‘At the end of the earth’: Major fears for Sydney icon after closure

Business owners in the Rocks have voiced their fears that the area is becoming “a dead zone” after the closure of one of its most iconic venues.

Business owners in the Rocks have voiced concerns the Sydney icon is becoming a “dead zone” after one of the area’s biggest institutions announced its closure last week.

Owners of the Argyle announced that “after 17 incredible years” the iconic nightclub would be closing down for good in just a few short weeks.

The news has rattled local business owners in the area, who say the rising cost of living along with increasing rent prices is continuing to push businesses – and customers – out of the Rocks.

Business owners have urged the government to help bring paying customers into the area. Picture: News Corp Australia

The area has been hit hard by the cost of living crisis. Picture: News Corp Australia

Business owner Maria Hair runs the Crystal Gallery – a jeweller that has been in the Rocks for 37 years.

Ms Hair said she fears for the future of the Rocks and said the area has lost its “uniqueness” with businesses constantly shutting due to a lack of trade.

“If I got paid a dollar for everyone who said, oh where is this shop, where is that shop? I’d probably be wealthy by now, because there is a lot that has gone,” she said.

“It’s lonely, to be honest. I miss not having neighbours. It’s sad not having a lot around now.”

Artist and gallery owner Shazia Imran said the Rocks have struggled ever since Covid-19.

Ms Imran said the government measures the Rocks’ success on visitation statistics, however, most who come to the area are tourists who look and don’t buy.

The Rocks, Sydney.

“I’m really sad to see businesses going. The government needs to do something to give us support. I am definitely worried about [the future],” she said.

Artist Shazia Imran opened her gallery in the Rocks in 2020. Picture: News Corp Australia

Maria Hair’s shop has been in the Rocks for almost 40 years. Picture: News Corp Australia

“It’s been very, very challenging. We are trying to work hard and focus on survival.”

The Argyle is set to turn into a restaurant – with local business owners fearing the drawcard of the nightclub was major in bringing locals to the Rocks.

The Argyle announcment also coincides with the temporary closure of the Mercantile Hotel for 12 months for renovations.

Kat Pech, 30, who works in the Rocks and also attended the Argyle said the area isn’t being used to its full potential.

“It does seem like there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make it more exciting and happening, which I don’t know is getting done,” she said.

One of her co-workers said: “You sometimes feel like you’re on the end of the earth here.”

Kat Pech said the Rocks needed some revitalisation. Picture: News Corp Australia

Charlotte Buckley said she hoped the Rocks continued to be a night time spot. Picture: News Corp Australia

Charlotte Buckley, 30, who is from the UK said the Argyle was the first place she went to after landing in Sydney.

“It was my first taste of Australia, it’s sad,” she said about the closure.

“However, the The Rocks is a historical icon in Sydney. Hopefully, they replace it with something that is going to get the people in anyway.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure told news.com.au, the state government had “developed and executed” a Rocks Revitalisation Strategy which had transformed the area.

“Recently, a range of heritage and capital projects have been delivered, including a new roof on the western wing of the Argyle Stores building and an expansion of public amenities on Nurses Walk. Work is underway on design development for George Street North, which will deliver significant precinct uplift to one of Sydney’s most important public spaces,” she said.

Originally published as ‘At the end of the earth’: Major fears for Sydney icon after closure