Architects SJB and Studio Prineas have been confirmed as the winners of a competition to revitalise the Surry Hills Shopping Village and Lodges.
Surry Hills-based SJB and Studio Prineas’ design focuses on retaining the texture and culture of the heritage buildings at Surry Hills Village, while engaging nature in a modern architectural vision for a lively and connected precinct.
“Surry Hills is a melting pot of diversity and we’re looking to capture this through the building’s design and mix of heritage versus contemporary influences,” says SJB director Adam Haddow.
“On the external of the building we wanted to maintain the beautiful history of the building and bring it to life through rounded brickwork, terracotta blades and an abundance of plant life. While for the interiors of the penthouses, we used my own apartment on Cleveland Street as inspiration which engages nature, open spaces and raw honest materials to give a balance freshness and timelessness.
“As a Surry Hills resident myself, I can say that this redevelopment has been highly anticipated by the neighbourhood. It is set to become a fantastic destination for locals.”
The mixed-use development will feature a double-storey retail precinct, commercial space and public pocket park at the rear of the site. The commercial building will be constructed with CLT for greater design flexibility and sustainability.
The development will also include 157 apartments, including luxury terraces and a boutique Penthouse collection.
“[The] brief to the architects was to fulfil functional necessity and express the local character of the community while paying respect to the building’s rich history,” says Toga managing director, Allan Vidor.
“The winning design maintains the beautiful heritage of the building, also creating contemporary, welcoming spaces for people to live, shop, work, socialize or simply be in.
The new precinct will deliver public spaces including a new 517sqm public park and market-style laneway. Approximately 12,000sqm of commercial and retail space will be provided with a diverse mix of Surry Hills’ finest shops and restaurants, as well as the retention of the Coles supermarket.
Paying homage to the site’s history as the former Bank of NSW, developer Toga will protect and revive the original bank building frontage, which features Federation-style brickwork built in 1867.
Also collaborating on the project are BKH Interiors and Aspect Studios.
“We’re thrilled the appointed team is not only award-winning but also made up of local Surry Hills residents, with an exceptional passion and knowledge for the neighbourhood,” says Vidor.
“The combined expertise of SJB, Studio Prineas, BKH Interiors and Aspect Studios will rejuvenate this historic site into a vibrant destination that will enrich its residents, visitors and the community.”
