598-610 Crown St, Surry Hills set to transform after approval of retail, commercial precinct

Locals have heralded a “new era” in an inner-city neighbourhood, which is set for a further facelift on its “hip strip”.

One of Sydney’s most revitalised neighbourhoods is ushering in what locals have described as a “new era”, with a multimillion-dollar commercial precinct approved as the area continues its overhaul.

598-610 Crown St, Surry Hills is set for a near $11m facelift, which will involve the existing five buildings being turned into a three-storey development with ground floor retail and upper level commercial offices.

Seen as the “heart of Surry Hills”, Crown St has transformed in the last few years with the opening of hospitality businesses Oakberry, Yo-Chi, 170 Grammi and Shuk, plus a facelift for The White Horse pub.

Former resident Julian Boscoe said the changes happening on Crown St were exciting and, with the right moves in the future, the strip could become one of Sydney’s premier locations.

An artist’s impression of the development.

Crown St is set to transform further.

“I’ve loved seeing the changes that have happened here,” the 25-year old said.

“It’s become the new hip strip in Surry Hills with the venues it has and new stores that are popping up.

“You could see a new era around here growing, and hopefully I’m right.”

The current look of 598-610 Crown St.

How the strip is set to look.

PTW Architects, which is heading up the design, plans to “energise an already bustling Crown St” while keeping the unique character of Surry Hills.

“Undoubtedly a symbolic Surry Hills centrepiece, such a scene will make for delightful viewing, particularly during its rejuvenation in spring,” a development application said.

“The site’s focal point is a grand jacaranda tree in the backyard, enveloped by a semi-circular outdoor cafe and framed by modular arch windows.”

The building will feature six separate retail tenancies fronting Crown St, as well as an outdoor courtyard.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, pictured in Surry Hills last weekend.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore claimed Crown St was the heart of Surry Hills and said her City of Sydney council was committed to continuing to build the bustling area.

“Surry Hills has long been an area buzzing with community life and a diverse range of shops, businesses, bars and restaurants,” she said.

“Crown St is the heart of Surry Hills and, last year, we began work on a multimillion-dollar revamp to make it greener, safer and more attractive.

“After we released the initial draft design, we spent six months listening to businesses and residents, responding to concerns and feedback. The city undertook an independent peer review of the original design to ensure the upgrade works for the whole community. “