Oxford St business Sax Fetish evicted amid redevelopment plans

Oxford Street’s long awaited $100 million redevelopment has started with the eviction of one of the strip’s most enduring and colourful businesses — sex shop Sax Fetish — and the departure of two others.

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Oxford street’s long-awaited $100 million redevelopment has started — but it has meant the eviction of one of the strip’s most enduring and colourful businesses and the departure of two others.

Property managers AsheMorgan, the new operators of 40 per cent of the property between Oxford Square and Taylor Square, has already looked to revitalise other parts of the neglected party strip by opening new leases for shops that have been vacant for five years.

After 39 years in the same spot near Taylor Square, sex shop Sax Fetish will no longer have a shopfront after owner Wayne Nichol was told he has to be out by January 31.

Sax Fetish owner Wayne Nicol has been given an eviction notice from his Oxford St store. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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The business, which has supplied outfits for the Matrix films, rock star Pink and Opera Australia, is an Oxford St institution and a mainstay of the gay community.

Mr Nichol blasted the council for keeping businesses in the dark about redevelopment plans.

“The chronically bad treatment of Oxford St business has now reached a new low,” he said.

“The City’s new partners have wasted no time in making clear their intentions to cause maximum harm to myself and my business.

“I am now asked to vacate just four short weeks before Mardi Gras, our busiest trading period of the year.”

Buildings along 110-122 Oxford St will soon be redeveloped. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The City of Sydney claims Sax Fetish was offered a long-term lease as early as 2009.

Mr Nichol’s store is the only occupied shopfront from 110-122 Oxford St, suggesting this section will be the first of three blocks to be redeveloped.

AsheMorgan purchased a 99-year lease from owners City of Sydney to redevelop 56–76, 82–106 and 110–122 Oxford St.

The $100m deal, revealed exclusively in The Sunday Telegraph, was officially announced in November and see new heritage-inspired office spaces, cafes, small bars, restaurants and creative spaces.

A now lapsed proposal for a rooftop bar at 94 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Picture: JDH Architects

Some other business owners, who did not want to be named, said they were fearful that they will be also evicted.

“The loss of some of these long-term businesses is a terrible shame and, at the very least, the City of Sydney could have consulted with these businesses,” City of Sydney councillor Kerryn Phelps said.

“They could have also ensured there was a transitional plan for long-term tenants, or even some rent relief or assistance.”

Many of the 36 shop fronts along this strip have been derelict for more than five years and some vacant for 20 years.

Business tenants are on leases of up to three years, with most subject to “demolition clauses” that force them to vacate the property within six months before redevelopment starts.

Mike Chaya from Funky Grill (left) and Schuichi Ishida from Eurostar Dry Cleaning have decided to move on from Oxford St. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Eurostar Dry Cleaners, which has been there for 20 years, is also moving on in January, saying the City of Sydney’s reluctance to repair and maintain the property forced their hand.

Eurostar sublessor Funky Grind coffee has to relocate to Crown St as a result.

One of Sydney’s longest-running businesses — suit tailor Zink and Sons — are also concerned about their future.

The business was started in 1895 and has been at 56 Oxford St since 1911.

Their art deco fit out is a stunning slice of the city’s history.

“We would probably be a special case and we want to stay, but we have heard nothing since the change in landlord,” Robert Jones, who owns the business with his son Daniel, said.

“We would not be able to replace the history that is contained within these walls.”

The business has done suits for crime kingpin Abe Saffron, business mogul Lindsay Fox and a host of Sydney’s business and legal elite.

AsheMorgan declined to comment.