Lindt siege site, Martin Place: Dan Murphy’s ‘concept’ store proposed

The scene of Sydney’s Lindt siege terrorist attack could soon become a high-end bottle shop under a $2 million proposal by liquor giant Dan Murphy’s.

The scene of Sydney’s Lindt siege terrorist attack could soon become a high-end bottle shop under a $2 million proposal by Dan Murphy’s.

The liquor giant has released plans to create the first in a rollout of new small format outlets at the site of the former Lindt cafe at 53 Martin Place.

Dan Murphy’s said the new concept, launching this month, would become the retailer’s “premium brand” which was particularly targeted to wine enthusiasts.

A concept plan of the new store.

The store would be called ‘The Cellar’ and along with stocking premium products would also offer occasional small wine tasting events with groups.

Endeavour Group, which owns Dan Murphy’s, said it had “taken every step possible to respect the victims and survivors” of the December 2014 terrorist siege at the site in which lone gunman, Man Haron Monis, held 18 people hostage during a 16-hour standoff.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson, 34, was killed by Monis in the incident and barrister Katrina Dawson was killed by police bullet fragments after officers stormed the building. Monis was also killed.

The store would be located at Martin Place.

Endeavour Group said it had contacted family members of Ms Dawson and Ms Johnson to consult on what could be incorporated into the design or operations of the store.

The company said feedback has included support for “tasteful” design elements remembering the victims that would “avoid unwanted attention from tourists”.

“We are very mindful of the history of the site, which is why we have spoken with family members of those who were killed in the siege to hear their views before making a decision to proceed with an application,” a spokeswoman said.

John O'Brien was held hostage in the Lindt Cafe terrorist attack.

“At this time, the family members who have spoken with Endeavour Group are supportive of the development and the changes that are being made.

“If this position was not held by these family members, Endeavour Group would not have gone forward with the application.”

One of the surviving hostages, John O’Brien, said he was not aware of Dan Murphy’s proposal but believed any changes to the site should be respectful.

“It’s certainly a very special place for me and for the other people and families impacted,” he said.

“Sometimes I go down to Martin Place and think about that unbelievable time and the terrible manner in which it ended – it was a truly terrible time.

A photo of the site.

“I suppose change is progress and the site can’t be empty forever but I do wonder if what happened will eventually fade with time.

“Any changes do need to be respectful and they would have to retain the symbols and the memorial.”

If approved, the store would operate from 9am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sunday

The new format Cellar store is not the only one proposed in Sydney with similar plans in the works for a site on Burns Bay Rd in Lane Cove.

Endeavour Group said it would continue speaking with the families impacted by the Lindt siege throughout the application process.

The proposal is currently under assessment by the City of Sydney.