through Paul and your team’s guidance that allowed me to complete this project at a high standard. I am now confident in doing heritage projects like this and I look forward to the next project that we can work on together. Again, thank Paul and Divya patience and professional advice throughout the process. ”

Eddie Lam
Builder

“Really appreciate the help in responding the RFIs. I acknowledge all the work that was required and that you put into that report. Maddocks said you made their job easy! ”

Max Symonds
Development Manager - Metro Property Development

“Just as client-side project manager for Honey Insurance, I would to let you know that it has been a very positive experience and appreciate your quick responses and quality of work from you and your organisation thus far. ”

Nick Maric
Project Management

“I just wanted to share the good news that Canterbury-Bankstown Council has decided to withdraw the development control order issued to our client. The report you prepared was pivotal in this decision by the Council. Many thanks to you, Paul and the team for your work on this. ”

Anna Lindeman-Jones
Senior Associate - Addisons

“I'd like to thank Paul and Lauren for their dedication, persistence and well thought through support and substantiation of the design merits of our development proposal; it is no easy feat to have a new building approved in a heritage conservation area, and particularly adjacent to heritage items. ”

Tim McLachlan
Development Manager

“I consider that we have a well prepared case that has been cogently articulated by Paul and Michael. It is a fraught experience for us, however we do appreciate the input from top professionals such as Paul ”

Richard Mann
Registered Architect

“Hi team at Heritage 21 I just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work on Mosman and being so responsive etc. One of our team recommended you and I have been very happy with the service provided. ”

Di Jones
Principal - Linked Project Management

“We would also like to take a quick moment to thank you all for your contribution to the project and we will update you on any developments as necessary”

Jose Serrao
Registered Architect

“Dear Heritage 21 team, I am please to advise that all the work prepared by your team has satisfied council’s contentions. We definitely know who to come to next time for heritage matters. ”

Andres Caceres
Level 33

“Thank you for all your work preparing this Statement of Heritage. I sat down yesterday and had a good read cover to cover, and felt very appreciative of your level of research and detailed consideration of our requirements.”

Veechi
Varuna', Katoomba

“Just wanted to let you know, Council agreed with us in our application to reinstate the front facade! I am so excited. I wanted to thank you for all your help in getting this across the line. ”

Jane Frawley

“It has been a pleasure to work with you and your team as well!”

Georgia
Holding Redlich

“Dear Heritage 21 team - This is an excellent result, thank you for all your work.”

Sevda Cemil
Midson

“Sites with heritage values present great opportunities, however often can be easily derailed if clear, concise and timely advice is not provide at the earliest stages of site planning. I have worked with Heritage 21 over numerous projects across Sydney and have found them to be valuable project partners in the development process. ”

Vince Hardy
Urban Planning Consultant, Cityscapeplanning+projects

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