$295.9m plan to redevelop David Jones men’s store

David Jones’ flagship men’s store and food hall in Market St will be on the move if a $295 million redevelopment plan for the site comes to fruition.

The proposed redevelopment of David Jones men's store on Market St. Picture: Supplied

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Market St has been the home of David Jones’ flagship department store since 1938.

But that could be about to change, after owners Scentre Group and partner Cbus Property lodged a development application seeking to add 22 stories of residential apartments above it — sending the site 32 stories high.

Under the plans worth $295.9 million, David Jones men’s store, homewares and iconic food hall would move out of the building at 65-77 Market St in mid-2020 and relocate to David Jones’ other site across the road on Elizabeth St.

The existing 10-storey heritage building will be refurbished for retail use and six-storeys of commercial offices.

The Market St site would hold more than 100 apartments. Picture: Supplied

In total there would be 101 units spanned across the proposed 121m tower.

At level 13 there will be a podium with communal facilities, a pool and green space overlooking the bustling shopping strip and Hyde Park below.

Scentre Group’s chief operating officer, Greg Miles said the redevelopment would be a new “landmark” for Sydney’s CBD.

“At the heart of these plans is the unequalled opportunity to transform an iconic site from Sydney’s past into a contemporary precinct offering experiences and ambience that reflect the lifestyle and aspirations of our global city,” he said.

The store was sold the Scentre Group in 2016. Supplied

The site’s underground carpark would also be repurposed to accommodate 108 stacked car spaces, nine service vehicles, 142 bicycle spaces.

There would also be a speak easy bar and entrance services at the first of three basement levels.

Pedestrian connections to Westfield would be maintained. New entrances will be constructed at the corner of Market and Castlereagh streets, with two additional entries on Market St and three on Castlereagh St.

Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property chief executive, said the lodging of the development application was the result of “several years” of consultation and planning.

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“The addition of the residential tower to the existing building has been designed to have a

striking presence on the Sydney CBD skyline,” he said.

“With only around 100 apartments, we expect strong market interest from discerning purchasers who will enjoy central CBD living, outstanding interiors and iconic Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour views.”

The development application was submitted to City of Sydney Council last month and is now in public exhibition.

The Central Sydney Planning Committee will rule on the proposal.