Adapting Heritage Buildings in Sydney's CBD for a New Entertainment Precinct

Professional Associations

External, daytime image of the front façade for Hotel CBD in the National House building in York Street, Sydney. A large, cream-coloured Victorian-era sandstone building built on the corner, with arched windows along the side and domed windows down the centre. The date 1882 is written on the parapet at the top of the building. To the left is another 1880s, Victorian, sand-coloured building, and to the right is an 1880s, Victorian, bronze-coloured building. — Fig. 1 The former warehouse-turned-bank National House at 75 York Street, where Merivale already operates Hotel CBD and sports bar York 75. Photograph by/In The Urban Developer. By Clare Burnett. Sydney, 2025.)

Recently, there have been several articles written about the concept masterplan for the redevelopment of five heritage buildings by Merivale in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. These sandstone, Victorian-era buildings are situated in Clarence, King and York Streets, and includes the heritage items, Gardiner House, Henley House and National House.

The plans have been approved by City of Sydney Council and is hoped to contribute to the 24-hour revitalisation of Sydney nightlife and our entertainment and hospitality venues.

External, nighttime image of the rooftop bar, Old Mate’s Place on Clarence Street in the Sydney CBD. There are pairs and groups of people sitting at the tables outside, and there are bushes and greenery which gives the guests a bit more privacy from the surrounding office and residential buildings. There are dim candles on some of the tables and a string of pendant lights illuminating the bar scene. A view of Centrepoint Tower is in the background between some of the glass high-rises. — Fig. 2 Old Mate’s Place in Clarence Street, Sydney. (Photograph by Anna Kucera. In TimeOut. By Pat Nourse. Sydney, 2024.)

However, a common trend among these articles is the backlash from members of the local communities and NIMBYs (Not-In-My-Back-Yard) who are concerned about the noise and disruptions from these venues and their construction. They are also apprehensive about the potential for overdevelopment, the loss of commercial space and the lack of community consultation.

In my view, these negatives are outweighed by the positives of this redevelopment. From a heritage perspective, Merivale and architect firms, Woods Bagot and SJB have given much consideration for how they would conserve the significant fabric, retain the façade and reinstate original openings in the basement levels while making the required changes to bring the sites together and comply with safety regulations. They are mindful of the heritage character for both the buildings and the York Street Heritage Conservation Area.

These sites on Clarence, King and York Streets also currently accommodate commercial use, having originally been converted from 1880s warehouses into office spaces with restaurants or eateries. This redevelopment would further maximise their adaptive reuse potential and functionality, and create a more highly concentrated hub of entertainment, hospitality and recreational venues while still housing office space. Economically, it will provide more jobs and money, which could help individuals and families struggling with cost-of-living issues.

A sketch of the proposed redevelopment plans for Merivale’s new Entertainment Precinct in the Sydney CBD, to be located on King, Clarence, York and Barrack Streets. The image shows the different clubs, restaurants and bars that will be built on the site, as well as which levels would be allocated for office space, hotel rooms, and a health spa/gym. In the middle will be a small courtyard which connects all the venues within the building together. — Fig. 3 Sydney council has given to go-ahead to Justin Hemmes as he announced new plans for a development in the CBD. (Photograph by Merivale. In Sky News. By Max Aldred. Sydney, 2025.)

On the other hand, I would also argue that Merivale could have engaged more with the community. Further consultation could have helped to ease locals’ concerns by discussing how they would maintain reasonable noise and access standards during and after construction. More of the commercial offices could also be kept.

Yet, there would be some individuals who would always remain opposed – it then becomes about finding the right balance.

Overall, I am generally in favour of this project and am interested to see how it progresses. This new Entertainment Precinct presents a good opportunity for collaboration between heritage and new commercial development, in a time when heritage is often considered a barrier.

Paul Rappoport

Conservation Architect and Heritage Planner

6 November 2025

References:

Aldred, Max. “Sydney NIMBYs steamrolled by nightlife icon’s $56m heritage venture.” Sky News, October 24, 2025. Sydney NIMBYs steamrolled by nightlife icon’s $56m heritage venture | Sky News Australia.

Burnett, Clare. “Merivale Entertainment Concept Approved.” The Urban Developer, October 28, 2025. Merivale Entertainment Precinct Concept Approved | The Urban Developer.

Nourse, Pat. “The 53 best rooftop bars in Sydney.” TimeOut, February, 5, 2025. 53 best rooftop bars in Sydney to grab a drink at.