NSW State Library rooftop bar: Plans revealed for Mitchell Building

A hidden bar perched on the rooftop of one of the city’s most iconic cultural buildings with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour may soon be a reality.

An artist’s impression of the rooftop bar.

A hidden bar perched on the rooftop of one of Sydney’s most iconic cultural buildings with sweeping views of the Botanic Gardens, the Opera House and Lady Macquarie’s Chair may soon be a reality.

Plans have been lodged for the heritage-listed Mitchell Building, home of the State Library of NSW, with the hidden venue to be known as ‘The Library Bar’.

The rooftop bar is set to combine the old library charm with a vibrant atmosphere with a clandestine entrance to deliver “a sense of entering a secret part of the library”, planning documents state.

The rooftop, pictured in 2016, was previously used a staff lunch area. Picture: Stephen Cooper

The entertainment vision for part of the 110-year-old heritage-listed building was first mooted five years ago with reports the rooftop function centre would be inspired by a similar model at New York’s Metropolitan ­Museum of Art.

State librarian John Vallance told Central Sydney the project, funded by a state government grant, would give Sydney unprecedented access to the historic building.

“We’ll be making the Library’s Mitchell and Macquarie St buildings accessible to all,” said Dr Vallance.

A part of the view from the proposed rooftop bar in 2016. Picture: Stephen Cooper

A State Library of NSW spokeswoman confirmed heritage architects had been involved with all stages of the project’s planning, with the proposed rooftop venue not to change the iconic cultural building’s profile.

Planning documents reveal the project was inspired to boost visitor numbers to the iconic library, stimulate the city’s economy as a tourist destination with revenue to enhance library programs.

The venue would likely feature acoustic live music on weekends with the rooftop bar proposed to be open until midnight with a 120-person capacity.

The rooftop bar proposal come as major plans, valued at $15 million, have been proposed for the iconic building including the refurbishment of the Mitchell Library reading room, a new gallery and improved navigation inside the library.